David T Fortin Architect

Back to Batoche Playground

Location: Back to Batoche Festival Site, Saskatchewan

Date: 2023

Client: Métis Nation Saskatchewan

Collaborators: SOLO Architecture (Jason Surkan), J-Man Carpentry (play structure designed with Earthscape)

In 2023 the Métis Nation Saskatchewan asked David T Fortin Architect Inc, SOLO Architecture and J-Man Carpentry to design a playground for the Back to Batoche festival site in Central Saskatchewan. Given extremely tight timelines, the team worked collaboratively to ensure the equipment was installed in time for the festival in July. The concept for the playground captures the South Saskatchewan river valley and a moment during the Riel Resistance where the Métis and their allies were challenging the approaching Canadian troops. A zipline reminds visitors of the successful use of the ferry cable by the Métis to take down the smoke stacks on the Northcote steamboat that was coming up the South Saskatchewan River to fortify the government’s troops. The layout of the playground relates directly to the landscape of the river. Michif language revitalization is incorporated throughout. The large play structure references the Métis sash while the wood structures reference Métis common building practices. A sensory play structure ensures inclusivity while the playground adds a new community centre focused on future generations of Métis youth.