Artwork by Métis artist Christi Belcourt

The theme of Remembering Batoche originates from the Battle of Batoche. During the 1885 Resistance, when the Métis fought Canada over promised land rights that have never been fulfilled, the bell was stolen by 3 Canadian government soldiers and taken to Millbrook, Ontario. It was used as the fire hall bell and put on display at the local Royal Canadian Legion Branch. In 1991, the bell was taken from Millbrook by several Métis men and in July 2013 was repatriated to the Métis in a special ceremony in Batoche. The bell has always been an important cultural symbol for the Métis, and is now a potent metaphor representing the reclaiming of Métis history. The bell is represented by a red bell flower in the centre.

“I wanted to commemorate all the Métis soldiers who fought and died for the protection of their land and their families,” said Belcourt.

Hand-knotted, 100% Ghazni wool, 60 x 60 Persian knot, cut pile construction. Made in Afghanistan.