April 25, 2008, Ryan Wood
On Thursday April 24, 2008, thirty-five RJC grade 12 History students braved the unseasonably cold temperatures and attended the “Stories of Tourond’s Coulee/Fish Creek and Batoche Storytelling Symposium” at the Battle of Tourond’s Coulee/Fish Creek National Historic Site. The event was part of the celebrations surrounding the renaming of the site formerly known as simply “The Battle of Fish Creek”. The renaming of the site to “Tourond’s Coulee” reflects the Métis name where the historic battle of the North West Resistance transpired. Many Métis poets, singers, and authors from Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Ontario were on hand, and all shared stories that focused on the contribution of Métis women and children during the resistance. Their stories, poems and songs gave voice to many people that are often ignored in dominant historical narratives.
Mark Calette, from Gabriel Dumont Institute suggested that the battle of Tourond’s Coulee/Fish Creek “is our Plains of Abraham”. All the stories surrounding the battle site need to be told and preserved so future generations can listen and learn from this important historic event. “We need to share our wealth…. our stories” intoned elder Rose Fluery “you can’t take it with you…each day we need to ask …‘what can I share’?” Our class was glad that Rose and other did share with us that day. It was an honor to be invited to participate, and we departed with a greater understanding and appreciation of our shared heritage.
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