Back to Batoche - July 17-20, 2025

Before submitting any entries, the entrant submitting the application must verify that all persons (or a parents/guardians of minors) within the application have consented to these rules and regulations.

All entrants and participants must comply/be following all applicable laws and regulations including, but not limited to, any laws, regulations, requirements directives or orders relating to public health and safety measures including, but not limited to, disease and/or infection containment or disease reduction measures and/or social (physical) distancing requirements.

Competitors may not display any content that is offensive, demeaning, disrespectful or unacceptable for general community viewing. Competition Administrators and Competition judges reserve the right to disqualify, in their sole discretion, any performances that contain unacceptable content including, but not limited to racist, hateful/hate-promoting, sexist, homophobic, or pornographic content.

 Any contestant paid to perform at the festival or in a professional manner outside of the Back to Batoche grounds will not be allowed to enter the any of the competitions. 

Contestants can only enter 1 class.

The order of when competitors will be competing will be posted at the Registration tent. Contestants must be ready when called.

Each contestant is responsible for finding out when he/she is to compete and must be in the backstage area. Contestants missing their turn will be moved to the next available time slot.

Contestants are identified only by number and must have their numbers clearly displayed for the MC and judges to view.

 All contestants must adhere to good sportsmanship. Contestants are encouraged to be respectful while others are performing. Any acts of disrespect or ridicule will not be tolerated and will be subject to point of deduction or disqualification.

Any competitor who is caught under the influence of drugs or alcohol will result in dismissal from the competition.

No additional points will be awarded to individuals dressed in traditional clothing. The competition will be live-streamed on the MN-S website.

Any attempt by an entrant (or by a third party on behalf of an entrant) to bribe or sway the opinion of the judges or otherwise interfere in the judging process will result in the immediate disqualification of the entrant from the Competition and the forfeiture of any prize.

Judges for each category will be compromised of judges from multiple provinces.

All judging decisions are final and binding and not subject to review or appeal.

Photography and video may be taken of Competition entries. These recordings are considered properly of the MN-S and have the potential to be used for future advertising, promotions, and educational purposes.

Only traditional Metis jigging styles are eligible to enter the Jigging (Red River Jig) Competition.

Jigging (Red River Jig) Competition will be judged on the following criteria: Interpretation and reflection of jigging (Red River Jig) tradition, timing, creativity and attitude.

A point will be deducted if the participant in the Jigging (Red River Jig) Competition is not wearing shoes.

Competition tunes must be in the style of old-time/Métis style.

No novelty tunes allowed (i.e., Orange Blossom Special, Mockingbird, Hangman's Reel, Devil went down to Georgia.

Participants must name their tunes.

All Fiddling Competition participants must include a waltz in ¾ time, a jig in 6/8 time and a reel in 2/4 time in that order.

Fiddling Competition performances may not exceed 10 minutes in length. During that time, participants must introduce themselves, and their tunes of choice and play all three tunes. Failure to play all tunes will result in a loss of points or disqualification at the discretion of the judging panel.

If a string breaks, the participant may replay. The participant will be moved to the end of the class to allow time for restringing and retuning.

The fiddling Competition will be judged on the following criteria: interpretation of old-time/Métis style, overall style, and versatility between tune styles.

If the participant advances to the finals, they cannot play the same tune.

Participants may play alone, with backup musicians, or may use backup music tracks as accompaniment.

In case of a tie - the judges will decide the format.

Métis attire is mandatory.

Must perform traditional square-dancing content.

Square Dance Competition will be judged on the following criteria: Interpretation of traditional square dancing, overall style, and change transitions (1st change, 2nd change, and/or 3rd change).

Song choices:

1. First choice
2. 2nd choice
3. 3rd choice

We will do our best to accommodate song choices. Be advised the backup band may not know current songs

Male & Female categories in their respective competition (Jigging Adult & Senior) will each receive a prize in the amount indicated.