Thousands of people have arrived in Batoche and thousands more are on their way to celebrate the Métis Nation in Saskatchewan at the annual Back to Batoche Festival.

This year, the festival is also marking the 125th anniversary of the 1885 North West Rebellion, an uprising that culminated in the still-controversial hanging of Métis leader Louis Riel.

Those who fought in that battle were trying to hold onto the settlement they'd made at Batoche, after being pushed off their lands by federal surveyors in the late 1860s.The Métis of the Saskatchewan Valley had petitioned Ottawa for years for legal claim to their land.

The battle was commemorated on the weekend, as the names of fallen Métis were read aloud over the course of 30 minutes. Many are buried near Batoche, about 70 kilometres northeast of Saskatoon.

A descendant of one of those who fought in the battle, 13-year-old Travis Greyeyes, sat on a hillside with his friends while the names were read out. Travis said he was there to remember his great grandfather.

Meanwhile, 10-year old Damien Loutitt, who was also part of the weekend crowd, said he feels special being Métis, especially at such a well-attended event.

"I think it's pretty cool really," said Damien. "I have never seen this many Métis people in my life in one group."

The ceremony was also meant to symbolize a reconciliation between the government and today's Métis Nation, said organizers who hope for greater recognition of land claims, hunting rights, and settlements for Métis veterans.