Alicia Blore, an MNO citizen and staff member, claimed first place at the 2021 fiddling championship at this year’s virtual “Back to Batoche Days” event.
Hosted by the Métis Nation–Saskatchewan (MN-S), the three-day gathering ran from July 22-25, 2021 as a live-streamed event and featured a variety of digital spaces for users to browse, learn and celebrate Métis culture.
Included in the festivities are several competitions, ranging from Red River jigging to square dancing and, of course, fiddling. The fiddling competition is divided into several categories: including Junior, Intermediate, Senior, and Championship.
Performing alongside her brother and guitarist Liam Blore, Alicia took the championship title at this year’s competition.
A fiddler since age 8, this is Alicia’s third time performing at the Back to Batoche Days; with her past experiences earning her second place in 2017 and third in 2020. Her virtual performance this year featured classic tunes such as Waltzing Through the Leaves, Lady Do Si Do, and Caribou Reel.
While Alicia enjoyed certain perks of a virtual performance, she looks forward to returning to in-person performing again soon.
“Having competed in both Back to Batoche in person and virtual, it’s hard to compare with an in-person event, as fiddlers often get to jam and hang out with one another in between competing. That’s really what I like most about these events, the ability to watch and learn from other fiddlers across the Métis homeland.”
Alicia also expresses her gratitude to those who made this year’s virtual event possible.
“Marsi to the organizers and judges of the Back to Batoche competition,” says Alicia. “I’m looking forward to the next Back to Batoche Days!”
If you missed Alicia’s performance this year, you can view it online at https://backtobatochedays.ca/rewatch-live-stream/ (For Alicia’s performance see Sunday, July 22 at 51:20 mark)