Francois-Xavier Letendre dit Batoche- 1841-1901

History says “he was a genial, good-humored, handsome man.”

Promotion brought more than eight hundred people as planned.

“Batoche is active and has good land, hay, water and wood.”

He took river lots to coax his relatives to move here for good.

Francois was a rich man with freighters, a store and fine home

Loving debate made him a natural leader for a Metis tome.

Violence he took exception to, always true to a pragmatic view.

To Metis demise he felt concern; he quietly helped them in situ.

The Rebellion arrived with devastation and Metis in demise

They were few in numbers, ammunition, horses and supplies.

“My dear mother and daughters nursed the dying at home

Everything left in tatters, no food left, Metis left to moan.

Francois repaired the damage and thought of new directions

He negotiated with Sir John A McDonald for Metis sections.

Metis Life moved on and Francois started a new life it’s said

Identity issues and sickness became the Letendre dread.

Written by Carol Howard Vulliamy- Metis Elder

Source: Dictionary of Canadian Biography Online