The Rodeo Circuit

Ron Gottfriedson, Secwepemc/Okanagan on Red Wing Calgary, 1970 Photograph by Fred Kobstead, courtesy of Joan Perry

Native Involvement at the Calgary Stampede

Calgary, Alberta, has long been a gathering place for Native people on the Plains. At the turn of the century, they participated in the Calgary Exhibition, riding in parades, horse races and rodeo events. When Calgary organized a "blockbuster" stampede in 1912, it was only logical that Native people would be involved. The first Calgary Stampede was meant to be a spectacular celebration to honour the land barons, cattle barons, cowboys, small ranchers, pioneers and Native people of the Plains. Native people continue to be actively involved in the Stampede as participants in the parades, rodeo, Tipi Village and Pow-wow, chuck wagon races, stage shows and musical band, and even as park attendants.

Edgar Baptiste, Nehiyaw, from Saskatchewan, racing at Calgary in 1993. In 1996, Edgar became the first Native person to win the $50,000 prize in chuck wagon racing at Calgary. Photograph by Morgan Baillargeon, CMC K93-4003

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Introduction | What makes Native Rodeo Different? | History of Rodeo Associations | Rodeo Heroes | The Rodeo Arena | The Rodeo Circuit | Rodeo Events | Down the Road

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