Indigenous athletes shine at inaugural Stampede rodeo
Over 8,000 fans watched competitors from across North America compete in relay racing, roping, and bronc riding at GMC Stadium.
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More than 8,000 fans packed GMC Stadium on Saturday for the inaugural Calgary Stampede First Nations Rodeo and Relay, a standalone event celebrating Indigenous athleticism on one of Canada's biggest rodeo stages.
Alan Kole Govert of Browning, Montana, won the saddle bronc riding title. "To be able to compete here is a dream come true," he said. "I rode here in the rookie bronc riding at the Stampede just a few years ago and to be able to come back and to hear my name being called behind the bucking shoots — that was pretty cool."
Justine Begay of Fountain Hills, Arizona, earned the ladies' breakaway roping title. "I wanted to win this for my family and I worked my butt off to make sure that happened," she said.
The Chief Enoch Lapotac relay team from Alberta took home the relay racing title. Team rider Tyrone Jackson reflected on the win: "This means a lot because we practice a lot and nobody likes to lose, we all like to win. And if you believe it, you can achieve it. That's one thing I always stick by."
Ty Ferguson of Foremost, Alberta, scored 80 points for the top bareback riding performance.
The event showcased not only technical skill but Indigenous culture through hoop dancing and other traditional performances. The success signals continued growth for Indigenous relay racing, which has been a longtime Stampede favourite. The winners earned spots to compete at the main Calgary Stampede rodeo in July.