A little-known aspect of Indigenous culture will be celebrated at Maple Creek in July with the second Indian Relay Races.
The first races last year were successful beyond expectations.
“Our first year was better than we had hoped,.” Organizer Dale Mosquito of the Nekaneet First Nation near Maple Creek, told the 49x110 tourism conference in Swift Current.
Horses have long been a part of their culture, said the Ravenscrag rancher, who finds young Indigenous people flock to him for the chance to be around horses.
“The races will help to preserve our culture.”
The Indian Relay races attract entries from all over North America, racers on a network of racing.
The race format has three teams in 12 races on the track. The races are on July 18 in conjunction with an evening bull riding event.
Mosquito noted the CBC aired a documentary about the relay races at the Calgary Stampede.
Ron Walter can be reached at [email protected]
