Stampede an annual showcase for Indigenous culture

Calgary is the Stampede City. Since 1912, the annual celebration has brought together cowboys, fairgoers and First Nations to mark the high point of the summer. 

This year, once again, visitors experienced the cultures of the Kainai, Piikani, Siksika, Stoney Nakoda and Tsuut’ina First Nations of Treaty 7 at the new Elbow River Camp and at the annual powwow dance gathering. One participant in the men’s traditional powwow dance was Jonathon Brewer, specialist - cultural protocol with the University of Calgary’s Office of Indigenous Engagement. 

"There has been a lot of appreciation and gratitude towards the Indigenous dancers at the powwow,” Brewer says. “Spectators often stop to take pictures, shake hands, and express admiration for our outfits and sharing our culture. I thank everyone for the positive experiences and kind words.” 

Brewer, a member of the Kainai, a Blood Reserve that is structured around Blackfoot ways, says participating in the Stampede is a great opportunity to share and to make friends.

 

 

 

“Like my role here at UCalgary’s Office of Indigenous Engagement, my participation in Stampede bridges the gap between the Indigenous culture and ways of doing things, ways of being and ways of knowing.

“Historically, Indigenous people were restricted from leaving their reservations without a pass from the Indian agent. The Calgary Stampede, however, was one event where Indigenous participation was encouraged, allowing them to share their stories and culture.” 

A notable moment in this history was in 1912 when Tom Three Persons, also a member of Kainai, won the inaugural Calgary Stampede Rodeo's saddle bronc competition. “This victory was not just a personal achievement, but a significant milestone for the community,” says Brewer. 

“Indigenous participation continues to be celebrated, with individuals like chuckwagon racer Edgar Baptiste, and  (with actor) Owen Crowshoe gaining recognition as the Stampede Marshal this year.”

A century ago, Indigenous people had to hide their culture to practise it, Piikani Elder and UCalgary cultural adviser Dr. Reg Crowshoe, Hon. LLD’01, wrote in a press release. “Now, a hundred years later, because of ancestors who wanted to preserve their culture and people like Guy Weadick who had an interest, institutions are developing today that allow pride in Indigenous culture.” 

Brewer says events such as Stampede offer a chance to pass along the stories of Indigenous Peoples, but it shouldn’t be just for two weeks every July:

“Our stories are all verbal and how we passed our histories and our teachings was verbal. There was no actual formal written book that we transferred down, so it was all through stories, and this is where I encourage the youth to go speak to the Elders, speak to the Knowledge Keepers and learn what you can.” 

The tipi village at the Stampede, relocated several years go from the south end of the park to the Elbow River Camp just east of the Saddledome, served as a focal point for cultural exchange. Visitors were encouraged to respectfully engage with Elders, listen to stories and learn about the significance of tipi designs, each with unique meanings passed down through generations. Elders like Drs. Reg and Rose Crowshoe (who received her own honorary degree from UCalgary earlier this year), also actively participate in these events, further enriching the cultural tapestry of the Stampede. 

In addition to his Stampede participation, Brewer is deeply involved in various initiatives at UCalgary. “I find motivation in the smiling faces of students and the collaborative spirit of the community,” he says. “Under the Indigenous Strategy, ii’ taa’poh’to’p, I facilitate interactions between classes and Indigenous Elders or Knowledge Keepers, ensuring that traditional knowledge and cultural history are shared appropriately.”

Brewer says powwows occur regularly throughout Alberta, which anyone can attend, and there are also markets featuring Indigenous vendors. 

As for whether he’ll be back for the next Stampede in 2025, he says, “I will continue the tradition of participating in powwows at the Calgary Stampede till I can't move anymore.”