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The artistry, history and poetry of Native American cowboy life was presented in Legends of Our Times: Native Ranching and Rodeo Life on the Plains and the Plateau at the Smithsonian's National Museum of the American Indian in Lower Manhattan, on Saturday, May 17, 2004. More than 700 objects, such as saddles, photographs, blankets, clothing, horse gear and powwow regalia, was included in the exhibition.
"Legends of Our Times" traces the history of Native people as buffalo hunters, horsemen, ranchers, and cowboys, and as entertainers and participants in the sport of rodeo. The exhibition begins by presenting the connections between traditional Plains and Plateau cultures and such animals as the horse, the buffalo and the dog and how these connections influenced the Native cowboy's perspective on ranching and rodeo life.
Challenging the stereotype of "cowboys and Indians," the exhibition continues with Native American contributions to ranching, rodeo culture, Western entertainment and cowboy arts.
Highlights of the exhibition include a late 19th-century rifle case embellished with porcupine quill embroidery; an elaborately beaded Kootenai cradle board that could be attached to the side of a saddle and probably was part of a woman's parade outfit; a buffalo hunter's outfit from the mid-1800s, decorated with glass beads and embroidery; an elegant horse dance stick by Dennis R. Fox Jr. (Nueta/Hidatsa/Lakota); and historical and contemporary photographs of Native cowboy life.
"The National Museum of the American Indian is delighted to present this groundbreaking exhibition, and to recognize the important contributions made by Native Americans to rodeo and ranching culture," said museum Director W. Richard West (Southern Cheyenne).
After the Civil War, when Texas was cut off from its eastern markets, able-bodied horsemen were required for the massive cattle drives from Texas to Missouri, California, Kansas, Montana, Illinois and North Dakota. Many Native people were among these early cowboys, adapting their experiences driving herds of buffalo and deer, equestrian skills and knowledge of the territories used for cattle grazing. By the mid-19th century, many Native people took advantage of new economic opportunities in the emerging ranching industry and established their own ranches. Other Native Americans, faced with depleted buffalo herds, limited resources and government policies and restrictions, were forced to leave their traditional way of life and find work as cowboys. In the late 19th century, when cowboy skills became forms of entertainment and sport, Native people expressed their skills and elements of their cultures as actors in "Wild West" shows and as competitors in professional rodeos. The popularity of rodeos also grew within Native communities and continues today.
- - - - - - - Native Rodeo - An Introduction "Legends of Our Times: Native Ranching and Rodeo Life on the Plains and the Plateau" is a traveling exhibition produced by the Canadian Museum of Civilization and curated by Morgan Baillargeon and Leslie Tepper. A catalog, by Baillargeon and Tepper, accompanies the exhibition.
The presentation at the Smithsonian's National Museum of the American Indian was organized by Dr. Gerald McMaster (Plains Cree), Deputy Assistant Director for Cultural Resources; Peter Brill, Head of Exhibits for the George Gustav Heye Center; and Exhibits Manager Jennifer Tozer.
The National Museum of the American Indian's George Gustav Heye Center is located at One Bowling Green in New York City, across from Battery Park. The museum is free and open every day from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and Thursdays until 8 p.m. For information, call (212) 514-3700 for general information and (212) 514-3888 for a recording about the museum's public programs. By subway, the museum may be reached by the 1 or 2 to South Ferry, the 4 or 5 to Bowling Green or the N or R to Whitehall Street. - - - - - - -
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First All Indian Rodeo - June 1964 Alberta
Sarcee All Indian Rodeo - 1964
First Nation Cowboys
Indian Rodeo News
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Indian National Finals Rodeo Albuquerque, New Mexico
December 6 -9, 2000
Katrina Williams, Williams Lake, BC,captured the All Around Cowgirl Title representing the Prairie Indian Rodeo Association at the 25th INFR.
Canadian Indian Finals Rodeo C.I.F.R 2000
November 16-19, 2000
It was a great success at the 2000 CIFR we're looking forward to a bigger and better Third Annual CIFR 2001
Canadian Indian finals Rodeo 2000
The second annual CIFR was Held at the Panee Multiplex in Hobbema Alberta on November 16-19,2000.
The 2000 CIFR was dedicated to the Youth with the motto "first Nations, new millenium,vast potential"
Fifteen contestants from all over Indian country qualified for the Second Annual CIFR competing in Four of the toughest go-rounds - in the end one crowned the Canadian Champion in eight events including two Junior events.
the all around champions.
the All-around Cowboy-Boyd Wesley(Nakoda) Morley Alberta
and All around Cowgirl-Mandy Whitford(Blackfeet).Browning Montana
CIFR invited 8 Canadian rodeo associations and one from the state of Montana.
The third go-round of the finals started with a round dance where contestants and spectators honoured all Founding fathers of Canadian Indian Rodeo.
2000 CIFR champions
Bareback riding-Allison Redcrow (Blackfoot) Siksika Alberta
Calf Roping-John Pickens Standoff Alberta
Ladies breakaway-Barbie Reagan (Blackfeet) Babb Montana
Saddle Bronc riding- Tom Bingham Cardston Alberta
Steer Wrestling-Norbert Blackwater (Blood) Standoff Alberta
JR Steer riding-Lionel shade (Blood) Standoff Alberta
Team roping Kirk & Miles Mclean (Nakoda) Morley Alberta
Jr Barrel Racing Shanna Johnson (Blackfeet) Browning Montana
Ladies Barrel Racing-Yvette Fangsrud-Charlo Montana
Bull Riding-David Alexander (Shuswap)Douglas Lake British Columbia
Prairie Indian Rodeo Association
289 Fines Drive
Regina, Saskatchewan
S4N 5T9
Phone (306) 546-2477
Fax: (306) 696-3201
President
Curtis Taypotat
251 Hanley Cresent Regina,
Saskatchewan
S4R5A9
306-789-4494
Cell 306-596-1556
Vice President
Charlie Bear
P.O Box 57 Whitewood,
Saskatchewan S0G 5C0
306-735-2853
Sr. Advisor
Chief Louis Taypotat
P.O Box 364 Broadview,
Saskatchewan
Kahkewistahaw FirstNation
306-696-3540
Fax 306-696-3201
Sr. Advisor
Chief Barry Ahenakew
P.O. Box 220 Shell Lake,
Saskatchewan
Atahkakoop First Nation
306-468-2326
Fax 306-468-2344
Secretary/Treasurer
Sonya Taypotat
289 Fines Drive Regina,
Sskatchewan
306-546-2477
Fax 306-696-3201
Cell 306-539-3137
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Indian National Finals Rodeo 1998 -
Rough Stock
From across the United States and Canada they qualify in their regions to come and compete here - the INFR. With top notch stock and top competitors you won't want to miss the action! Each tape has footage from Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
Indian National Finals Rodeo 1998 -
Timed Events
Indian National Finals Rodeo 1998 -
Women's Breakaway & Barrel Racing
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Riders of the West: Portraits from Indian Rodeo
Linda MacCannell Peter Iverson
Publisher: University of Washington Press
Pub. Date: April 1999
From the Publisher
In this intimate look at the world of the Indian rodeo circuit, Linda MacCannell's photographs provide a striking record of an activity that remains a significant part of life for Native Americans from Alberta to Arizona. In his engaging and informative text, Peter Iverson provides historical background on Indian rodeo and explains how rodeo has helped to reinforce the importance of place, of competition and achievement, and of family. Riders of the West will fascinate anyone who has an interest in contemporary Native American cultures or in contemporary rodeo.
From the Critics
From Alan Tack - Native Peoples
Indeed, in its text and images this book captures more than places, faces and events; it captures the living spirit and tradition of a people. As Iverson suggests, Indian rodeo is a powerful symbol "of family, of determination, of accomplishment. It represents a testimony to cultural continuity within and through change."
From Booknews
An intimate account of the American Indian rodeo circuit, with text by Arizona State University history professor Peter Iverson and photographs by Linda MacCannell, whose fine b&w portraits offer insight into the skill, pride, and excitement of the Indian rodeo circuit from Alberta to Arizona. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)
Riders of the West:Portraits from Indian Rodeo
by Peter Iverson, Linda MacCannell (Photographer),
Carolyn O. Buffalo
Editorial Reviews
From Booklist October 1, 1999
Books dealing with rodeo generally overlook the Indian rodeo circuit. Rodeo is an activity that continues to be a significant part of Native American life, reinforcing the importance of competition and achievement. This book is not a comprehensive history of Indian rodeo but rather a story of native adaptation and cultural continuity. The easy-to-read text is accompanied by exceptional black-and-white photographs by Linda MacCannell, conveying an intimate view of the role cowboying and rodeo play in the Native American lifestyle.
Anyone interested in the contemporary culture of American Indians, particularly how families pass on their passion and skills from one generation to the next, will certainly be captivated. Two excellent maps provide a reference not only
to the Indian reservations but also to various towns and cities mentioned in the text. A glossary of rodeo terms and events is provided, as well as a list of Indian communities. Highly recommended for collections related to either Native Americans or rodeo. Fred Egloff
Other books
The Calling : A Novel
by Dick Hyson
Editorial Reviews
From Booklist October 15, 1998
Hyson, cowboy-turned-rancher-turned-novelist, is a voting member of the Pawnee Tribe, spent two decades on the rodeo circuit, and is a western singer. His first novel, set in New Mexico in the
1950s, not only presents readers with an expert view of ranch life but also provides a primer on horse handling or, as he prefers, cowboying and "bein' a horseback."
Hyson's narrator is Frank Dalton, half Comanche, half Anglo, who teaches young tenderfoot R. C. Roth what the cowboy's world is all about, both in and out of the saddle. Ranch owner Boss Stone, his wife, their grandson, another hand, and Frank's good friend Poke all contribute to R. C.'s learning about the "calling."
Lovely Fancesca "Kika" Jaramillo, a neighbor's daughter, complete's R. C.'s education, while Frank gets himself involved with a young woman from yet another neighboring ranch. Hyson's
straightforward, no-frills storytelling delivers something rarely found in westerns--a good clear look at cowboy reality. Budd Arthur
Authentically captures a bygone era. A must read!,
February 23, 2000
Reviewer: Les Welker from Denver, Colorado
Even though it is a fictional story, I suspect there is a lot of truth in "the way things were" in this novel. Hyson, having lived the life of a rancher/cowboy, allows much of his own experience to influence his writing. I believe this book to be an authentic depiction of ranch and community life in Northern New Mexico during a particular time period. "The Calling" has it all: romance, adventure, mystery, and binding human relationships. This story would make a great movie along the lines of "Cool Hand Luke" and "The Horse Whisperer."
Legends of Our Times: Native Cowboy Life
Canadian Museum of Civilization,
Native Cowboy Life
By Morgan Baillargeon and Leslie Tepper
Through poetry, legends, and personal reminiscences, Native
people tell about their participation in ranching and rodeo life. Legends of Our Times explores the special relationship Native peoples living in western North America have had with the horse, buffalo, coyote, and dog. Legends of Our Times also documents the emergence of ranching and rodeos as important activities within the Native community.
Today, Plains and Plateau peoples proudly continue the tradition of cowboying. Richly illustrated, Legends of Our Times is a
celebration of their contribution to ranching and rodeo life.
American Indians As Cowboys
by Clifford E. Trafzer
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Native Cowboy Life-
LEGENDS OF OUR TIMES
Native Ranching and Rodeo Life on the Plains and Plateau
Canadian Museum of Civilization
This exhibition celebrates the history and traditions of the Native cowboy, and explores the relationship Plains and Plateau
peoples have had and continue to have with the horse, dog, coyote, buffalo and deer.
Drawn from the Museum's extraordinary Native collection, the artifacts include decorated horse gear, rodeo equipment, tack,
blankets, exquisitely crafted saddles, pow wow regalia, paintings and sculptures. Supplemented by archival and contemporary photographs, interviews and video recordings, the exhibition traces the history of Aboriginal peoples as buffalo hunters, horsemen, ranchers and cowboys as well as entertainers and participants in the sport of rodeo.
Horse Play

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