Indigenous athleticism and competition were on full display at the inaugural Calgary Stampede First Nations Rodeo and Relay.

More than 8,000 fans packed GMC Stadium on Saturday to watch Indigenous athletes from across North America compete in relay racing, breakaway roping and more.

“To be able to compete here is a dream come true,” said Alan Kole Govert, the Browning, Mont., athlete who was crowned champion in saddle bronc riding.

“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,” he said.

Indigenous dancers performed during the inaugural Calgary Stampede First Nations Rodeo and Relay at GMC Stadium on June 13, 2026.

Indigenous dancers performed during the inaugural Calgary Stampede First Nations Rodeo and Relay at GMC Stadium on June 13, 2026. (Calgary Stampede)

For Justine Begay, earning the ladies breakaway roping title was deeply personal.

“I wanted to win this for my family and I worked my butt off to make sure that happened,” said the Fountain Hills, Ariz., athlete.

Justine Begay of Fountain Hills, Ariz., won the ladies breakaway roping competition at the inagural Calgary Stampede First Nations Rodeo and Relay at GMC Stadium on June 13, 2026.

(Calgary Stampede)

Relay racing, a longtime favourite at the Calgary Stampede, saw the Chief Enoch Lapotac team from Alberta take home the title.

“This means a lot because we practice a lot and nobody likes to lose, we all like to win,” said team rider Tyrone Jackson. “And if you believe it, you can achieve it. That’s one thing I always stick by.”

“My family would be so proud of me right now because I come from a rough background and I’m just doing my best out here to strive and prosper.”

Chief Enoch Lapotac rider Tyrone Jackson pictured during the relay race competition, which his team won, at the inaugural Calgary Stampede First Nations Rodeo and Relay at GMC Stadium on June 13, 2026.

Chief Enoch Lapotac rider Tyrone Jackson pictured during the relay race competition, which his team won, at the inaugural Calgary Stampede First Nations Rodeo and Relay at GMC Stadium on June 13, 2026. (Calgary Stampede)

Fellow local athlete Ty Ferguson of Foremost, Alta., had the top performance in bareback riding, scoring 80 points.

The first-of-its kind rodeo “was an incredible success, showcasing remarkable athleticism, and horsemanship,” said Kristina Barnes, the Calgary Stampede’s director of agriculture and Western events.

Stampede offers celebration of Indigenous culture

The First Nations Rodeo and Relay is far from the only celebration of Indigenous culture at the Calgary Stampede.

The Elbow River Camp returns to the Stampede grounds this year, showcasing the cultures of the Treaty 7 First Nations — the Siksika, Kainai, Piikani, Stoney Nakoda and Tsuut’ina — through traditional tipis, artisan crafts and more.

The Calgary Stampede Powwow, one of the largest competitive powwows in Canada, returns to the Scotiabank Saddledome July 6 and 7.

And Indigenous relay racing will once again be on display at GMC Stadium during the Rangeland Derby, taking place daily during the 114th Calgary Stampede from July 3 to 12.