The Spirit of a Nation Discovering the Tsuu T ina Rodeo and Pow Wow Text and photography by Christopher Martin. Regular featured contributor Chris Martin recounts his time at the Tsuu T ina Rodeo and Pow Wow, and how it attracts First Nations competitors, dancers and drummers from across Canada and the United States. This page: A cowboy ponders his dance partner ahead of the next ride. Opposite page, left photo: sharing a laugh with a rodeo clown. Right strip of photos, from top: in addition to Calf Wrestling (shown on this issue s cover) the Tsuu T ina rodeo showcases all the favourite competitive events. From top: Bucking Bronco, Barrel Racing, Calf Roping, and Bull Riding. 22
Every weekend offers a great opportunity to enjoy the majestic beauty of Bragg Creek. But for pure awe-inspiring fun, it s hard to top the annual Tsuu T ina Nation Rodeo and Pow Wow weekend. Hosted by the Tsuu T ina Nation at the Redwood Fair Grounds, located five kilometres north of Bragg Creek and a mere 20-minute drive from Calgary, this spectacular celebration of native culture features the popular Open First Nations Rodeo competition and the time-honoured Pow Wow gathering of some of the best traditional dancers, singers and drummers from across North America. Being a long-time fan of the Calgary Stampede, it was naturally the Tsuu T ina rodeo that first caught my attention on a large billboard advertising the event at the entrance to the Redwood Fair Grounds, which is located on Highway 22 across from the Redwood Meadows Golf & Country Club. My visit was amply rewarded with an opportunity to not only experience the excitement of a small, rural rodeo competition in a charming old-town setting, but also be introduced to the mystique of ancient traditions enacted by the participating First Nations people. Having witnessed first-hand the high level of skill on display, along with the strong communal bonds nurtured by this event, I was not surprised to learn that people travel from across Canada and the United States to compete in the Tsuu T ina rodeo. There is zero tolerance for alcohol at the event, but a tall lemonade and a gentle breeze keep the heat at bay and make for a pictureperfect day of rodeo watching. And with most of the participants vying for attention from the more senior professional rodeo circuits, there is no shortage of competitive spirit or highly competent riding, roping and other high-speed excitement to keep the enthusiastic and appreciative audience highly entertained. 23
24 This page: Youth participation is encouraged in all aspects of the Tsuu T ina rodeo. Clockwise from top: a junior cowboy gets an early flying lesson; a quick glance over the shoulder while setting up for a junior roping event; waiting for family to pack up their competition gear at the end of the rodeo; a young barrel racer digs her horse out of the turn and on to the next barrel.
This page, clockwise from top: galloping for the finish line in the barrel race; tools of the trade; partners coordinate their moves perfectly in a team roping event. For those familiar with the Calgary Stampede experience, the ability to get right up along the rail at the Tsuu T ina rodeo is not only a great feast for the eyes, but also a chance to enthral all your other senses, while making a real personal connection with the breathtaking action unfolding right in front of you. Seeing the preparations leading up to the afternoon s events, and the wind-down following them, provides a more complete story about the cowboy lifestyle revealing an honest glimpse of both the fun and the formidable challenges of the cowboy way of life. I also enjoyed wandering along the staging corral, where the horses and riders warm up and cool down, and strolling along the paths that lead to the rodeo grounds: dotted with campsites adorned with hand-painted traditional tipis. 25
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A short walk away from the rodeo action, the Tsuu T ina Nation s Pow Wow features hundreds of talented dancers performing at the nearby Beaver Dome. The Pow Wow opens with the Grand Entrance, with dancers being led in by the elders into the open-sided hall to form a circle around the central pillar for a sacred opening ceremony. As the drum circles from different nations take turns drumming and singing out songs, the participants stream in to join the throng of people dancing, walking and jumping as they pivot around the middle. As with the rodeo, the dancers and drummers travel from First Nations near and far from across North America to participate in the Pow Wow. The Grand Entrances are followed by competitions for each dance carrying the festivities along for several more hours. The intricate dances, beautiful regalia, and mesmerizing drumming and singing held me under their collective magic spell for long stretches of time. Colourful hand-made regalia vibrantly adorn the dancers authentic outfits often made by the dancers themselves and enhanced over the years with decorative objects of personal significance. The garments reveal astonishing detail, and their owners are more than happy to explain their meaning and importance to curious onlookers. The intricate outfits, the dance steps, the displays of emotion, and Opposite page, from top: Elders prepare to lead the Grand Entrance at the Pow Wow; (middle row) details from the Pow Wow; children prepare to join the Grand Entrance into the Beaver Dome. This page: a profile of concentration and enjoyment. Cochrane, Alberta 1-877-932-3992 www.moosemountain.com Guaranteed Quality Tested With Time We are the only log home handcrafters with patented full-scribe joinery guaranteed to be air and weather tight without chinking or caulking. Each home is one-of-a-kind and custom designed for you, your site and your budget Delivery and set-up is done by the same artisans who craft your home one log at a time Proudly providing thirty-five years of handcrafted log home building 27
unique facial expressions are all masterly interwoven to tell a unique, spellbinding story. The four fundamental values shared by all Pow Wows are honour, respect, tradition and generosity. Each one of these values is displayed with magnificent grace and style for all those in attendance at the Tsuu T ina Pow Wow. Attending the Tsuu T ina Pow Wow provided me with an extraordinary opportunity to share some time with colourful people who embrace 28
my own down-to-earth values, while immensely enjoying the festive dancing, singing, drumming, and the infectious energy of the event. The entire experience made me feel fully invigorated and alive. While residents of Bragg Creek have long known about this special cultural event, it is heart-warming to see attendance numbers at the Tsuu T ina Nation Rodeo & Pow Wow Celebration grow steadily with each passing year. I encourage you to seize the opportunity and join the Tsuu T ina Nation for this year s 39th annual celebration on July 25-28. You are guaranteed to share an awe-inspiring experience with some truly wonderful, big-hearted and highly memorable people. I hope to see you there this summer. I ll be the one with the camera. This spread: with regalia handcrafted by the performers and their families, individual personalities shine alongside the ancient traditions shared in the various dances. Next page: amazing individuals look visually stunning as they share their stories. 29
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Christopher Martin PHOTOGRAPHY With a passion to share the natural world, Christopher offers the following products and services to local and international clients: Gallery prints: Fine art, archival quality prints (framed or rolled) and canvases (mounted or rolled) Licensing: Images are available to license for commercial use Instruction: Individual and small group workshops and photography outings are available To view image galleries, current work and for more information on pricing and availability, please visit Christopher s website. WEBSITE www.christophermartinphotography.com C O N T A C T cj@chrisphoto.ca (403) 880 2411 One of the most recognizable views in K-Country: Elbow Falls 31