The Spirit of a Nation - Discovering the Tsuu T'ina Rodeo and Pow Wow Text and photography by Christopher Martin.
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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.
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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.
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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 picture-
perfect 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.
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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.
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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 Seeing the preparations leading up to the afternoon’s events, and the
ability to get right up along the rail at the Tsuu T’ina rodeo is not wind-down following them, provides a more complete story about
only a great feast for the eyes, but also a chance to enthral all your the cowboy lifestyle – revealing an honest glimpse of both the fun
other senses, while making a real personal connection with the and the formidable challenges of the cowboy way of life.
breathtaking action unfolding right in front of you.
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.
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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 Opposite page, from top: Elders prepare to lead the
the years with decorative objects of personal significance. The Grand Entrance at the Pow Wow; (middle row) details
garments reveal astonishing detail, and their owners are more than from the Pow Wow; children prepare to join the Grand
happy to explain their meaning and importance to curious onlookers. Entrance into the Beaver Dome. This page: a profile of
The intricate outfits, the dance steps, the displays of emotion, and concentration and enjoyment.
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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
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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.
This spread: with regalia hand-
I encourage you to seize the opportunity
crafted by the performers
and join the Tsuu T’ina Nation for this
and their families, individual
year’s 39th annual celebration on July
personalities shine alongside
25-28. You are guaranteed to share an the ancient traditions shared in
awe-inspiring experience with some the various dances.
truly wonderful, big-hearted and highly
memorable people. I hope to see you Next page: amazing individuals
there this summer. I’ll be the one with look visually stunning as they
the camera. share their stories.
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Christopher Martin
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P H O T O G R A P H Y
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.
W E B S I T E
www.christophermartinphotography.com
CO N TAC T
cj@chrisphoto.ca – (403) 880 2411
One of the most recognizable views in K-Country: Elbow Falls
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