Pow Wow and Indian Relay races run Tuesday and Wednesday in Lethbridge

Jul 14, 2019 | 12:00 PM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – It is known as the first “extreme sport” and it is coming back to Lethbridge Tuesday and Wednesday July 16th and 17th.

The event is being put on in celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Sik-Ooh-Kotoki Friendship Society, making it one of the oldest Indigenous groups in the city.

The event starts off with a traditional Pow Wow at the South Pavilion of Exhibition Grounds at 1:00 pm and will be followed by the Invitational Indian Relay race at 7:00 pm.

Executive Director Travis Plaited Hair believes it is an event you need to see to believe.

“It involves, in most cases, four horses, one jockey, and three helpers. Basically, they race around a track, they jump off and jump on another horse, race around, jump off and jump on to the next horse, and there’s a lot of chaos between the exchange between horses and that.”

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The Indian Relay races will feature 16 teams including the chief races, warrior races, and lady warrior races. There will also be traditional First Nations dancers and drummers on hand.

While the event is not being organized as a fundraiser, Plaited Hair says they will put any leftover proceeds towards community causes.

In the spirit of reconciliation, he adds that it will be open to anyone to attend.

Admission is $10.

by David Opinko