INDIGENOUS CELEBRATION JUNE 8-9 AT PARK
Evergreen Park is hosting its first Indigenous Celebration on June 8-9.
The two-day event will feature Indian Relay Racing and also include drummers, singers and dancers; tipis; Indigenous food; Indigenous arts and crafts; and more.
Peace Country residents will have a chance to see for themselves the extreme and intense Indian Relay Racing as it makes its first Grande Prairie appearance at J.D.A. Raceway at Evergreen Park.
Riding bareback and often decked out in traditional markings and attire, teams race around the track competing in a relay race with horse exchanges in front of the grandstand.
“The competitors relish being able to celebrate our culture’s history through this sport,” said relay racing spokesperson Kimberly Big Crow. “It ties into cultural education and connects the younger generation to their elders, which enhances skill-building and family values within our people.”
This event, Evergreen Park hopes, will be the start of a much larger annual Indigenous celebration and showcase at the Park.
“The Indigenous community is very important to us. We want to partner with our local First Nation and Mette settlements to build a showcase of Indigenous culture and heritage,” said Park General Manager Kim Randall. “The Indian relay races are truly a unique expression of the connection between Indigenous Culture and the Horse.”
Also competing, in flat races, will be Lady Warriors, Chiefs and Little Braves.
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