Evergreen Park invites Peace Country residence to a weekend celebration of Indigenous Culture and History.

On Father’s Day weekend we will host over 130 Indigenous riders and 200 horses Indian Relay Racing to celebrate Indian Relay Races. Come and experience the tradition and horsemanship of this 300-year-old sport.

On Saturday, June 17 and Sunday, June 18 Peace Country residents will get 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 organizer 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 Nations this year and for many years 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. We are excited to present Warrior, Lady Warrior and Little Brave relay races on both Saturday and Sunday.”

Alberta Indian Relay Racing is an organization that welcomes participants from all Nations with the largest network of Indian relay professionals in Canada focusing on the revitalization of the centuries-old sport.

“Indian Relay Racing has been a proud tradition for over 300 years,” said Big Crow. “Our mandate is to provide exposure not only for our culture and heritage, but to showcase the horsemanship of Indian Relay Racing teams … and also for fans to see firsthand what the sport of Indian Relay entails.”

The races start at 1 p.m. each day.

Tickets are available on the Evergreen Park website at https://evergreenpark.ticketspice.com/indian-relay-racing

They are $20 for adults and $5 for those two to 12.

There are also several sponsorship options. For information on sponsorships contact Evergreen Park Marketing & Sponsorship Manager Don Moon at 587-298-0548 or check out the sponsor options here.