Photo of Black Bear Relay at the Medicine Hat Exhibition and Stampede Relay Race / Photo by Keith Driver
Rodeos, including Whoop-Up Days and the Calgary Stampede, have incorporated Indian Relay into their wide roster of events, demonstrating horsemanship.
For the second year, the Medicine Hat Exhibition & Stampede held its Indigenous experience that drew in thousands.
Just in pre-sales alone, the annual Relay drew in approximately 4.5 thousand guests to the Grandstand to witness one of North America’s extreme sports.
Because of the draw from last year, the Medicine Hat Stampede also brought back its Indigenous artisan market featuring local artisans, but also a Tipi village featuring Cree and Blackfoot Tipis.
The Tipi village saw talks about beading and roasting Bannock over an open fire in partnership with the Miyawasan Friendship Centre.
What brought 16 teams to Medicine Hat was the chance to secure a spot in the 2026 Calgary Stampede Relay Race, along with a cash prize and belt buckles.
One of the standout teams in Relay is Northern Sky Relay from Fort Battleford, Saskatchewan, is not only new to the circuit of Relay but is the only Métis team currently competing in Relay.
Photo of Fauchon Family at the Medicine Hat Exhibition & Stampede Relay / Photo by Keith Driver
Sean Fauchon, Owner of Northern Sky Relay, whose son got into the sport after working as a hand with In It 2 Win It Relay, explains what it’s like being the only Métis team in the sport of Relay.
At the end of the two days, Northern Sky Relay placed eighth overall as Black Bear Relay punched their ticket to the 2026 Calgary Stampede’s Relay.
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