Rodeo goes beyond sport for Sask. Indigenous family

Trinity Bear sported hisnew ribbon shirt underaworn leather jacket for the first time at the Canadian Western Agribitionhigh school rodeo on Monday.

The brightblue shirt was made by the 13-year-old's kokom,his grandmother. He had been askingabout one for a while, and so she said she would make one in time for the youth exhibition in Regina.

"I'm excited to wear it; happy," he said shyly. "It's like a ribbon shirt. It's kind of traditional."

Nicole Bear, Trinity's mom, said the rodeo is a way of life for thefamily, who are from the ChacachasFirst Nation near Whitewood, Sask.

"It's part of our Indigenous culture. It's the horse culture, so for us it's second nature. It's part of who we are," Nicole said.

"There's a connection there to the animal. It's not just doing a sport. There's also a spiritual element to it."

Nicole said that's a big part of why her family is embedded in the rodeo.

As people learn more about treaties and reconciliation and First Nations people in general, they'regoing to find that the horse culture is part of who we are.- Nicole Bear

Nicole isMtisand used to barrel race. Her Cree husband was a professional bull rider, and she said her husband'sfather and moshom(grandfather) were both cowboys.

Trinity was participating in a long list of events at the youth rodeo,like steer riding, chute dogging, team roping and goat tying.

He said hisfavourite is steer riding because it gives him the most adrenaline.

Nicole said while not everyone mightunderstand the connection Indigenous people have with the rodeo life, awareness is growing.

"I think as people learn more about treaties and reconciliation and First Nations people in general, they'regoing to find that the horse culture is part of who we are," she continued.

Rodeo events can also help younger people remember the connection First Nations and Mtispeople have with the land, she said, adding it's also important they connect with agricultural activities.

"At one time, our farmers in our area were some of the most prosperous farmers, so it's really good for our kids to remember that," she added.

Furthermore, Nicolesaid there is healing to be found through horses and animals. She works with the Yorkton Tribal Council and encourages schools to use animals in activities.

"Sometimes, when we can't figure things out, people-to-people, that horse has a way of just connecting with that child," she said.

The 2017 edition of Agribitionwraps up on Saturday.