Calgary Stampede Indian RPPC

Extremely Rare

Photographer Mcdermid Photo
Dated: Circa 1930
Notes & Literature: After the numbered treaty signings began in Western Canada in 1877, Indigenous Peoples were cordoned off to reserves, restricted from ceremonial and cultural practice, and were not allowed to speak their languages. With enforcement from Indian agents assigned by Indian Affairs, it was not long until the ways of life for the peoples of the Treaty 7 territory were forever changed.?That?s what we were settled into by 1912,? explains Crowshoe. ?We couldn?t practise our culture, so we became prosperous farmers and ranchers, and got rid of our ?heathen? way of life.? Indian Village, 1939. Calgary Stampede A vision for cultural exchangeBut Guy Weadick, the founder of the Calgary Stampede, had a different plan. Seeing a need for cultural exchange and representation of Indigenous Peoples, he fought against the regulations of the Indian agents all the way to Ottawa, until he gained permission from the federal government to ask regional Elders to be involved in the event. Weadick would provide a venue for Indigenous Peoples to practise their traditional cultural ways, and in return, Elders would grant him permission to use the Indian Village as a tourist attraction.?We could do what the reserves would not let us do,? says Crowshoe. ?It?s because of that partnership that my family?s teepee was at the first Stampede in 1912, and we?ve upheld that partnership for over 100 years.?

Condition Report Unused. Very good.