Saddle up for the Doig River Rodeo held each year summer on the rodeo grounds at Doig River First Nation. It’s a full 2-day event with action for the whole family including bareback, bull and saddle bronc riding plus open ranch bronc riding. The event draws over 100 competitors from across British Columbia and Alberta to win cash prizes and bragging rights. There are also junior events plus lots of fun activities for spectators and participants alike including a pancake breakfast, cowboy church service and dance – a stompin’ good time!

We have been holding our rodeo event for over 30 years.

“It started off small with two rodeo chutes and a hand full of brave young boys riding cows,” says Lucy Davis, a DRFN member who’s been involved in helping with the rodeo for almost 35 years. “There were no sponsors or prize money, just a pat on the back for staying on for the longest ride,” she adds.

Members began competing in rodeo events in the 1970’s and in 1998, the late Johnny Oker with help from community members, improved Doig’s rodeo grounds to what you see today. Johnny was instrumental in initiating and organizing the event for many years and ensured that the rodeo offered plenty of activities so that a good time would be had by all. Doig also acknowledges the vision and efforts of Dick Davis, who also helped make our rodeo event a reality. Each year a participant of the rodeo is recognized as the Dick Davis Memorial Saddle Bronc Riding Champion.

“The rodeo is a happy time for our community instead of a sad one, and we’ve had many sad times over the years. The rodeos are important for all the reserves and are a chance for our local talent to show off their skills, and to compete against people from other reserves and towns,” Lucy Davis, AKHN, August 8, 2018

Justin Harrell is recognized as the Dick Davis Memorial Saddle Bronc Riding Champion in 2015. The award is presented by Norman Davis on the left and Maggie Davis on the right. Photo: Charmayne Brinkworth

“Rodeo has brought people together from other First Nations communities and from other countries. Hopefully the future generations will continue the rodeo legacy for many more years,” Rodeo President Robert Dominic, AKHN August 8, 2018

Doig River First Nation is grateful for the generous support of its sponsors:

“Rodeo has brought people together from other First Nations communities and from other countries. Hopefully the future generations will continue the rodeo legacy for many more years,” Past Rodeo President Robert Dominic, AKHN, August 8, 2018