The Horse Nations Indian Relay Council: A Legacy of Tradition

The Horse Nations Indian Relay Council (HNIRC) is more than just an organization; it is a guardian of a vibrant cultural tradition that dates back centuries. Established in December 2016, HNIRC is dedicated to preserving and promoting Indian Relay racing, a sport steeped in Native American heritage. This unique and exhilarating sport showcases the exceptional horsemanship, speed, and agility of its participants, making it one of the most thrilling spectacles in Native American culture. As HNIRC gears up for the 2024 Championship of Champions, let’s delve into the history of both the event and the council, exploring their mission, key events, community engagement, and future goals.

Origins and Mission of HNIRC

HNIRC was founded with a clear mission: to honor the heritage of Indian Relay racing, support the communities involved, and inspire new generations of fans and competitors. Indian Relay is a sport that has deep roots in Native American culture, with its origins tracing back to times when horseback riding was a vital part of daily life. The sport involves riders racing bareback on multiple horses, with exchanges happening at high speeds. It is a testament to the skill and bravery of Native American horsemen and women, reflecting their deep bond with their horses and their land.

The council’s mission is not just about preserving a sport but also about celebrating a way of life. HNIRC aims to expand the reach of Indian Relay racing, bringing its excitement and cultural significance to a broader audience. By doing so, they hope to foster a greater appreciation and understanding of Native American traditions, ensuring that these practices continue to thrive in the modern world. The council’s vision includes creating a platform where the strength, speed, and spirit of Native American horse culture can be celebrated and shared with audiences around the globe.

The Inception and Growth of the Championship of Champions

The Indian Relay Championship of Champions is the crown jewel of HNIRC’s efforts. This annual event gathers the best Indian Relay teams from across the United States and Canada, offering a platform for these skilled athletes to compete at the highest level. The Championship of Champions has grown rapidly since its inception, breaking records for crowd size and the number of competitors each year. It has become a major event in the Native American sports calendar, attracting thousands of spectators and participants.

The first Championship of Champions was held in Billings, Montana, in 2017. The event was an instant success, drawing large crowds and showcasing the best talent in the sport. Following this successful debut, the event moved to Walla Walla, Washington, where it continued to grow in popularity. The choice to rotate the location of the championship is a deliberate one, designed to bring Indian Relay racing to different communities and allow a broader audience to experience this unique cultural tradition. After Walla Walla, the event moved to Casper, Wyoming, next to Fort Pierre, South Dakota, and then back to Casper, Wyoming, where it will be held in 2024.

In 2019, a significant milestone was reached when Women’s Indian Relay was added to the Championship of Champions races. For the first time, women teams were provided with a national platform to compete, reflecting HNIRC’s commitment to promoting inclusivity and recognizing the talent of female competitors in the sport. The addition of the Women’s Indian Relay has since become a highlight of the event, attracting more participants and fans each year.

This rotating nature of the Championship of Champions not only allows different communities to host the event but also brings a fresh environment and new challenges for the competitors. It helps keep the sport dynamic and exciting, with each location offering its unique set of conditions and atmosphere. The move to Casper was part of a three-year contract, and HNIRC plans to continue the event in Casper through 2025. This continued expansion and movement reflect the council’s commitment to spreading the excitement of Indian Relay racing and engaging with new audiences.

The 2024 Tour of Champions: A Showcase of Skill and Culture

The road to the Championship of Champions is paved with a series of races organized by HNIRC throughout the summer. The 2024 Tour of Champions is a carefully curated schedule of events across the United States and Canada, providing opportunities for teams to compete and qualify for the prestigious championship. The tour is not just about the races; it’s also a celebration of Native American culture, with events often featuring traditional drum groups, dancers, and vendors offering crafts and jewelry.

The 2024 Tour of Champions includes the following events:

    • June 01-02: Season Opener, Miles City, MT
    • June 08-09: Indigenous Celebration Indian Relay, Grand Prairie, Canada
    • June 22-23: Crow Native Days, Crow Agency, MT Native Days Indian Relay
    • July 06-07: Sugar Bowl Indian Relay, Inchelium, Washington
    • July 27-28: Wyoming Downs, Evanston, WY
    • August 02: Phillips County Fair, Dodson, MT
    • August 03-04: Run with the Warriors, Pine Ridge, SD
    • August 10-11: Lower Brule Races, Lower Brule, SD
    • August 24-25: North Central Washington Fair, Waterville, WA
    • September 07-08: Turtle Mountain Indian Horse Relay, Belcourt, ND
    • September 07-08: Okanogan County Fair, Okanogan, WA
    • September 11-14: Pendleton Round-up, Pendleton, OR
    • September 20-22: HNIRC Championship of Champions, Casper, WY
These races are crucial stops on the road to the championship, offering teams the chance to qualify for the final showdown in Casper. The Tour of Champions Indian Relay races, accredited by HNIRC, are a series of races that test endurance, skill, and strategy. To be eligible to enter the Championship of Champions, teams must participate in at least two HNIRC-accredited races throughout the season. Each race presents unique challenges, reflecting the dedication and passion of the competitors who travel long distances and train rigorously to compete at the highest level. This tour is a testament to the relentless commitment of the athletes, showcasing the best of Indian Relay racing across diverse locations.

Leadership and Community Engagement

HNIRC is led by a dedicated board of directors who bring a wealth of experience and passion to the organization. The current board members are:

    • Calvin Ghost Bear – President, Pine Ridge, South Dakota
    • Carol Murray – Vice President, Browning, Montana
    • Carla Ghost Bear – Treasurer, Pine Ridge, South Dakota
    • Jamie Howard – Secretary, Wayne, Oklahoma
    • Diana Volk – Marketing, Sheridan, Wyoming

These leaders are not only committed to the success of the sport, but also to the well-being and development of the communities they represent. Under their guidance, HNIRC has made significant strides in promoting Indian Relay racing and ensuring that it continues to thrive in the years to come.

Community engagement is a core aspect of HNIRC’s mission. The council’s events are more than just races; they are cultural celebrations that bring people together. At each event, attendees can experience the rich traditions of Native American culture, from the stirring rhythms of drum groups to the intricate designs of traditional crafts. HNIRC also works to support the development of young riders and teams, ensuring that the sport’s future is in good hands. By providing training and mentorship opportunities, the council helps nurture the next generation of Indian Relay champions.

Past Champions and Categories

The upcoming Championship of Champions expects to have over 50 men’s teams from six states and two provinces. The competition includes several categories:

    • Men’s Relay: Traditional three-horse teams.
    • Women’s Relay: Two-horse teams.
    • Junior Relay (12-15 years old): Two-horse teams.
    • Youth Relay (9-12 years old): Three-pony teams.
    • Kids Relay (7-9 years old): Three-pony teams.

Past champions highlight the fierce competition and talent present in Indian Relay racing:

Men’s Past Champions

    • 2017: Abrahamson Relay, Scott Abrahamson, Colville, Billings, Montana
    • 2018: Northwest Express, Mathew Pakootas Jr., Colville, Walla Walla, Washington
    • 2019: Abrahamson Relay, Scott Abrahamson, Colville, Walla Walla, Washington
    • 2020: S/M Express, Dustin Kruger, Crow, Casper, Wyoming
    • 2021: Buffalo Jump, Chris Carlson, Blackfeet, Casper, Wyoming
    • 2022: Omak Express, Colville, Fort Pierre, South Dakota
    • 2023: Carlson Relay, Chazz Racine, Blackfeet, Casper, Wyoming

Women’s Past Champions

    • 2019: Timentwa Relay, Talliyah Timentwa, Colville, Walla Walla, Washington
    • 2020: Young Money, Autumn Charges Strong, Crow, Casper, Wyoming
    • 2021: Tissidimit Relay, Brailey Tissidimit, Blackfeet, Casper, Wyoming
    • 2022: Amyotte Racing, Diamond Amyotte, Crow, Fort Pierre, South Dakota
    • 2023: Timentwa Relay, Talliyah Timentwa, Colville, Casper, Wyoming

Future Goals and the Path Ahead

As HNIRC continues its commitment to Casper, Wyoming, for the Championship of Champions, the council is already looking to the future. They aim to offer fresh environments and opportunities for different communities and sponsors to engage with and celebrate Indian Relay racing. By expanding the sport’s reach, HNIRC hopes to inspire new fans and competitors, ensuring that the vibrant tradition of Indian Relay continues to thrive.

The council’s future goals include not only the continued growth of the Championship of Champions but also the expansion of the Tour of Champions. HNIRC is exploring new ways to engage with fans, including potential partnerships with media outlets to broadcast the races and bring the excitement of Indian Relay to a broader audience. The council is also committed to furthering its community outreach efforts, providing more opportunities for Native Americans from other areas of the US and Canada to learn about and participate in this unique sport.

Prize Money

The Championship of Champions also offers significant prize money, adding to the competitive spirit of the event. The men’s relay has $100,000 in added money, with the total payout estimated at $125,000. The women’s relay features $25,000 in added money, highlighting the importance of supporting and recognizing the talent of female competitors in this sport.

In conclusion, the Horse Nations Indian Relay Council stands as a proud guardian of a rich cultural legacy. Through its dedication to preserving and promoting Indian Relay racing, HNIRC has created a platform where the strength, speed, and spirit of Native American horse culture can be celebrated and shared with audiences around the globe. The Championship of Champions and the Tour of Champions exemplify this mission, bringing together communities, showcasing exceptional talent, and ensuring that the vibrant tradition of Indian Relay continues to thrive for generations to come.