Kenney receives Blackfoot name at memorial Indian relay race championship

Over the weekend, spectators, including Alberta Premier Jason Kenney watched the races here in Lethbridge. BCN’s Naveen Day was in attendance and says Kenney was also honoured with a Blackfoot name.

Indian horse relays are an adrenaline rush both for the players and the spectators.  The sport, which is hundreds of years old has recently risen in popularity across Alberta. Allison Red Crow, owner of the team Old Sun from the Siksika First Nation says he formed the team because of how fun the sport is.  He adds the surge in popularity came from young people taking an interest in the game.
Sunday’s races wrapped up with the Jason Goodstriker Memorial Warrior Championship Indian Relay Race.  Named after a well-respected leader, announcer, educator and athlete who passed away in 2020.  He was also a longtime friend of Alberta Premier Jason Kenney, who appointed him to Alberta’s Fair Deal Panel.  Kenney visited Lethbridge on Sunday to watch the competition and honour his friend.  Goodstriker’s father,  Prominent elder Wilton Goodstriker of the Káínai First Nation gave the Premier a special honour, the Blackfoot name, Motsomita, which means “Brave Horse”.
With no saddle or helmet, many Indigenous say the Indian Relay is North America’s original extreme sport.

Naveen Day

Naveen came to Lethbridge in 2018 with experience in broadcast spanning over 20 years. In Winnipeg, he produced two factual entertainment shows for Shaw and Bell MTS prior to his move to Southern Alberta where he quickly ventured out into the world of journalism at Bridge City News. Naveen has a passion for producing thought-provoking and informative news pieces that answer questions we all have in the back of our minds.

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