Horse racing action was centre stage at the third annual Sucker Creek First Nation Indian Relay Races held Sept. 6-7 at the High Prairie Elks Pro Rodeo Grounds. Accredited by the Horse Nations Indian Relays Races, results counted towards the Champion of Champions Race at the end of the season. Riders from Treaties 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8 competed in several categories. Traditional powwow dancers and drummers were also featured, as well as saddle bronc riding. Outside the arena, events included an Indigenous vendors’ market and children’s games and activities organized by Treaty 8 Urban Office. The 2025 event focused on the stories and history of Indigenous Peoples and learning. The Men’s Relay champion was Black Bear rider Jay Peeyachew and owner Colton Poitras. The Warriors Race champion was 150A Racing rider Haiden Sanders. The Chief Race champion was Whitefish Warriors (near Lac La Biche) rider Cashmere Wuhttunee and owner Gilbert Whitefish. The Ladies’ Race champion was Grey Eagle Express ride Nyla Houle. The Little Braves champion was Whitefish Warriors (near Lac La Biche) rider Kyro Whitefish.

A large crowd in the grandstand gets into the action at the Indian Relay Races on Sept. 6.
A racer in the Men’s Relay sprints down the track at the Indian Relay Races on Sept. 6.
Joyce Lamouche, of Gift Lake, shows her beautiful and varied homemade crafts at her business J&J Crafti, in the vendors’ market at the Indian Relay Races in High Prairie.
Kimberly Thibeault, of Grande Cache, left, promotes her natural medicines at her business, Holistic Habits, in the vendors’ market at the Indian Relay Races in High Prairie. Asha Leavey stands at the right.
Christina Strandland, of Red Deer, sells her crafts at Christina is Metis, with beaded jewelry and ribbon creations in the vendors’ market at the Indian Relay Races in High Prairie.
A rider in the Men’s Relay charges down the track at the Indian Relay Races on Sept. 6.
A rider in the Men’s Relay speeds down the track at the Indian Relay Races on Sept. 6.
A rider in the Men’s Relay gallops past the grandstand at the Indian Relay Races on Sept. 6.
Action at the Men’s Relay was fast and furious at the Indian Relay Races on Sept. 6.
Women and girls perform in an Intertribal dance as part of the Indian Relay Races on Sept. 6. Celebrating culture is extremely important to Sucker Creek First Nation and every opportunity taken to showcase it.
Dignitaries participate in the Grand Entry at the Indian Relay Races in High Prairie on Sept. 6. Left-right, are Town of High Prairie Mayor Brian Panasiuk, Kapawe’no First Nation Hereditary Chief Sydney L. Halcrow, Sucker Creek First Nations Councillor Jim Badger, Sucker Creek Chief Barb Okemow and Treaty 8 Grand Chief Trevor Mercredi.
Riders and teams participate in the Grand Entry at the Indian Relay Races on Sept. 6.
Princesses carry the Sucker Creek First Nations flag during the Grand Entry at the Indian Relay Races on Sept. 6. Left-right, are High Prairie Princess Arras Marshall and Sucker Creek Princess Karissa Cailliou.
Drummers and singers from Driftpile Cree Nation and Swan River First Nation performed during the Grand Entry at the Indian Relay Races on Sept. 6.
The Little Braves Race featured the youngest riders at the Indian Relay Races in High Prairie on Sept. 6. Above, a participant rounds the barrel.