Arrival of Strangers - The Last 500 Years

Social Gatherings

Pow-wows, Rodeos and Ranching

The pow-wow, which originated in the Plains, has now spread to various Aboriginal groups throughout North America, helping to develop a sense of "Pan-Indianism." Today's pow-wows are intertribal celebrations. Aboriginal people from many regions come together to sing, dance and share their culture with one another and with non-Aboriginal people as well.

In western Canada, ranching and rodeos are an important part of Aboriginal life on the Prairies. The mouth guard, bull rope, rowels, and glove are typical tools of the trade for bull and bronc riders. People who attend the chuckwagon races at the Calgary Stampede can acquire chuckwagon driver collectible cards.

Nehiyaw cowboy Marcel Saulteaux, from Mameo Beach, Alberta, competing in the calf roping event at a Tsuu T'ina rodeo in Bragg Creek, Alberta, photograph by Morgan Baillargeon Canadian Museum of Civilization, 94-586