Grande Prairie, Alberta, marks the northernmost point Indian Relay Race announcer Gayle Skunk Cap has visited in his over 40 years involved with the sport. The June 6-7 races in Grande Prairie, along with upcoming 2026 events in Medicine Hat and Lloydminster, serve as three Canadian qualifiers for the Calgary Stampede this year.
Interview with Gayle Skunk Cap
Skunk Cap shared his deep connection to Indian Relay Races, which have been part of his life for decades. "I was introduced to the sport back in the 1980s by my uncle, Leroy Skunk Cap in Montana," he said. "He thought it would be great to add to the area rodeos in Montana and worked to bring it to the State."
The announcer emphasized the significance of the three qualifiers. "You bet we'll take the aggregate scores of those three, and those will qualify for the Calgary Stampede this year," he stated.
Skunk Cap noted the sport's evolution over the past 40 years. Purses have grown from $5,000 to over $100,000. He also highlighted the upcoming Muckleshoot Gold Cup Indian Relay in Auburn, Washington, from June 12 to 14, featuring top North American teams competing for $100,000 in prizes.
"We invite the best riders based on races won, willingness to travel, and more from seven states and two provinces. The best of the best," Skunk Cap said. "Being part of an event with that kind of prestige, while also seeing my family's involvement span three generations in the sport, is great. I take a lot of pride in this."
Cultural Performances and Community
The weekend's opening ceremonies included greetings from Elders and Chiefs, along with performances by dancers like Clinton Soto from Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation in Alberta.
Skunk Cap's passion for the sport remains strong as he continues to announce and promote Indian Relay Races across North America.
