Relayhorse e-magazine March 2018 RHeM april 2018 4 15 18 PRINT READY | Page 10

April 1, 2018 I FROM THE DESK OF Dexter Bruisedhead President of the C.I.R.R.A t has been a very busy pre-season contacting potential hosts through phone calls, emails, and text messages to set the stage for our 2018 schedule of events. We are very happy to see events crossing over into the province of Saskatchewan and hope to also travel west into British Co- lumbia. The events have also traveled beyond the reserve boundaries as many non-native hosts have joined the tour. Our first event is scheduled for June 9-10 in Enoch Alberta, which may have the largest purse for the season. We will be celebrating our first anniversary at the Leth- bridge Indian Relay event set for June 15-17. Our goal for this season is to secure the hosts to a multiple year agree- ment once their events are complete. We anticipate each event will be a positive experience as we recognize that we are all part of this great sport from our hosts, sponsors, teams, CIRRA, and to our dedicated fans. In other words, we are all in this together. As we look at our tentative schedule we are continually re- ceiving enquires from potential hosts. The new fiscal year for many nations begins in April and if funds are available they may realize it can be a possibility to host an event. Please contact CIRRA for more information about host- ing an event. At this time we are tentatively racing every weekend until the championships in September. We tried to select our championship weekend without conflicting with any other event and choosing a date not so late in September or October. In 2017 we had a snowstorm within 12 hours after the championship heat, which was a little to close for comfort, and therefore an earlier date of Septem- ber 7-9 was selected. What can we say, It’s Canada eh? CANADIAN INDIAN RELAY RACING ASSOCIATION PO BOX 747, STANDOFF, AB, T0L 1Y0, PHONE [phone] EMAIL [email protected] C.I.R.RA MEMBERSHIP 12 10 Many new teams have formed and therefore a Rookie Of The Year Award will recognize the top new team at the year-end. Also joining us this year will be teams from the USA, which is very encouraging. Bringing first nations together to compete in a professional, sportsmanship and respectful environment will showcase our unique cultural event to the world with pride. I wish everyone a happy spring season along safe training and may the Great Spirit protect you and your horse. Dexter Bruisedhead (Blood Tribe) President – Canadian Indian Relay Racing Association (A volunteer for a healthier community)