"The Stampede Parade is a traditional kickoff to the Calgary Stampede. From the very beginning, Treaty 7 First Nations have been invited to ride in it. The first parade had nearly 2000 Native people in it.

It is a way to show others our best horses, our traditional outfits and our good riding. Our elders and chiefs ride near the front of the parade.

Reg Crowshoe told us that Native people often had parades into their camps after a battle and that they wore their best outfits.

The Stampede Parade has kept this tradition alive in a way. We don't have battles now but we can still show others our traditional outfits and our horses."

Chaz, Kobe and Teyen - Grade 4 students