Indian rodeo in British Columbia : a structural-functional analysis
Date
1971
Authors
Haugen, Roger Earl
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Abstract
This thesis attempts to demonstrate that Indian participation in the British Columbia interior rodeo complex is conditioned by (1) their unique position as a well-defined minority with specific rights, privileges, and limitations deriving from their reserve status and the amounts and kinds of land represented by this; and (2) by a set of pan-Indian values which tend to be characteristic of the Indian people of this area of the interior of the Province of British Columbia. These latter consist mainly of attitudes towards (1) steady work, such as wage employment that would require living away from the reserve versus the more favored employment allowing one to remain on the reserve and, (2) types of work, such as the relative appeal of exciting, outdoor, variable jobs as opposed to dull, indoor, routine occupations. Also important are values regarding kinship relations and obligations, which affect Indian conceptions of status and prestige and attitudes towards the accumulation of wealth.
Research for the study involved observation of several rodeos, including those at Mt, Currie, Riske Creek, and Anahim Lake. Additional information was obtained through informal interviews with Indian and Eurocanadian riders and spectators, with special attention being given Indian riders,
Data collected supports the argument that Indian participation in rodeo is directly influenced by band organization and reserve status, which provide Indian people with social and geographic solidarity and a measure of economic security. These, plus the accessibility of land, stock, and materials on the reserves facilitate the establishment of reserve rodeos. This is all greatly enhanced by a set of pan-Indian values, including (1) attitudes towards types of work favored, (2) a desire to be self-employed or independent, (3) the importance of kin and band ties, which provide both status and economic security, and (4) a general reluctance to live away from the reserve. Reserve status and values combine to foster participation in Eurocanadian rodeo.