Tsilhqot'in horse, wagon and bicycle riders are getting closer to the 96th Williams Lake Stampede.
The Tsilhqot'in 21st Annual Stampede Horse and Bike Ride is expected to arrive in Williams Lake Thursday, July 27, some time between 5:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. approaching from Highway 20.
Today, Wednesday, the riders are having a day of rest at Meldrum Creek or attending a celebration at Nemiah Lodge marking the 10th anniversary of the Tsilhqot'in rights and title lands decision.
Originally started by Tl'etinqox First Nation, the Tsilhqot'in Ride has grown to include the communities of Tsideldel First Nation and Yunesit'in First Nation.
Tl’etinqox Chief Joe Alphonse has said in the past, the ride was started as a way to connect youth to horses and the land, and to give them something to look forward to each year.
The idea for the ride was first suggested by the chief's cousin, the late Roland Alphonse.
On Friday, the 16th Annual Xeni Gwet'in Youth Wagon Trip will arrive in Williams Lake in time to participate in the presentation of Indigenous wagons and riders during the opening ceremonies of the Stampede's first performance.
Former Xeni Gwet'in Chief Jimmy Lulua started the ride as a way to connect youth with elders and with the land.
For the third year, Tl'etinqox elder Sammy Stump is doing his seven-day Tsilhqot'in Cross Country Wagon Ride in his wagon with an orange covering and a banner with the words "Every Child Matters," for the children who never returned home from residential school. Sammy started the ride with Tl'esqox First Nation and ?Esdilagh First Nation.
"The most exciting time is being on the traditional land with our children, and elders, teaching our Tsilhqot'in traditional activities, and Tsilhqot'in traditional knowledge to the children." said his wife Angie Stump, an elder from Tl'etinqox.
Sammy teaches the children how to drive the team horses and others along the ride are teaching the children how to ride horses.
The children are being taught to respect and be gentle with the horses. They are also learning about the land, creeks, lakes and meadows along the way, as well as the IRs (Indian Reserve lands), Angie said.
"The children listen to stories that were shared by our ancestors. So much healing takes place on Cross Country Wagon Rides. As the Tsilhqotin Nation, we are so strong in our cultural practices on the land."
The Cross Country Wagon Ride is expected to arrive in Williams Lake from the Mackenzie Avenue approach around 2 p.m. en route to the RC Cotton Site before participating in the evening Stampede presentation.
