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Tsilhqot'in Stampede Horse and Bike Ride hit the road

Expect to a sea of red along Highway 20 as riders proceed to the Williams Lake Stampede
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The Tsilhqot’in Horse and Bike group arrived on the outskirts of Williams Lake Wednesday afternoon, June 28, 2023.

The Tsilhqot'in Annual Stampede Horse and Bike Ride will mark its 21st anniversary this year. 

Riders and chaperones come from the Tsilhqot'in communities of  Tl'etinqox, Yunesit'in and Tsideldel First Nations. 

Already, riders from Tsideldel started their ride June 18, headed for Tl'etinqox.

On Saturday, June 22, a ceremony with prayer and drumming will send off all the riders from Tl'etinqox and Tsideldel. 

They will be met by the Yunesit'in riders at Hanceville and from there will ride to the River Ranch turnoff, and camp there for the night. 

Sunday's ride will go as far as Jack Palmantier's homestead at Riske Creek. 

Setting up for two nights there, the youth will enjoy a bike rodeo and gymkhana. 

Tuesday, June 25, the riders will leave Palmantier's place to ride to the Meldrum Creek turn off, where they will again set up camp.

On Wednesday, there will be activities such as beading, horse shoes and Lehal. 

Throughout the ride the various First Nations communities are taking turns hosting events for the youth. 

Thursday, June 27, the ride departs for the final day to Williams Lake, with everyone dressed in red for the last leg of their journey to the Stampede. 

The community is encouraged to welcome the riders into town, with the anticipated time being between 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. 

At the RC Cotton site ride will conclude with a closing prayer and drumming. 

The public can also expect to see the riders participate in the Stampede Parade on Saturday, June 29. 

 



Monica Lamb-Yorski

About the Author: Monica Lamb-Yorski

A B.C. gal, I was born in Alert Bay, raised in Nelson, graduated from the University of Winnipeg, and wrote my first-ever article for the Prince Rupert Daily News.
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