Calgary Stampede a success and local First Nation teenager featured on iconic Poster

Calgary Stampede Bull Rider

This year’s Calgary Stampede attracted more than half-a-million people at “The Greatest Show on Earth.” If this had been any other year the 528,998 final attendance figures would have been a disappointment but because of the world-wide pandemic the Calgary Stampede organization said this was a success.

In a press release the Calgary Stampede organization said this year their community celebration was the first step in the safe return to live events for the City of Calgary and the country.

“We asked you to ride again – and you did! We are so proud to have hosted 528,998 guests at Stampede Park July 8-18, as our community once again came together. The Calgary Stampede has been a trailblazer throughout our 109 year history, but never more than this year. Thank you for joining us to Stampede your way, and to celebrate The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth.”

The Calgary Stampede were proud to introduce Katari Right Hand, the talented young woman from the Siksika First Nation who was featured on the 2021 Calgary Stampede’s iconic poster

Katari Right Hand of the Siksika
Nation was the Stampede Parade Marshall

 

The Calgary Stampede were proud to introduce Katari Right Hand, the talented young woman from the Siksika First Nation who was featured on the 2021 Stampede poster in an image that showcases determination and perseverance through turbulent times. Right Hand’s Blackfoot name is Nààpiwa otó piim Akikowan which means Rainbow Girl. As a Fancy Dancer, her regalia features signature rainbow ribbons that can be seen on the 2021 poster. Right Hand has been dancing and showcasing her culture at the Stampede since she was a child. Now, at 17 years old, she was chosen as parade marshal that kicked off Stampede’s annual community celebration.

Katari said that she was very proud and excited to be the 2021 Stampede Parade Marshal.

“It was an honour to represent Niitsitapiiks. I’d like to thank Lexi Hilderman for selecting my picture as her entry for the Calgary Stampede 2021 poster contest,” says Katari Right Hand, a soft-spoken young woman who prefers to speak through her dancing. “I would also like to thank the Calgary Stampede for choosing me to be the 2021 Parade Marshal. But, most of all, I want to thank my parents, Marcell and Delores Right Hand, for raising me to be the best that I can be. Thank you to Creator and everyone for your continued guidance and support.”

Each year, the President & Chairman of the Calgary Stampede Board of Directors has the privilege of selecting the Parade Marshal.

“I am so honoured that Katari accepted my request to be the Parade Marshal for 2021,” said President & Chairman of the Calgary Stampede Board of Directors, Steve McDonough. “I was inspired by the image Lexi submitted and wanted to learn more about the remarkable young woman featured. Katari Right Hand’s name Rainbow Girl is a reminder that we are coming out of a storm together and that as the clouds move behind us, the sun will shine again.”