A personal journey from Calgary Stampede to Thunder Bay’s newsroom—and why the PBR matters here, too!
THUNDER BAY – SPORTS – From time to time, a few readers ask a fair question: Why does NetNewsLedger cover professional bull riding (PBR)? After all, it’s not a sport with deep roots here in Thunder Bay.
We don’t have a major rodeo scene, and you’re unlikely to see a bull chute down at the CLE. However from the interest, it is possible that some of that Western Heritage could one day come to Thunder Bay. There is a Canadian PBR too.
But the reality is for me, this coverage is personal—and it started long before I ever returned to Thunder Bay in 2007 after spending twenty years in Alberta.
From the Stampede Grounds to the Rodeo Arena
My connection to the sport began when I lived in Calgary, Alberta, and started attending the Calgary Stampede. Like many, I was first drawn by the spectacle—the energy, the grit, the sheer adrenaline of it all. But it was what happened behind the scenes that left a deeper impression.
As I became more involved, I built relationships with several First Nations communities around Calgary. That connection eventually led me to a unique role: providing rodeo first aid at events hosted by the Indian Rodeo Cowboy Association.
It was there that I witnessed the incredible dedication and toughness of the cowboys up close.
Respect Earned, Lessons Learned
These weren’t just guys who showed up and held on. They trained hard, travelled far, and risked everything for a shot at glory that sometimes lasted just eight seconds.
I started attending weekly practice sessions, where these Indigenous Cowboys practiced and honed their skill.
Back then, safety equipment like helmets and flak jackets was still rare.
The cowboy’s hit the arena with little more than their bull rope, gloves, hat and their courage and grit.
Today, thanks to evolving standards and athlete advocacy, such gear is common—and a testament to how the sport has grown in professionalism and awareness.
Still, the raw intensity remains. Every ride is a test of balance, bravery, and sheer will. And every cowboy stepping into that chute knows the risks.
So Why Cover It Here?
Thunder Bay might not host PBR events, but our readers connect with stories of courage, determination, and Indigenous excellence—all of which are often found in the world of professional rodeo.
Moreover, as we’ve seen across Canada, including in Northwestern Ontario, rodeo and bull riding hold deep significance in many Indigenous communities. Covering the sport isn’t just about entertainment—it’s about recognizing a culture of strength, tradition, and sport that stretches across the country.
So when you see our coverage of PBR highlights or features on Canadian bull riders making waves in the U.S., know that it’s not just about bulls and dust—it’s about honouring a tradition, showcasing grit, and following a path that started in a rodeo arena out West and led, full circle, back to Thunder Bay.
