International Indian Finals Rodeo
The International Indian Finals Rodeo was held at Rawhide at Wild Horse Pass the weekend of Nov. 6-9. The all-Indian rodeo drew participants from seven different rodeo associations, three of which were associations out of Canada. Altogether the cowboys competed for $152,000 dollars in total prize money.
According to Edison Bitsui, Commissioner of the IIFR who organized the production, this year's turnout was a definite improvement over last year's when the rodeo fell under significantly colder temperatures.
"The response that I'm getting is that it was good and the attendance definitely improved from last year," Bitsui said. "There is still a little room to grow. We might be able to market better in the metro Phoenix area. Overall the whole production was very good and the IIFR board of directors was pleased with the production."
The Gila River Indian Community was one of the host title sponsors along with the Navajo Nation. District 2 Councilman, Jewel Whitman was integral in assisting the organizers in getting the IIFR to be held at Rawhide. Whitman was also the shoot boss and assisted in running the bucking shoots. Bitsui said that D5 Councilwoman, Brenda Robertson was very involved in assisting with the reception, rodeo and awards banquet.
Navajo Nation Vice President, Ben Shelly, attended the event as did his Chief of Staff, Patrick Sandoval and District 2 Arizona Senator, Albert Hale.
Rodeo stock for the event was provided by both Casper Baca Rodeo Company from Grants, New Mexico and Charlie Willie Cattle Company from the Navajo Nation. "I think the rodeo stock is pretty good," Bitsui said. "I didn't hear any complaints from contestants."
The rodeo ended on Sun, Nov. 9, with an awards banquet held at Rawhide where 14 trophy saddles worth $1350 dollars each and 14 trophy buckles each worth $400 dollars were given to the cowboys who took the top position in their events.
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