A barrel racer completes her 18 sec run. Oglala Lakota Nation’s rodeo, Pine Ridge
Every Pine Ridge rodeo begins with experienced horse women entering the arena proudly bearing the flags of the nations they ride for, the Oglala Lakota Nation and the United States of America.
Chancey Witt, Miss Oglala Lakota Nation rodeo queen 2022-23
While female bull riders are rare, women do compete fiercely in the challenges that put ranching skills to the test. The 2022 – 2023 Miss Oglala Lakota Rodeo Queen, Chancey Whitt has mastered ranching skills and is a formidable relay racing champion.
Being a representative of the Miss Oglala Lakota Nation demands in-depth knowledge of cultural traditions and all the candidates are challenged on their Lakota knowledge, which ensures the pageantry elements of rodeo help keep interest in cultural traditions relevant to young women.
Left to right: Kade Bettelyoun (centre) three times Miss Oglala Lakota Nation rodeo winner – A handmade traditional womens saddle – A Lil’ Miss Rodeo Queen contender
Doug Hancock is an award-winning Dutch film director, cinematographer and photographer, best known for his observed, intimate storytelling. A respected name within the Amsterdam commercial industry, his first documentary, Robert Mims the Texan Bull Rider, was celebrated at several international film festivals and was shortlisted for best short documentary at Big Sky Film Festival in 2018. His documentary Riders of the Buffalo Nations is in pre-production with production planned for 2023/24. Click here for part 1 and 2 of this blog series.
