ST. PAUL – The Bullarama held at the Ag Corral on Sept. 28 was more than a rodeo - it held a deeper significance as members of the community came together in honour of truth and reconciliation.
Hosted by the Jackson Bucking Bulls, the event opened with a Cree prayer led by Elder Wilford Whiskeyjack Sr., followed by a prayer-song by Frog Lake council member Dallas Waskahat in homage of the safety of the bulls, as well as the riders.
Then nine-year-old Jude Cardinal’s voice echoed throughout the arena as he sang the Canadian national anthem in Cree.
Stephanie Jackson, with the organizing committee, said the Bullarama serves a part of the Jackson family’s healing journey.
Years ago, Jackson said the family was losing her brother to drugs and gang life. She attended a ceremony to pray for her brother, and was told that his brother will heal “through bulls and horses.”
“[This day] marks almost two years that my brother has been sober from alcohol and drugs,” she said, much to the cheers of the crowd. Jackson said her brother created the Jackson Bucking Bulls as a way of giving back.
The Bullarama is also tribute to all children who never made it home from residential schools, added Jackson. “But as well to remember and honour our families of today who are still here with us, especially our elders and survivors.”
Jackson said the event was held in St. Paul in honour of the First Nations people who resided in the area in the past. “So, for me, I just wanted to build those relationships within the Town of St. Paul . . . that we can all live together.”
She added, “We can all work together. And we can all get along with one another toward truth and reconciliation."