Name: Darrell Taypotat

Age:  29

Marital Status: Married- wife Christa

Family/Children: Dad (Louis), Mom (Bernice), 5 Sisters (Gail, Chooch, Kendra, Sonya, Martina), 2 Brothers (Sam, Curtis) Daughter Melinda – grandson Carter, stepdaughters Jennifer and Sara

Hometown: Kahkewistahaw First Nation

Native American Heritage:  Cree

Horses:  Peppy, 2 Sox, and Boxer

Rodeo Events Worked: Calf Roping and Team Roping, I used to Bulldog right up until my knee wouldn’t let me.

Association member of: Canadian Cowboys Association, Prairie Indian Rodeo Association, Manitoba Rodeo Cowboys Association

Rodeo Accomplishments: Past CCA High Point and Calf-Roping Champion, IPRA High Point and Steer Wrestling Champion, WIREA Calf-Roping and Steer Wrestling Champion, PIRA High Point Calf-Roping, Steer Wrestling and Team Roping Champion

When did you start an interest in rodeo? When I was old enough to push calves for my dad.

What other sports other than rodeo do you enjoy? I enjoy hockey, hunting and playing pool.

What is the funniest thing that you have seen or experienced at a rodeo? There have been lots of funny things over the years of rodeo. Rodeo is fun as soon as you drive in the gates. 

What advice would you give to Indian youth about rodeo or anything in general? Stay in school; don’t get sidetracked with the wrong crowd. Respect is a big part of life always remember to respect your Elders stop and listen when they talk they hold the knowledge of our First Nations culture.  Attend rodeo schools, or go to any rodeos and hang around with the cowboys/cowgirls.

What advice would you give to Indian youth who wanted to participate in 
rodeo but didn’t have the resources or support to get involved? If there is a will there is a way. Stay focused and follow your dreams. If things don’t work out the first time around keep going it takes a lot of practice and dedication it doesn’t happen overnight.

Are there any songs that inspire or pump you up before you ride or rope? Nothing but country music.

What would you like to see more of at Indian Rodeos? I would like to see more youth involved in the junior events.  We need the youth to keep Indian rodeo going. I would also like to see more First Nations support their youth that are interested in following their dreams in rodeo.
What are/is your favorite western movie(s)? Unforgiven

What is your favorite music? Crazy question, country of course. I don’t listen to head banging or gangster music.

What was your most memorable ride or run? When I was at a C.C.A rodeo in Virden, Manitoba I was 3.1 in the Steer Wrestling.

Who is your all time hero? My mother for putting up with all of us it wasn’t easy back then.  Also Kenton Randle is one of my heroes for all of his courage and strength, he was so strong right till the end, a true cowboy miss ya buddy.

What Indian Cowboy or Cowgirl has influenced you to rodeo? My dad who is also my biggest critic (just kidding).

Would you like to thank sponsors and or anyone for your success in rodeo? I would like to thank my wife for letting me rodeo and putting up with my temper on my bad day runs also our traveling partners for having the patience I know I have my moments.  My family deserves lots of thanks we keep each other going and our each other’s strength. Lastly I would like to acknowledge Lafond Insurance, Saskatoon for their sponsorship.