Name: Lois A. (Chooch) Pewapisconias

Age: 42

Marital Status: SINGLE

Family/Children: My daughter & son – Jimi-Jo & Kale Pewapisconias; My parents – Louis & Bernice Taypotat; My brothers – Darrell (Christa) Taypotat, Curtis (Jackie) Taypotat, Sam (Tammy) Taypotat; My sisters – Gail Bear (Nyle Martin), Kendra Taypotat-Aisaican (Terrance Aisaican),  & Martina Taypotat (Les George); many traditionally adopted family; and many nieces & nephews.

Native American Heritage: Cree

Hometown: Kahkewistahaw First Nation

Horses: Bobbi Sioux (4 year old QH mare) & Jake (12 year old QH gelding)

Pets: My cow “Baby”!

Rodeo Events Worked: Used to Barrel Race and Goat Tie, but now just Breakaway Rope & the odd Team Rope!

Association member of: PIRA & past member of MRCA, NANCA, IRCA, & NCRA.

Rodeo Accomplishments: Past member of the IIFR Board of Directors, Current PIRA Secretary, one of founders of the PIRA, 2005 & 2007 IIFR Arena Secretary, 2006 & 2007 IIFR Breakaway Roping Qualifier, 2000 INFR and CIFR Breakaway Roping Qualifier, 2004 KCRA Finals Breakaway Roping Qualifier.

When did you start interest in rodeo? When I was about 12 years old, but I remember when my sister Kendra competed and I never was interested.  Now tables have turned! Funny how things work out!

What other sports other than rodeo do you enjoy? I love to play hockey – I primarily play goal for Esterhazy ladies hockey team and play wing when they need someone out!  I used to play softball, slow pitch, soccer, basketball, football, and floor hockey!  I will play slow pitch if I am the last resort ! hehe

What is the funniest thing that you have seen or experienced at a rodeo? During the BRHC rodeo in Little Pine I fell off my horse just when I went to throw my rope – horse went one way and I went the other! My brother Sam was pick up man and he came galloping over to see if I was okay because I lay there winded! To make light of the situation he motioned to his wife in the stands to see if she caught the whole thing on video.  Of course, I had to get up laughing.  That is Sam for you - he is a riot!  Ironically, Wendy Buffalo did the same thing the next day!  Wendy and I couldn’t live that one down that weekend! lol Lesson learned: expect the unexpected!

What advice would you give to Indian youth about rodeo or anything in general? Don’t’ be afraid to talk to the cowboys and cowgirls as there is always someone willing to give you a hand or helpful advice.  Give thanks to our Creator for the blessings and people that you have in your life, listen to the elders they have much wisdom and knowledge to share with you, respect yourself and others, avoid drugs and alcohol, make healthy choices, and be patient. Smile and be enthusiastic!

Are there any songs that inspire or pump you up before you ride or rope? No. I practice deep breathing to calm my butterflies and say a prayer for safety.

What is your favorite western movie(s)? Hidalgo, Dances with Wolves, Legends of the Fall, 8 Seconds, and Australia.

What is your favorite music? Country, 80’s rock, some gospel and reggae

What would you like to see more of at Indian rodeos? Added attractions for the younger crowd such as sheep riding and pee wee events; wild horse races; wild cow milking; more prize money added and to start on time!  More of a selection of Indian cowboys certified to judge.

What was your most memorable ride or run? 2004 KCRA Rodeo at One Arrow First Nation – I was the only one that caught all weekend and it felt so gratifying because I had not caught all season.  Gotta thank Ryan for that because he gave me some good advice that helped me focus!

What Indian cowboy or cowgirl has influenced you to rodeo? My late mosom Allan was very influential in my life – I spent endless hours with him just visiting him or assisting him feeding the cows and horses – I miss him dearly.  My dad for his moral and financial support in my younger days – we spent many hours in the arena where he taught me to ride, dismount, and tie for goat tying, and to throw a rope!  My sister Gail and late sister Cindy for inspiring me – they were awesome cowgirls in the arena barrel racing and goat tying.  My ex Ryan for teaching me respect for the horse and the varying techniques for roping.  My brothers for always willing to give that brotherly advice or lend me their horses!  They are awesome cowboys!

Would you like to thank sponsors and/or anyone for your success in Rodeo?  I would like to thank the Taypotat family for founding the PIRA – without this association here in Saskatchewan it would not give our First Nation cowboys and cowgirls the opportunity to excel to compete at the International level.  Also to the IIFR Board, Advisors and Sonya for keeping the IIFR going for those Indian cowboys and cowgirls to showcase their talent! Thank you to the continued sponsorship from SIGA & their Casinos & CDC entities, Stephen Pillipow, Louis Tapper, YTC, PH & N, Barrantagh, Kahkewistahaw C-Store, and many others.  Also thank you to those rodeo committees (BRHC, LaPlante Ranch, Round Lake, Ahtahkakoop, Poundmaker, etc.) for their contribution to Indian rodeos in Saskatchewan.  Thank you to the stock contractors and rodeo personnel for the productions.