Indian National Finals Incorporates More Than Just the Sport

The 2023 INFR will host a multitude of talents, from rodeo athletes to artists, rodeo royalty and more.

After competing at region and tour rodeos, athletes are arriving at the South Point Equestrian Center in Las Vegas, Nevada, geared up for the finals. Since 1976 the INFR has hosted a circuit for Native American athletes across the United States and Canada.

The INFR is set to host workshops through the Falmouth Institute, an education provider for the North American Indian community, founded in 1985. The Falmouth Institute has assisted most Native American Nations in the United States by “meeting their complex, ever-changing educational needs and assisting them in refining or restructuring their organizations.”

Native American artists and designers will be presenting a fashion show, set for Oct. 27 at 9:30 a.m. Palomino Paintings by Sammy Bird, Healing Hats by Dr Mom, and Jewelry created by Hank Whitethorne will all be on display. Whitethorne is a Navajo jewelry maker and artist who pulls inspiration from the landscapes near the Four Corners in the Navajo Nation.

The next Miss Indian Rodeo will be selected at the commencement of the 2023 Miss Indian Rodeo Pageant which will take place from Oct. 24 through 27. Since 1979 the INFR has selected Miss Indian Rodeo as “the official ambassador for the National Indian Finals Rodeo, INFR contestants, Indian Professional Rodeo, the spectators, stock contractor, sponsors, rodeo officials and all Native American Tribes throughout North America and First Nations of Canada.”

The mission of the INFR is “to provide, promote and preserve the advancement of Professional Indian Rodeo by empowering families, youth and communities through positive role modeling, educational opportunities, competition, culture and tradition."