Indian Relay set for third installment

For the third year in a row, the Dodson Fairgrounds will host a Phillips County Indian Relay.

The event coupled with a Youth Rodeo is scheduled to take place on Sunday, August 4, starting at 11 a.m. The cost for the event is $15 per adult, $5 per child five to twelve years old.

"Being able to host the third annual Indian relay means a lot to our committee because it brings people of our surrounding communities together to enjoy each other's company and just have an exciting fun time together," said Francine KillEagle of the Northeast Corner Committee of Fort Belknap.

The event starts with a Qualifiers Race which will be followed with a kids' race. The Youth Rodeo is slated to start at 1:30 p.m.

This year's event will feature a Ladies Race for the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW) at 5 p.m.

The MMIW race will be followed by the Indian Mile Joe Kirkaldie Memorial Race, Chiefs Race Michael Dean Ball Memorial Race, Chariot Race Relay Race Calcutta, and the Consolation & Championship Races.

"The memorial races are a great way for the family to honor their loved ones in front of all of the surrounding communities and be able to dedicate the excitement and honor of each race to their loved ones that have passed on," KillEagle said.

The Dean Ball Memorial is a race put on by Dean's brother Jay Ball of Harlem.

"I just wanted to honor him in spirit," Jay said. "He was committed and liked horse racing like we do and Indian Relay in particular."

Dean passed away on September 9, of 2017, after taking his own life.

"It's for suicide awareness," Jay said. "We have had some of that happen in the last few months. We have had three or four young people do that. It's a terrible thing and as far as mental health awareness goes we really need more (support) on the reservation."

Having been through his own dilemma, Jay hopes to point those struggling towards help.

"I just want people to know that there are people out there that can help them and that it doesn't have to come to that," Jay said.

As for the Dean Ball Memorial Race, the event is a fast and furious one lap 1/2 mile race.

"It's meant to be fast," Jay said. "The participants will be in traditional regalia, being that it is a chiefs race. We want them to be in their best regalia."

The race will have eight spots that will fill up fast according to Ball. The winner of the race will win $1,000, a buckle and horse blanket. Second place will win $600, third place will win $400.

"People can expect a colorful race," Jay said. "A true half-mile, fast-paced bareback race."

For those seeking help please call the Suicide Prevention Hotline at 800-273-8255. For more info on the Michael Dean Ball Memorial Chief Race search for the event on Facebook.