In July, the Calgary Stampede witnessed an electrifying performance from American calf-roper John Douch, who showcased his remarkable skills while riding his trusted steed, Tomcat. In a swift 7.4 seconds, Douch roped and secured a calf, solidifying his status as one of the top competitors in the rodeo circuit. With a long-standing history in rodeo and a ranking of sixth in the world according to the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association, his presence at this famed event is not just about competition; it symbolizes the evolving narrative of Black cowboys in a predominantly white sport.
A Rising Star in the Rodeo Circuit
At just 29 years old, Douch has established himself as a formidable force in tie-down calf roping, having qualified for the National Finals Rodeo five consecutive times. His recent performance at the Stampede secured him a second-place finish in his pool, netting $14,500, followed by a third-place finish in the finals which added another $10,000 to his earnings. Since 2018, he has amassed over $1.3 million in winnings, a testament to his dedication and talent.
“I love rodeo so much, and I love the history of it, so that’s why I stuck with it,” Douch remarked during an interview in Calgary. He is one of only two Black cowboys competing at the Stampede, which featured over 200 participants from Canada, the United States, Mexico, and Australia. Douch believes that his representation is crucial for inspiring younger generations, stating, “To have the younger kids watch me and be like, ‘He’s African American, I want to be like him when I grow up,’ I think it’s pretty cool.”
The Historical Context of Black Cowboys in Canada
The presence of Black cowboys in Canada has deep historical roots, dating back to the late 1800s when many sought refuge from the racial discrimination prevalent in the United States. During this era, Alberta became home to numerous Black cowboys who excelled in ranching and rodeo. However, as the 20th century progressed, the landscape began to shift.
Calgary author and scholar Bertrand Bickersteth highlights the nostalgic perception of cowboys, noting that rodeos emerged as a means to celebrate a lifestyle that had begun to fade as homesteading took over. “What happens is now we want to sort of capture this nostalgia, this livelihood or this lifestyle that most people were not familiar with when the cowboys were actually out on the frontier by themselves,” he explained.
One of the most renowned figures in Alberta’s cowboy history is John Ware, a Black rancher who arrived in Canada in 1882. Ware became a celebrated cowboy, contributing significantly to the ranching community and leaving a lasting legacy. “He very quickly became a valued member of the ranching community,” said Cheryl Foggo, a historian and expert on Ware’s life. His story serves as a reminder of the longstanding presence of Black cowboys in Alberta, despite their often-overlooked contributions.
The Modern Rodeo Landscape and Representation
Despite the historical significance of Black cowboys, contemporary rodeo culture in Canada lacks the visibility that exists in the United States. While events like the Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo celebrate Black equestrians, Canada has yet to establish formal all-Black rodeo associations. Foggo points out that barriers still exist within the sport, similar to those encountered by Black athletes in hockey.
“People have barriers around certain sports out of a desire to keep Black people out of them, and I believe rodeo is one of those,” she observed. Douch echoes this sentiment, highlighting the importance of visibility and representation. He hopes to pave the way for future generations of Black cowboys, planning to open a rodeo school to share his skills and ensure that anyone can aspire to excel in the sport.
The Challenge of Recognition
The historical contributions of Black cowboys have often been overshadowed, particularly in popular culture. Bickersteth notes that the narratives predominantly feature white protagonists, erasing the rich tapestry of Black experiences in the cowboy lifestyle. Although Black cowboys have been an integral part of Alberta’s history, their stories remain underrepresented in mainstream accounts of rodeo and ranching.
The landscape began to change in the early 1900s when systemic barriers emerged to limit Black immigration and settlement in Canada. An Order-in-Council was enacted in 1911 to restrict Black migration, stating that the “race is deemed unsuitable to the climate and requirements of Canada.” This resulted in the isolation of Black families and a significant decline in their presence within the cowboy community.
Why it Matters
The story of John Douch and his fellow Black cowboys at the Calgary Stampede transcends mere competition; it is a powerful narrative of resilience, representation, and reclamation of identity in a sport with deep historical roots. As visibility grows, the hope is that more young Black athletes will be inspired to participate, ultimately enriching the cultural landscape of rodeo in Canada. By honouring the legacy of Black cowboys and promoting inclusivity in the sport, we can pave the way for a future that celebrates diversity and acknowledges the contributions of all who have shaped the cowboy legacy.
