Rodeo 101: All Indian Rodeo Cowboys Association (AIRCA)

The All Indian Rodeo Cowboys Association (AIRCA) is a Native American organization that solely promotes Indian rodeos. There is so much rich history that runs deep within this association and that’s what makes it so special.  It was formerly known as All Indian Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association. The organization sponsors a variety of local rodeos, most of them are in the state of Arizona throughout the year. To become a competitor in the finals, a performer must have competed in at least 30 events throughout the year. The All Indian Rodeo Cowboys Association works closely with several other organizations including the New Mexico Rodeo Association (NMRA) and Central Navajo Rodeo Association (CNRA).

The All Indian Rodeo Cowboys Association (AIRCA) is headquartered in St. Michaels, Arizona. Standings are kept for a variety of events including bareback, saddle bronc, bull riding, steer wrestling, tie-down roping, ladies breakaway, barrel racing, open team roping, senior breakaway, junior barrel racing, junior bull-riding, and team roping. Prize money is awarded at every event and tallied on the All Indian Rodeo Cowboys Association website. The top performers in this organization take home an annual payout in the range of $10k. While this is not as much as other organizations, it is enough to keep members coming back for more.

Indian National Finals Rodeo

Members look forward to the Indian National Finals Rodeo all year long which takes place at the South Point Equestrian Center in Las Vegas, Nevada! This is when the best of the best come together to compete for the title. The main goal is to promote the overall mission of the rodeo to current members, those who are thinking of joining, the sports media, and the public as a whole. With this event, the next generation of rodeo competitors is in a position to showcase their talent. This rodeo is more than just an event, it’s history in the making.

The Indian National Finals Rodeo is made up of several associations from both the United States and Canada. Each year, these associations send their best representatives to compete for Indian World Titles in a variety of events including Bareback, Saddle Bronc, Bull Riding, Steer Wrestling, Tie-Down Roping, Ladies Break Away, Ladies Barrel Racing, Open Team Roping, Senior Break Away, Junior Barrel Racing, Junior Bull Riding, and Team Roping.

As the name suggests, the Indian National Finals Rodeo consists only of those of Indian Heritage. Those who participate must be able to prove their heritage by providing documentation from a Federally Recognized First Nation or Tribe. To ensure the current well being of the organization as well as the long term viability, the International Indian Finals Rodeo is managed by a Board of Directors. The board meets regularly to review current strategies and plan for the future.

Mission of the INFR

The Indian National Finals Rodeo has the mission of contributing to the Indian Heritage and culture while unifying Indian contestants. The organization is also organized and designed to promote relationships between existing associations in both the United States and Canada.

Goals include:

• Maintain regard for livestock
• Preserve Indian Heritage
• Offer the privilege of bonding with others

With the help of the Indian National Finals Rodeo, the First Nations youth can continue to pursue personal, professional, and creative goals. Some of the associations that make up the Indian National Finals Rodeo include All Indian Rodeo Cowboys Association, Prairie Indian Rodeo Association, Central Navajo Rodeo Association, Reservation Rodeo Cowboys Association (AIRCA), Bear Paw Indian Rodeo Association, Western Indian Rodeo and Exhibition Association, and North American Indian Rodeo Association.

For many years, the All Indian Rodeo Cowboys Association (AIRCA) has been holding events throughout the western part of the United States. With the ultimate goal of reaching the Indian National Finals Rodeo, many people of Indian descent have joined this organization. Even if they fall short of reaching the Finals, there are other benefits that make membership worthwhile including a lifetime of memories.