PBR Canada event in Dawson Creek raises $34K for Tse’k’wa National Historical Site  

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — The Professional Bull Riders Canada (PBR Canada) Touring Pro stop in Dawson Creek on December 7th raised $34,000 toward the Tse’k’wa National Historical Site.

A press release on December 12th acknowledged that the event organized by promoter Alpha Bull and the Tse’k’wa Heritage Society dates back to 2021.

Tse’k’wa board president Garry Oker led the drummers of Doig River First Nation (DRFN) in drumming performances throughout the night. 

DRFN pledged $14,000 to the society, which will go toward growing the site’s capacity.

Oker says sharing the artifacts at Tse’k’wa and educational opportunities with the general public is the “next step” in the society’s relationship with the region.

“This is about building it up for the next generation,” said Oker.  “Tse’k’wa is not only a National Historic Site, but also an official artifact repository.”

Despite freezing rain conditions, which hindered the travel of some of the main sponsors, the bull riding main event raised $20,000 at the Ovintiv Events Centre.

Alpha Bull owner Chad Besplug presented the $20,000 cheque to Tse’k’wa Executive Director Alyssa Currie.

Besplug said his company being part of such a historic event is “truly an honour.”

“Alpha Bull wants to celebrate our shared history and respect for the land,” said Besplug.

Currie said the event’s value exceeds dollars and cents and has a long-term impact on the society meeting its goals.

“Alpha Bull helps us fill a critical need for operational funding,” said Currie. “The value of this event is not just in the funds raised, but in the awareness raised about the site and the connections built between community allies and supporters.”

The event was won by Saskatchewan’s Weston Davidson.  Fort St. John’s Jake Gardner finished sixth.

Tse’k’wa National Historical Site is co-owned by DRFN, Prophet River First Nation, and West Moberly First Nation. Its centrepiece is the Tse’k’wa cave, which dates back to the Ice Age.

For more information, visit the historical site’s website.