Introducing the 2026 Calgary Stampede First Nations Princess – Raegan First Rider

After an incredible competition that showcased cultural knowledge, traditional dance, public speaking, and one-on-one interview skills, the Calgary Stampede is pleased to introduce Raegan First Rider as the 2026 Calgary Stampede First Nations Princess. 

“For 60 years, the First Nations Princess program has provided a global platform for young women from Treaty 7 First Nations to showcase their rich culture,” says Erin Shirley, Chair, First Nations Events Committee. “As an ambassador for the Calgary Stampede, this prestigious role highlights the integral relationship between the Stampede and the Treaty 7 First Nations. We are delighted to welcome Raegan First Rider as the 2026 First Nations Princess and look forward to her contributions during her reign.” 

Raegan First Rider is a 20-year-old Jingle Dress dancer from Kainai Nation whose Blackfoot name, is Isspitapoyi, meaning Stands Tall. She loves working with young children and has hopes of becoming an elementary teacher. As the Calgary Stampede First Nations Princess, Raegan will proudly represent the Stampede and her Kainai community while empowering youth, sharing her culture through dance, and serving as a dedicated ambassador and role model. 

“I feel every emotion right now,” said Raegan following her crowning. “I feel overjoyed, I feel proud – I don’t think there’s a word for it. This means the world to me. I had lots of inspiration from back home – my mom and my father have always told me to liyika’kimaat, which means try hard, and every day I wake up, I strive to try my hardest and never do a job, not well done – and I’m so glad that I did this job well.” 

Raegan will act as ambassador of the Calgary Stampede alongside the 2026 Calgary Stampede Princess, who will be crowned later this week. With their reigns officially starting on Jan. 1, 2026, through to Dec. 31, 2026, they will attend hundreds of events over the course of the year, including during The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth, sharing and celebrating the Stampede’s Western heritage, cultures and community spirit, while benefiting from professional and personal development. 
  
Learn more about the Royalty programs here. 

About the Calgary Stampede 

The Calgary Stampede celebrates the people, the animals, the land, the traditions and the values that make up the unique spirit of the west. The Calgary Stampede contributes to the quality of life in Calgary and southern Alberta through our world-renowned Stampede, year-round facilities, western events and several youth and agriculture programs. Exemplifying the theme We’re Greatest Together, we are a volunteer-supported, not-for-profit community organization that preserves and celebrates our western heritage, cultures and community spirit. All revenue is reinvested into Calgary Stampede programs and facilities. 

For media inquiries, please contact: 

Julie Forget
Manager, Communications & Media Relations 
Calgary Stampede
C 403.836.7317
E media.relations@calgarystampede.com