By Lynn Calf Robe
On October 6, 2025, the Calgary Stampede unveiled its official 2026 Stampede Poster—an image that brings together powwow, tradition, and Siksika pride in one striking frame. The poster features Champion Junior Men’s Grass Dancer Tyrone Sitting Eagle Jr. of Siksika Nation, photographed during the 2024 Stampede Powwow. The painting, When the Grass Dances, was created by emerging artist Dayna Loepps, whose acrylic work won the Calgary Stampede Youth Poster Competition.
What began as a single photograph Loepps captured at the Elbow River Camp Powwow at the Saddledome is now the visual identity of the 2026 Stampede. For Tyrone and his family—tipi owners at Elbow River Camp for more than 40 years—the honour carries deep meaning. “I hope the 2026 poster will encourage people to visit Elbow River Camp during Stampede and learn more about the people of Treaty 7 and the different tribes within the Blackfoot Confederacy,” he says.
The Stampede emphasizes that the poster reflects more than a competition win—it represents an ongoing relationship. “Elbow River Camp has been an integral part of the Calgary Stampede since 1912,” says Stuart O’Connor, President & Chair of the Board. “The 2026 Poster’s tribute to First Nations artistry at the Stampede Powwow is a powerful reflection of this enduring relationship and a reminder that language, culture and tradition remain at the core of the Stampede.” The unveiling also marked the opening of ticket sales for the 2026 Rodeo and Evening Show, which runs July 3–12.
For Tyrone, the entire experience was unexpected. “At the time, I thought they just wanted to do a painting,” he says. “I heard it could be for the Stampede, but I wasn’t sure until we kept meeting. The artist asked me a lot of questions, and later she told me she was submitting it to the contest.” It wasn’t until the unveiling that he realized the painting—capturing him mid-dance—would become one of the Stampede’s most recognized images.
The response from the powwow community has been strong and supportive. “It feels really awesome,” Tyrone says. “A lot of my powwow friends shared it and tagged me. People were excited to see a grass dancer being featured.” He admits he was nervous about how it would be received. “I’m not the type to be boastful. But the comments were positive, and people were genuinely happy for me—especially other grass dancers.”
That support builds on an already meaningful memory: winning the Junior Men’s Grass Dance category at the 2024 Stampede Powwow. “I had no idea it was going to end up like that,” he recalls. “I tied at first, and when we went back out to break the tie, I won. The other dancer is amazing—we’re good friends now. It was exhilarating.” Knowing that moment now lives on through the Stampede poster makes it even more significant. “I heard membership has my poster up too. I’m going to think about that for a long time.”
Powwow has always been part of Tyrone’s life. His grandfather and father were champion dancers, and he grew up learning from them. All three share the same beadwork pattern designed for his grandfather, Gerald Sitting Eagle—a design carried forward through generations.
Over the years, Tyrone has danced at powwows across North America, gaining experiences that are rooted more in emotion than description. “My favourite thing is… it’s hard to explain,” he says. “At a powwow in Regina I made top ten. It wasn’t about the money. It was hearing everybody cheer. It was exhilarating. It’s just a lot of fun for me to dance.”
As a father, Tyrone hopes his children take something from seeing him perform or appear on the Stampede poster. “I hope they use that as an example of striving toward what they want to do,” he says. “My son likes hockey. My daughter likes to draw. I want them to know they can succeed at whatever they pursue.”
Outside powwow, Tyrone divides his time between work, family, and his other creative passion—music production. He releases tracks under his producer name Eleeus and hopes to continue growing his audience. He will be back on the powwow trail soon, with stops in Lethbridge and at the First Nations University Powwow. His favourite drum groups—Young Spirit, Bullhorn, and Northern Cree—continue to influence and motivate him.
Looking ahead, Tyrone plans to keep challenging himself as a dancer, artist, father, and community member. “I hope to one day have a big enough fan base for my music,” he says. “And I want to become a champion grass dancer, or dance for a long time.”
The original When the Grass Dances painting will be on display during Stampede 2026 at the Western Oasis Art Show in the BMO Centre, July 3–12. Viewing is free with park admission, and poster copies will be available for purchase at Lammle’s next year.
