For Siksika Nation’s Jim Stevens (Siikoojohn), a lifetime in rodeo has brought championships, travel and opportunities to work with horses. But the moments he values most are those shared with his family and the opportunities to help young people.
Stevens was inducted into the 2026 Indian National Finals Rodeo (INFR) Hall of Fame on October 15 at South Point Hotel, Casino & Spa in Las Vegas, Nevada, during the 50th Annual INFR. The recognition honours a journey that began at home in Siksika and continues through competition, horsemanship and community work.
A member of the Sa-yiiks Clan, Stevens credits his upbringing with establishing the connection to horses that has shaped his life.
“Siksika has always been home to me,” Stevens said. “It’s where I grew up, where my family is, and where my connection to horses and rodeo began.”
Stevens started steer wrestling at age 15. He was drawn to the competition, the horses and the people, discovering early that success required time, discipline and responsibility.
While attending Olds College, he won two Canadian College Championships. He later competed in the Canadian Professional Rodeo Association for approximately ten years and earned a Canadian Senior Pro Championship. Although steer wrestling has remained his main event, he has also participated in team roping.
One of his biggest competitive achievements came in 2022, when he won an INFR World Championship in steer wrestling.
Yet his decision to become involved in the INFR circuit was rooted in something beyond titles: the chance to compete alongside his children, Hayze and Destiny.
“Being able to travel together, compete at the same rodeos, and share those experiences as a family has meant more to me than any championship,” he said.
His work with horses has also extended beyond the arena into television and film productions, creating opportunities he never imagined when he began.
Stevens learned about his Hall of Fame selection in August, when the INFR’s general manager contacted him. His first reaction was surprise, followed by gratitude.
“To be recognized by your peers for something you’ve dedicated so much of your life to is a pretty special feeling,” he said.
The honour also brought some humour.
“I had to laugh a little because I don’t really feel old enough to be going into a Hall of Fame yet!”
Still competing and working with horses, Stevens said receiving the recognition while actively involved in rodeo made it especially meaningful.
Throughout that journey, his wife, Crystal, and their children have remained central to his success. Behind the competitions have been long days, early mornings, miles of travel and sacrifices shared by the family.
Stevens credits their encouragement with helping him develop confidence, work through difficult periods and become a stronger competitor. Sharing the induction celebration with them was something he said he would never forget.
“This honour belongs to my family as much as it does to me.”
He also acknowledged his parents, Jack and Judy Stevens, who encouraged him to travel and pursue rodeo as a young man. Their trust gave him room to learn, make mistakes and grow.
His family’s support system has continued to grow with Hayze’s marriage to Breana. Stevens also expressed gratitude for the horsemen, competitors, mentors and lifelong friends who have shared their knowledge along the way.
Like many rodeo athletes, Stevens has faced financial pressures, injuries and the challenge of balancing competition with family life. Through those difficulties, his love for horses and his family’s encouragement helped him continue.
“Rodeo can be humbling,” he said. “You can have a great run one day and have everything go wrong the next.”
As his career has progressed, his reasons for staying involved have expanded to include helping others and seeing young athletes succeed.
That commitment extends to equine-assisted learning programs he delivers with Destiny on Siksika Nation. Rooted in Blackfoot traditions, the programs use experiences with horses to teach confidence, responsibility, patience, respect and teamwork.
For Stevens, the work connects his lifelong interests with an opportunity to support youth, including those facing challenges.
“Not every child is going to become a rodeo competitor, and that’s okay,” he said. “Sometimes just being around a horse, learning to care for it, and building that connection can make a difference in a young person’s life.”
He sees those programs as another way to give back to the community that shaped him.
His advice to young people is to set goals, work hard, ask questions and surround themselves with good people. He also encourages them to take pride in their family and community wherever they compete.
“Rodeo will teach you how to win, but more importantly, it will teach you how to lose, get back up, and try again,” he said.
For Stevens, the Hall of Fame induction marks an accomplishment within a journey that continues. He hopes to keep competing, promoting rodeo and helping young people find opportunities of their own.
“I’m proud to be from Siksika Nation, and I hope I’ve represented my community well.”
