I was born and raised outside of a small cowboy-Indian town on the Umatilla Indian Reservation. Life in Pendleton is usually simple and quiet, with the exception of our 1-week long historical rodeo known as the Pendleton Round-Up. During this week our town becomes vibrant and full of life.

Acosia - Fujifilm Pro400h

“While the rodeo is the heart of the Round-Up week, the Round-Up refers to all of the excitement that draws thousands to Pendleton in the second full week in September each year. Pendleton’s Main Street is closed to motorized traffic and becomes a carnival grounds with vendors and live music throughout the week. Whether it’s the Happy Canyon Night Show Pageant, the Indian Pow-Wows and vendor booths, the Westward-Ho! Parade or the nightly shows on Main Street, the whole town transforms into a fun-filled festival with something for everyone.

Native Americans from around the West gather on Sunday to begin setting up the Teepee Village, located just north of the rodeo grounds. This is a tradition that dates back to the first Round-Up held in 1910. Not long after, Roy Raley Park becomes a hub for Indian dancing competitions, Indian craft good vendors and the Junior Indian Beauty Pageant.” - www.PendletonRoundUp.com

My family has participated in the Pendleton Round-Up since it all began. My grandma Caroline Davis was the 1st Happy Canyon Princess and many of the women in my family still carry on the tradition.

Here are some of my favorite shots taken during this year’s 2016 Pendleton Round-Up.
All photos were shot with the Pentax67ii and SMC 105mm f/2.4 lens. Develop & Scans by theFINDlab.