Wrestling returns to Siksika Nation after a long hiatus

Ryan Running Rabbit

On Saturday, May 21st, at 3pm, a ring bell rang in Siksika for the first time in decades. Siksika Health Services and Dungeon Wrestling came together to put on the “Showdown at the Arbor” for the community.

The packed show featured six action-packed matches including a main event headlined by Calgary’s own Raj “Money” Singh, who some may recognize from appearances on IMPACT Wrestling, and Wavell “The First Nation Sensation” Starr. During his performance Wavell Starr delivered a touching story about why following and working on your dreams is important for First Nations youth.

This event was months in the making, but the story goes back even further than that. Years ago, professional wrestling, specifically Stampede Wrestling was the “it” thing to follow and watch for Nation Members. This is no different for Siksika Health Services CEO, Dr. Tyler White, who grew up a fan, imitating the famous Hart Foundation with his friend Jason Doore.

“At the time wrestling was very big in our high school, and many of us had dreams and aspirations of being a wrestler or connected to wrestling in some way,” – Tyler White

The admiration of Bret Hart is where is all started, to now collaborating with Bret’s son, Dallas Hart, founder of modern-day wrestling promotional business, Dungeon Wrestling. The Hart Family have become dear friends of Siksika Health Services.

Be sure to join us June 6th and 7th for the 20th anniversary of the Siksika Health Fair where Bret “The Hitman” Hart will talk shop about wrestling and men’s health with the Calgary Hitmen’s Rob Kerr.