SPECIAL GRANT PROGRAMS


Special Programs Introduction | Learning Support Center (LSC) | Native Games | Native Culinary Arts


NATIVE GAMES SUMMER CAMP

Introduction | Spirituality | Physical Fitness | Games

"Tapa Wanka Yeyapi" Sid Bad Moccasin (Burnt Thigh Lakota)

Spirituality


When the word game is heard, what is the first thing that comes to mind? Some games, like jump rope and freeze tag, are played primarily by children to for fun. Other games are played for entertainment regardless of age.

Some games have a person solving a puzzle. Some games involve using a controller. Other games have people jumping around for a ball. Other games have people laugh until they can't see. But not all games are played just for entertainment purposes.

Prayer and ceremony are associated with many native games. The day when stick ball is played, the fields, the players, and the equipment are blessed before play has begun. Even before game day, there is much spiritual preparation in the forms of fasting and prayer.

Many games have stories about why the game is played. The bone game is a gambling game, but was originally brought to this earth to help with disputes and war. The dog whip game from the Alaska region came from a time of darkness when the sun didn't rise. After the people first played the game, the sun came back after many generations.

The stories involved with native games have brought forth many traditions and practices for many peoples. But perhaps greatest aspect in native games is bringing the community together. Native games have brought people out to come together and enjoy the events as a community.