Today, I want to talk to you about play. Play is not just for young children but is important for people of all ages—yes, teens and adults, too! Play promotes development, learning, and communication. Play reduces stress and builds relationships. Play teaches, refines skills, and brings joy to our lives. Play allows us, as adults, to engage with the children in our lives fully. I encourage all of you to find time for play.
(Fun fact: Did you know that recent studies have shown that nearly three out of four young people would rather spend more time playing with their grown-ups than playing video games?)
SOME TRADITIONAL DENE GAMES
I wanted to share some Dene games that all group members can play outdoors. Many of these games were played to help the Dene people prepare for activities such as hunting and fishing. Some of these games are even featured in the Arctic Winter Games!
Hand Games:
The Hand Games were played years ago as a form of gambling among friends and different groups.. Today, however, the Hand Game is played in cultural centres, community carnivals, and other events throughout Dene country as a friendly competition that fosters community pride. The Hand Game is based on a simple concept of hiding and guessing objects using elaborate hand signals and gestures to find and hide the object.
Hand Games is a game of guessing and deceiving played to a chorus of drums and usually is the liveliness of all Dene Games.
For how to play: http://www.denegames.ca/dene-games/hand-games-rules.html
Snow Snake:
This game is played in the winter and is often used to test accuracy, power, or technique. Traditionally, it is a hunting tool to catch small games, but it is used as a distance game in competitions. Like the Javelin in track and field, the person who throws the spear with the farthest wins. However, the spear is thrown underhand and along the ground with Snow Snake. Snow Snake is best played on ice or compacted snow. Watch these videos to learn more.
Hoop and Pole:
The Hoop and Pole game increases agility and sureness of aim, and it is also useful in training people on the proper use of the spear and arrow. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mxagWo01blY
Try making your own hoop and pole to play with! What materials could you use to make your own version of this game? Branches, sticks, hula hoops, string, sinew
—————– NEED SOME DRUMMING TO ACCOMPANY YOUR GAMES?—————-
Listen to Buffalo River Dene Drummers on
Amazon Music or
————————————————————–
Be silly. Make art. Skate. Read. Play cards or a board game or a sport. Sled. Build forts. Get messy. Pillow fight. Wear costumes. Pretend. Make snowmen. Have fun!
