Run and scream, hoop and arrow, and other traditional games

The morning of June 13, the gym at the Golden Eagle High School was punctuated by long drawn out yells at regular intervals. Up on the walking track, elementary school students were taking part in run and scream a traditional Cree game.

The kids take a big breath, then carrying a stick run as far as they can while yelling. When they have to take a breath, they put down the stick to mark their spot. The one that runs the furthest wins.

This was one of several traditional games which were part of the Golden Eagle High School (Osaw Kihew Kiskinwahamatowikamik) traditional games competition in Wabasca.

“All in all the students liked the games,” says Christine Gullion, Golden Eagle School vice-principal, who was one of the organizers. “I think all had a lot of fun and learned more about the games.”

The event was moved indoors because of rain and smoke. It was for Kindergarten to Grade 12. In the morning, Oski Pasikoniwew Kamik School (OPK) students played the games.

The Kindergarten to Grade 2 students stayed at OPK and Grade 4 to 5 walked across the parking lot to the high school to take part.

The elementary games were run and scream, moccasin races, kickball races, hoop and arrow, ring the stick, and bird and animal calls. They also had art stations including dot art and watercolour.

The schools served hot dogs and hamburgers and ice cream for lunch, followed by some local performers in the Golden Eagle gym. Lance Cardinal was MC for the performances.

Two community members, Kelly Gladue and Simon Beaver, played guitar and sang a few songs each. One of the students Ella Orr performed some powwow dances. The students enjoyed joining in on the last dance, which was an inter-tribal and dancing to Beaver and Gladue’s music.

In the afternoon, Grade 6 and junior and senior high students played a modified version of double ball in the gym and did hand games in the music room.

This was the first traditional games held by Bigstone Cree Nation Education Authority since before the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Next year,” says Gullion, “hopefully, we’ll have good weather and have it outside.”

Ella Orr performs the crow hop during the lunch hour. She did three powwow dance performances, with the other students joining in on the last one for an inter-tribal. Two community members, Kelly Gladue and Simon Beaver, also sang during the lunch hour. Lance Cardinal was the MC for the entertainment.

Community member Carla Johnson (centre) throws a hoop and Evangeline Noskiye (left) and other young elementary students try to throw sticks through the hoop, in hoop and arrow.

Kobby Amoabeng takes part in kickball races.

Sophia Moberly trying to get her boots on without her hands in the moccasin race.

Zaiden Yellowknee making a dot art painting.