Quinton Maldonado and sons, Armani, Quinton Jr. and Triston. Photo by Richie Richards
The Native American Games Training unite past and present
By Richie Richards
Native Sun News Staff Writer
nsweekly.com RAPID CITY –– The Native American Games Training in Rapid City brought the traditional games played in indigenous nations and the lessons those games were taught. Before the colonization of the Americas around the world, physical games of contest were celebrations of the individual’s efforts. Many feel team sports are indigenous to North and South America, many of these games tell origin stories, creation myths, and daily life lessons of the connection of community, individuals and their physical environment. On August 17-19, the Native American Games Training were held at General Beadle Elementary in North Rapid City. Several organizations and families gathered for this Level 1, three-day training event; with the intention of taking this free training back to the Indian communities from which the participants live. Along with the indoor activities, the field next to the basketball court and playground at General Beadle were filled with games including shinny, double ball and lacrosse. Some of these games have been made into sporting games adopted by American culture and have expanded around the world. Mary Ellen Little Mustache of the International Traditional Games Society was on hand for the three-day event. This Blackfeet (Pikani) woman has been a part of these games training activities for several years now and told Native Sun News the importance of bringing back these games to the Native American nations that once played them. The game of shinny, which is a precursor game to modern hockey, has a prophecy attached to it. “There is a prophecy that says when shinny comes back to the Blackfeet nation, there will be a return of our traditional ways,” said Little Mustache.
Read the rest of the story on the all-new Native Sun News website: The Native American Games Training unite past and present (Contact Richie Richards at staffwriter@nsweekly.com) Copyright permission Native Sun News
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