The Hand Games Tournament is under way at #LNI this morning! Wish our two teams, Wanakicizi & Cante Wacipi, good luck! #RCISatLNI
Posted by Red Cloud Indian School on Friday, December 18, 2015
Students from Red Cloud Indian School participate in the 2015 hand game tournament at the Lakota Nation Invitational.
Cultural events gain notoriety at LNI
By Lakota Country Times Staff
lakotacountrytimes.com RAPID CITY – From the outside looking in it would seem that the Lakota Nation Invitational is only basketball tournament. That couldn't be farther from the truth as several important events based in Lakota culture have become fan favorites. The Lakota Nation Invitation (LNI) Hand Game Tournament, which will see both elementary and high school teams compete, has become an important cultural feature of the annual winter sports extravaganza. Hand games have likely been played by Lakota people for thousands of years. These games are a social event that people of all ages can enjoy any time of the year. Hand games are also a way to gamble, as participants and spectators can bet money or other items of value. Some Lakota social events, such as the hand game, were also used to settle disputes between individuals or groups. Additionally LNI also features an archery tournament for youth that has grown over the last several years. The first two years saw a limited amount of competitors. However, by the third year, there were so many participants that the team had to divide the athletes into three groups for the one-day event. This competition gives “shooters” a chance at twenty 3-D animal targets. They are allowed one arrow per target. LNI Founder Bryan Brewer is excited to have the archery sport at their annual tournament. “Archery continues to grow each year in popularity with our students and schools. It could be one of our biggest events soon. Mike One Star and his volunteers do a great job in making this LNI event possible," noted Brewer.
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The LNI Knowledge Bowl will also continue his year and includes a series of written exams in Lakota Language & Culture, Algebra I, Algebra II, Advanced Math, Geometry, Physics, Biology, Chemistry, Grammar I, Grammar II, Grammar III, Grammar IV, Literature III –American Literature, Literature IV -English Literature, American History, American Government, Health, World Geography, Physical Science and World History. Written exams will be completed by students following the Quiz Bowl matches on Friday afternoon at the Civic Center. Knowledge and Quiz competition participants are encourage to follow the dress code set by the LNI Directors. No jeans, tee shirts, gang related apparel, caps or other inappropriate clothing will be allowed. Students must be in uniform or other appropriate apparel. Students are encouraged to wear dress pants, nice shirts or blouses and dress shoes. More LCT Coverage of the 40th annual Lakota Nation Invitational:
Lakota Country Times: Big Native basketball tournament opens (12/14)
Lakota Country Times: Lower Brule team hopes to make splash (12/14)
Lakota Country Times: Pine Ridge girls team aims for state title (12/14)
Lakota Country Times: Red Cloud team stands out on the court (12/14) Find the award-winning Lakota Country Times on the Internet, Facebook and Twitter and download the new Lakota Country Times app today.
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