Indigenous Winter Games

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Indigenous Winter Games will return to Bemidji on February 24^th and 25^th. This year’s event will feature several different types of snow snake events for all ages. There will be prizes for the three games which include distance, target, and hoops. Once again, the games will be held on Lake Bemidji near the Paul Bunyan Park in downtown Bemidji.

The two days of activities will begin with an area school invitational snow snake tournament on the lake from 10 AM to 2 PM on February 24^th. Area schools that have participated in snow snake making and other activities are being invited to participate. Also on February 24^th, Ojibwe story tellers Zac Earley and Robert Shimek will be at the River Rail Folk School talking from 6 to 9 PM. People participating in activities on Saturday the 25^th are encouraged to bring their snow snakes for the ceremonial part of the evening starting at 6.

Day two, February 25^th, will feature an open competition snow snake tournament on the lake. Snow snake fans from Native communities in Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota, and the surrounding region are expected to attend this year’s event. Registration will open at 9 AM with games starting at 10. Games include the rolling hoop, target shoot and long-distance throw. Age categories range from 8 years old to Elders. Children 7 and younger will be allowed to practice as time and track space are available. Because this year’s event is expected to be larger than the previous year, individuals and families are encouraged to bring snow snakes if available. Extra snow snakes will be available to borrow. Light snacks will be provided. Prizes will be awarded to some and fun will be had by all.

These Indigenous winter activities are sponsored by the grassroots Native Nonprofit organization Manidoo Ogitigaan, Watermark Art Center, And White Earth Tribal and Community College. All events are free and open to the public.

For more information contact Robert Shimek at (218) 204-1632.