Gooniikaa-Ginebig Ataadiiwin

The snow snake game was once one of the most popular winter sports in North America. It was played by tribes from Maine to California and from Oklahoma to Alaska. The snow snake game was played wherever there was ice or snow, and something to throw. The game continues to be played today by the…

Dakobijigan-Minawaa Zhiimaagan

The hoop and spear (or hoop and pole) game was once a common summer sport among most tribes in North America. Students at the Ojibwe Winter Games play a variation of the game that can be played year-round. Countless variations exist, but the essence of the game is always the same: players compete in throwing…

Apaginaatig Ataadiiwin

The atlatl, or spear-thrower, is a weapon that has been used by humans in hunting and in warfare for tens of thousands of years. Found in a variety of styles throughout the globe, the atlatl is essentially a stick with a handle at one end and a nock at the opposite end for a spear…

Agimag Gagwejikanidiwin

Snowshow racing is a sport with an illustrious background. Runners were highly esteemed among the Ojibwe, and as with many Native American tribes, the Ojibwe employed runners as messengers. A swiftly carried message could make the difference between life and death, and consequently the fastest runners were honored as highly as the most successful hunters…