Dene hand games: a proud tradition

“The first year we started with four teams, and over the years just more teams entered. This year we have nine teams,” she said. “We want the culture to keep growing and building, and for them to come out and showcase their skill.”

Traditionally, women were not allowed to play the hand games, but this year’s event has a number of young girls participating, and there is one full women’s team.

Co-organizer David Bigeye provided the drums that are being used for the competition. His father was also a drum keeper. Bigeye explained the drum is made from caribou hide.

“Every time we play the drum for dancing, ceremonies, sweats or these games, we are connecting to the caribou.”

A player makes a correct guess and moves a stick. (Image Credit: Nigel Maxwell/ paNOW Staff)

Simon Samuel, 72, travelled from Manitoba to attend the event and can fondly recall times when he was a boy and watched the Elders play.

“I gotta tease that person and make them lose concentration,” he said, when asked what the secret is to winning.

Samuel explained in the old days women were not allowed to play the hand games and added even today in his own community, that tradition continues.

“You cannot break traditions. If we break it, we are losing our cultural identity.”

Hayden Cheeba from Black Lake was among the youth competing and recalled growing up around older people and being taught by his Uncle Joe. He takes great pride in playing the game at the gathering.

“It’s just fun. We just enjoy it because this is our traditional game.”

The Gathering of Nations, which incorporates both games and traditional foods, wraps up on Friday. Friday’s events include the finals of the Dene Hand Games and some outdoor cooking demonstrations.

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nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia.com

On X: @nigelmaxwell

by Nigel Maxwell

Dene hand games: a proud tradition

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