Tony Cote First Nations Winter Games returns after pandemic

It’s been five years since the last Tony Cote First Nations Winter Games.

That’ll be changing next week, when the James Smith Cree Nation hosts the games in Saskatoon. Thousands of athletes aged 12 to 18 will be competing in hockey, basketball, volleyball, table tennis, curling and badminton.

Traditional hand games will be introduced this year, an event which offers more than just competition.

“When you bring in traditional and cultural activities like traditional hand games, it’s not only fun, it’s not only laughing, it’s not only singing, but it’s preserving an incredible amount of our language and our traditions,” said games manager Lyle Daniels.

The hand game dates as far back as 1885. One team has a playing piece and attempts to hide it from the other team. The object of the game is to find the piece, and the hiding team tries to confuse and taunt the other team with songs.

Daniels said the games committee felt it was important to make sure the traditional game was included.

“We ended up deciding we need to change our approach. We need to give our young people an opportunity to just try it, and learn about it, and preserve it and pass it along,” he said.

“I’ve never been a part of that, so that’s going to be the focal point of my time … Getting an opportunity to participate and watch the hand games is going to be something that’s going to be worthwhile for people to take in.”

While athletes will be competing for medals, Daniels said the message behind the games is about building people up. Sport, he said, is one of the best ways to do that.

“That builds the person to be able to become a productive citizen in our communities,” Daniels said. “Sport builds people.”

He added that the tragedy at James Smith Cree Nation last year is proof of the importance of ensuring kids are growing up in a positive environment.

“We need to ensure that we are constantly developing these opportunities for our young people, because they need that opportunity to feel proud of where they come from, but also give them an opportunity to be involved in their cultural activities,” he said.

There will also be a way for those not competing in the events to take part in the games.

A Parade of Nations will take place on Sunday night at Prairieland Park, where all 13 teams will be introduced. The event will also see a performance from 13-year-old DJ Nyla from English River First Nation, who’s developed a big following among Indigenous youths.

The games were developed back in 1969 to give youths a positive sport experience, and Daniels said it’s also a way for the community to invest in the future of children.

“We’re all responsible for our young people, no matter where they come from. Not only Indigenous young people, but non-Indigenous young people. There’s so many negative parts of all of our world when it comes to our young people,” he said.

Venues for the games will be spread out across Saskatoon and Martensville, and all event schedules can be found at the games’ website.