About 75 people, young and old, braved cold temperatures to participate in the Ojibwe Winter Games - Ojibweg Bibooni-Ataadiiwin at the UMD campus on February 19.
Students, faculty, staff, community members and representatives from 20 tribal nations were on hand for the event, which was hosted by UMD’s American Indian Learning Resource Center and took place outside the Chester Park building.
Iris Carufel, organizer and assistant director of the American Indian Learning Resource Center, believes that retention of American Indian and Alaskan Native students is positively influenced by creating spaces that are rich in culture and new experiences. “Some of our students do not have access to cultural teaching,” she explains. “The Ojibwe Winter Games is only one of many events that we wish to hold so students feel visible on campus.” She adds that these events expose non-Native students to the diversity and richness of various Indigenous cultures.
Wayne Valliere led the games. An Ojibwe language and culture teacher and member of the Lac du Flambeau tribe, Valliere has been working to revitalize traditional winter games such as Gooniikaa-Ginebig (Snow Snake), Dakobijigan-Minawaa Zhiimaagan (Hoop and Spear), and Apaginaatig (Atlatl or spear-thrower) with a goal of also teaching about Indigenous history, language and culture.
Participants were surveyed about their experience at the event and had a variety of positive reactions.
“My little girl who is five is trying to make a snow snake course with a paper towel roll and toothpicks! My children were sad not to go back on Sunday.”
“My son loved spear throwing. He was very proud that he hit the bullseye! My daughter liked watching the snow snakes. I enjoyed the blessing and meal. It was really fun for the whole family.”
“I'm new to the area, so I absolutely loved the chance to be introduced to some indigenous culture (e.g., the food, the games, the traditions along the way).”
“I also really enjoy the community aspects of the event. It wasn't just an event to perform for people or show people how to play the games. Everyone who was there truly made it feel like a community event.”
The event was sponsored by UMD’s American Indian Learning Resource Center, Indigenous Student Organization, Office of Diversity and Inclusion, Office of Sustainability, Swenson College of Science and Engineering, the Conservation Corps of MN, 13 Moons, Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College Environmental Institute.
More information about the Ojibwe Winter Games
Photos by John Krumm and Michael Anderson