Social Customs and Spirituality of Indigenous Games
Beginning in early childhood and kindergarten, children are taught important social beliefs and attitudes that are reflected in how traditional games are learned and played. They are taught that everyone has a unique cultural heritage that contributes to their modern culture and although there will be disagreements, conflicts can be solved without harm to ourselves or to others. “The most important aspect of all games was the development of the natural physical and mental skills of the people. This was highly integrated into spiritual beliefs as well as combining the efforts of mind, body and spirit. Prayers by all members helped the players give their best to the competitors”. (International Games Society; Indian Education Division, 2013).
Respect for other’s ways of participating and tolerance of other’s beliefs and practices were always considered and learned through traditional games. This was part of everyone’s education on a daily basis (Brady-Leader, 2012).
Cole Wilson from the Saskatchewan Physical Education Association succinctly discusses the importance of holding healthy social values that were always embedded into traditional games:
· Honor those that gave you the most challenge
· Respect the rules of the competition (different rules and tools for many tribes)
· Respect your competitors
· Have courage, intuition, persistence, and patience
· Be humble even when winning
· Help others be the best they can be
· Recognize how your environment contributes to your quality of life and respect it
He continues, “Don’t assume others to understand this concept. These are underlying rules of the games that need to be taught to everyone. Playing more games more often with these rules can strengthen not just the physical or mental aspects of games, but also builds social awareness and spirituality among people.”
Social values were also developed by awarding those who tried the hardest in games. Awards were often given by the winner who would carry a blanket full of gifts around to players. Often an award was given to the toughest competitor, then to continue until all players received a gift. Each person receiving a gift would graciously congratulate the winner of the game. The last item in the blanket was for the winner. This was practiced as giveaway rules for Rock in the Fist (International Games Society; Indian Education Division, 2013).
Visit www.buildingbrains.ca/indigenous-games to see the Building Brains collection of Indigenous games developed with Mary Ellen Little Mustache.
References
International Games Society; Indian Education Division (2013). Retrieved online 2020 www.http://opi.mt.gov/.
Brady-Leader, D.A. (2012). How we learned is who we are: Blackfeet and traditional learning practices. Research of the Blackfeet: Manuscript for Blackfeet Community College, with permission.
Wilson, Cole. Indigenous Games Handout. Retrieved online June, 2020. speaonline.ca/uploads/3/8/2/9/38299825/indiginous_games_handout.