Ojibwe Winter Games

Northland College will host the Ojibwe Winter Games Friday, March 3, 1-6 p.m. outdoors on the Northland Campus Mall.

Ojibwe language and culture teacher, and traditional artist, Wayne Valliere of Lac du Flambeau, will be on campus to teach about the Ojibwe winter competitive games. The public is invited to learn about and participate in the following three traditional games.

• Snow-snake Game: Participants slide a weighted snow-snake along an icy track, with built-up bumper walls of snow. On good ice, the snakes can travel a quarter mile. Longest throw wins.

• Hoop & Spear Game: Participants take aim at a swinging dreamcatcher-style target. The colors in the circle represent bucks (3 points), does (2 points), and fawns (1 point).  Highest score wins.

• Apaginaatig Game: Makes use of a spear thrower (sometimes called an atlatl). Individuals launch spears to hit targets, or can compete for distance.

This event is sponsored by the Northland College Department of Native American & Indigenous Studies, the Northland College Indigenous Culture Center, and the Wisconsin Arts Board. Snacks and hot beverages will be served.