A number of fun and traditional Anishinaabeg winter games will be held once again on Saturday, Jan. 24 at the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians’ (GTB) annual winter festival (Maawnjidowin). The festival, free and open to the Native American and non-native public, will be held at its usual location, the Strongheart Center softball field.
Presented by the GTB Heritage Library, Strongheart Center, and Institute of Museums and Library Services, the event will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and will feature traditional games like Goon Ginebig Aazhawiwebin, or snow snake throwing, Agamig (snow shoeing), Zhimaagan Aazhawiwebin (spear throwing), and Odaabaan (sledding). The Strongheart Center will be open for warming up and restrooms, and there will be hot chocolate, hot dogs, and Three Sisters Soup provided. The festival itself aims to promote Anishinaabeg culture, heritage, and traditional activities.
For more information about the winter games, contact Francis Carew at The Heritage Library at 231-534-7752 or Dawn Shenoskey at 231-534-7753.
