The snow and cold weather has been constant in Michigan, which can be good or bad depending on who you ask, but it’s made for the perfect conditions for outdoor recreational activities this winter. During a colder and relatively darker time of year, especially when the country is in as much turmoil as it is in, I believe making a point to attend and enjoy community events can be a great way to stay somewhat hopeful and connected to people and the place that you live.
This past weekend, the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians held its annual winter games at the Strongheart Center softball field. For the last four years, GTB Heritage Tribal Librarian Francis Carew has helped organize the festival, which aims to highlight traditional Anishinaabeg winter games like snow snake and spear throwing.
People can also choose to do snow shoeing and sledding during the event, but the majority of attendees tend to lean more towards the snow snake and spear throwing activities. Carved wooden sticks/snow snakes are thrown down a smooth snow track made by Carew, and this year he made it about 200 feet long, to see who goes the farthest distance. While the game can be played competitively in teams, those in attendance at the festival typically enjoy just taking turns throwing the snow snakes. It’s also a time where anyone interested in learning more about the traditional games and tools used can ask questions, opening up further conversations about these historical and culturally significant activities that are still very much alive and relevant today.
