Snow Snake

Description

Traditionally, men from many Indigenous peoples of Canada and the North participated in skill challenges to prepare themselves physically and mentally for fishing and hunting big game. Players sculpted their snow snake spear in a stick of wood. The top part was often decorated, either sculpted or painted with colours while the bottom part remained sleek. Today, many schools and community centers in the North continue the tradition of the snow snake game. In schools, Indigenous youth learn about the history of this ancestral tradition. They’re also shown the active and healthy lifestyle such as practised by their ancestors. It’s also during the Arctic Winter Games that Indigenous athletes participate as teams in the snow snake challenge. Since 2004, all members of Indigenous peoples of the North across the world can take part. Every team prepares their snake slide path. The athletes often push their snow snake for more than 90 meters! As was the case for their ancestors, such achievements are a proud demonstration of skills, strength, endurance and speed. References: https://www.historymuseum.ca/cmc/exhibitions/aborig/fp/fpz4010e.html https://www.rcaanc-cirnac.gc.ca/eng/1303132383681/1534960489079 https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/dene-games

This is a free event.

Interests: Families and kids, Daytime

Schedule

• Saturday, February 1, 2025 from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm at 350 Laurier St, Gatineau, Quebec J8X 3W9
• Sunday, February 2, 2025 from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm at 350 Laurier St, Gatineau, Quebec J8X 3W9
• Saturday, February 8, 2025 from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm at 350 Laurier St, Gatineau, Quebec J8X 3W9
• Sunday, February 9, 2025 from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm at 350 Laurier St, Gatineau, Quebec J8X 3W9
• Saturday, February 15, 2025 from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm at 350 Laurier St, Gatineau, Quebec J8X 3W9
• Sunday, February 16, 2025 from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm at 350 Laurier St, Gatineau, Quebec J8X 3W9
• Monday, February 17, 2025 from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm at 350 Laurier St, Gatineau, Quebec J8X 3W9