Winter ice games pictured here in action Tuesday afternoon in North Battleford. (Submitted photo/Leah Garven)

By Martin Martinson

Fun on Ice

Ice games bring community together for outdoor Wintertainment

Feb 16, 2021 | 6:17 PM

The weather may be cold and the ice slippery, but that didn’t stop residents from braving the outdoor elements for some winter ice games on Tuesday afternoon in North Battleford.

As part of the of the city’s annual WIntertainment week of activities from Feb. 15 to Feb. 20, community members were invited to take part in winter ice games with Lamarr Oksasikewiyin at the local Riverview Outdoor Skating Rink.

The games were offered throughout the afternoon for three hour-long intervals, from 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. The day’s activities featured top spinning, tug of war, and pole pushing among other classic indigenous and winter games.

Oksasikewiyin, who is originally from Sweetgrass First Nation, has taught and helped promote and share knowledge about traditional games both at Standing Buffalo Elementary School near Fort Qu’Appelle where he works as an educator and at the World Indigenous Games.

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He said he was happy to come out and host the ice games this week, giving those interested a chance to enjoy themselves while at the same time learning something about the First Nations’ culture through the games as well.

“The point is to have fun while at the same time exercising, getting some fresh air, and learning a little bit about indigenous culture too,” he said. “The more [people] learn, the more we all move forward together.”

Leah Garven with the city, said while it was a bit brisk outside today, the games on the outdoor rink highlight what this week’s Wintertainment is all about – making the most of the season.

“The whole idea was really just to get outside and enjoy this beautiful land we’re on and keep it in the true spirit of Wintertainment,” she said. “[It’s about] looking at different ways all of us, and the people who came before us, enjoyed this weather and had fun through it.”

Garven said they were happy to have Oksasikewiyin available to come and host the day’s activities.

“He’s very knowledgeable about the history and the teaching purposes of the games, which as he says, are universal in many different cultures around the world,” she said. “We’re really fortunate that he was able to join us.”

Wintertainment activities will continue throughout the week, with free public skating, animal finger puppet crafts, and a snow carving display, taking place Wednesday.

With files from Angela Brown.

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Martin.Martinson@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: MartyMartyPxP1