'What our culture is all about': Indigenous athletes share traditional games

Each evening, as the sun begins to set on Treaty Six territory, visiting athletesgatherto teach each other about the sportsthat aren't part of World Indigenous Nations (WIN) Games.

WhetuRangihaeataof Aotearoa in New Zealand has been teaching people in the Maskwaciscommunity the haka, a formal warrior dance of the Maori people.

"At first you have a bit ofa giggle, but then you realize these people appreciate what our culture is all about," Rangihaeatasaid."They appreciate learning our culture. It makes us feel proud."

More than 1,500 athletes from35 nations have come together tocompetein the WIN Games onTreaty Six territory from July 2-9.

Cultural celebration

EyasuJoffeoftheKapbtaetribe in Ethiopia,explainedthe games are about much more than competition.

The traditional gamesplayed in the evening are a highlight because they are part of the cultural celebration in which he came to partake.

Joffe participated inthe Inuit and Dene traditionalgames, such as high kick and the log push,demonstrated in the Enoch Cree Nation on Friday.

"It was nice. It makes people be closer," said, Joffe, who joined other Indigenous athletes from around the world in the log push.

Joffesaid he'd never seen anything like thebareback Indian relay racing demonstrated inMaskwacisbyFirst Nations from North America.

"Wow," he said. "It's very amazing. It's really exciting just watching it."