The annual hand game tournament hosted by the K’atl’odeeche First Nation has become a highly anticipated event on the social calendar of the local Dene community.
From August 2 to 5, hundreds of people gathered at the KFN community arbor to watch 42 teams participate in this year’s event.
The tournament attracted hand game players from across the NWT, northern Alberta and Yukon.
The weekend was filled with roaring drummers and cheering crowds as the community reconnected with its roots.
Dene hand games are a time-honoured tradition and the tournaments are more than just a sport for the community. It’s an electrifying experience of cultural pride and unity.
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All photos by Kaylee Nitsiza except where indicated.
Two volunteers preparing food to serve for supper at the KFN hand game tournament on August 3.
KFN hand games coordinator Shirley Lamalice (right) talking to a visitor in the kitchen area behind the arbor.
George Mackenzie’s team face their opponents in a crossed-arm position while waiting for the other team to shoot a signal. Seated from left to right: Lawrence Nitsiza, Shawn Mackenzie, George Mackenzie, Ethan Nitsiza, Jacob Mackenzie, Frankie Nitsiza, Joe Neyelle.
From left: Jim Antoine and Blake Allen drumming.
Noel Bishop’s team, left, playing against Angus James Capot-Blanc’s team.
Germaine Eyakfwo, left, signals his guess to the opposing team while a crowd gathers to watch the game unfold.
A team of young hand game players kneeled over in a characteristic shuffling posture. Their hands are hidden under a cloth covering while they each decide which hand to conceal their token in.
Gordon Peter’s team playing hand games on August 3. Some of the team’s players travelled from as far as Ross River, Yukon to participate in the KFN tournament.
Clifford McLeod, from Fort Providence, sporting a vest made by D’Arcy Moses at the KFN community arbor on August 4.
Ann Norn, from Chateh, Alberta, enjoying the view of the river beside the KFN community arbor.
Pat Martel, an Elder from the Kátł’odeeche First Nation, at the community arbor.
Tim Lennie, from Wrigley, sits in a shaded area behind the arbor as he makes new drumming sticks by shaving down pieces of wood with a knife.
Many encampments were assembled behind the arbor as friends and family from far and wide travelled to town for the annual KFN hand game tournament.
In traditional Dene style, the hand game tournament was celebrated with a drum dance at the end of each night over the weekend.
A video provided by Ryan Dickie captures a scene from a KFN tournament drum dance.
Noel Bishop’s team, which took first place in this year’s tournament, is seen in a photo posted to the Kátł’odeeche First Nation Facebook page.
