Xat’ǫ̀ Gathering returns with $150K hand games tournament

Organizers expect about 60 hand games teams to compete for $150,000 at the Yellowknives Dene First Nation’s Xat’ǫ̀ Gathering this weekend.

The gathering will take place at the Wıìlıìdeh Site, across from the Yellowknife River day-use area, from Thursday, August 20 to Sunday, August 23. 

Events include hand games, drum dances, live music, food, youth and Elders’ programming, and displays about Yellowknives Dene history and culture.

YKDFN councillor Jeff Rosnawski, an organizer of the Xat’ǫ̀ Gathering, said the event grew out of community calls for more opportunities to gather and welcome people from across the North.

The First Nation held its first Xat’ǫ̀ Gathering in 2025.

Xat’ǫ̀, meaning fall, has deep cultural significance. Historically, it was a time when Yellowknives Dene people gathered to prepare for winter.

“They fished, they celebrated together and they told stories,” Rosnawski said, adding Wıìlıìdeh remains a significant place for the First Nation.

“We also wanted to honour the resilience and the strength of our Elders, because this is the time of year they had to get ready to go back to the residential school,” Rosnawski said. 

Fall can bring back difficult memories for some Elders. Rosnawski said he hopes the Xat’ǫ̀ Gathering will give them a joyful event to anticipate.

Hand games tournament

The gathering’s main event is a men’s hand games tournament offering $150,000 in prizes.

Hand games are a traditional Indigenous guessing game. Players use drumming, singing and deceptive body movements while hiding a small object, such as a stick, in one hand. The opposing team tries to guess which hand holds it. 

“Dene of the North traditionally gathered through the drum, whether it be through hand games, drum dances, even when people get married they have drum dances. It’s just the way we gather and celebrate,” Rosnawski said.

Each team consists of eight players and one alternate. Registration costs $250 per player or $2,250 per team.

The first-place team is set to receive $40,500, followed by $36,000 for second place and $27,000 for third. Prizes will be awarded through 10th place.

Other events

Other programming includes a singing-only talent show featuring northern Alberta’s Firestone Band and a youth Dene games competition.

The site will have an Elders’ tent, youth gathering area, YKDFN history tent, major projects tent, the travelling Fish for Sale exhibit, arts and crafts vendors, food vendors, raffles and prizes.

Rosnawski described the first gathering as a success and said organizers hope to continue holding it annually. 

More than 30 YKDFN staff, along with volunteers and sponsors, are helping organize this year’s gathering.

“We’re putting a lot of work and time into being a good host,” Rosnawski said.

He said organizers served as many as 1,500 meals each day during the 2025 gathering.

“We received a lot of positive feedback and it was well attended,” he said. “It gave us the sense of pride and the momentum to continue this Xat’ǫ̀ Gathering.”

A Facebook reel posted by YKDFN about the 2025 gathering had more than 25,000 views as of Wednesday. 

What visitors should know

YKDFN will provide lunch and dinner free of charge. Breakfast will not be served but coffee, tea and breakfast snacks will be available.

A designated camping area will be available for visitors. People can begin setting up tents and campers on Thursday.

Parking at the Wıìlıìdeh Site is limited and organizers are encouraging visitors to carpool. Rosnawski said vehicles parked along the Ingraham Trail during last year’s gathering, something organizers hope to minimize this year.

Alcohol and drug use are prohibited at the gathering. Organizers said security will ask anyone who appears to be under the influence to leave.

“We want to ensure that everyone feels safe,” Rosnawski said.

Visitors are encouraged to respect the land, traditions and people sharing their culture throughout the weekend.

Rosnawski said YKDFN members are proud to host the gathering and hope people from across the NWT will attend.