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Indigenous Handgames Tournament

Hand Games News clip from CBC News Alberta.

Indigenous Handgames Tournament

When:

June 14, 2025 (Saturday)
1:00pm to 4:30pm

Where:

Enmax Park, Calgary Stampede

Host:

Sheldon First Rider
with Host Drums

This tournament (non-cash prizes) is open to all in the community, corporations, companies or organizations/agencies are all welcome to participate.

  • Entry Fee is $250 per team (6 person maximum)
  • Limited number 16 teams, guaranteed 3 games.
  • Two practice sessions held at Circle of Wisdom Elders & Seniors Centre
  • Handgame Sticks

Practice Sessions (now available)

For teams registered, you are welcome to attend the Handgames Practice Sessions with Sheldon First Rider, held at Family Day & Powwow Event There you will learn the intricacies and tricks of Handgames.

When:
June 14, 2025 (Saturday)
10:00am – Practice Sessions
11:30am – Line up for Grand Entry

Where:
Handgames Area (see site map)
Enmax Park

Contact:
handgames@aawc.ca

PRE-REGISTRATION for Hand Game Tournaments

What are Indigenous Handgames?

Handgames are a culturally based competition that have been played for centuries by Indigenous Peoples across North America. Two teams of five players sit across from each other in a line. While traditional drumming and music is played, one team works to hide objects in their hands, passing them between team members while the opposing team has to guess where the objects are hidden. 

The object of the game is to guess correctly so your team wins all the hidden objects.

Why have teams compete?

Aboriginal Awareness Week has been celebrated in Calgary since the early 1990s, offering many events and opportunities for all Calgarians to learn about and celebrate with Indigenous Peoples. Bringing handgames to the AAWC festivities is another way for Calgary’s business community to authentically learn with Indigenous Peoples.

Each of the 16 teams that signs up will be connected with a local Indigenous Knowledge Keeper who will teach them about handgames and act as a cultural guide and coach in the weeks leading up to the competition. Each team will also be connected with a drummer who will provide traditional music for their team when they compete.

While many of Calgary’s businesses have embraced AAWC and celebrate National Indigenous Peoples’ Day on June 21st, participating in this culturally based event offers businesses a unique opportunity to authentically practice reconciliation by being an active participant in (not just an observer of) Indigenous cultural activities with humour, humility, and respect.

Who should sign up?

Any organization that is looking to advance reconciliation and sees themselves as part of Calgary’s business community is welcome to participate. In our inaugural year, we’re keeping the limit to 16 teams, so we encourage you to reserve your spot today!

What else should we know?

  • The participation fees will be used to offset costs of the event and support AAWC celebrations.
  • Each team will receive traditionally made handgame sticks in their corporate colours to use in the competition.
  • Each team must connect with an Indigenous Knowledge Keeper/Cultural Advisor and drummer who will support them to learn and play the game. If teams do not have existing relationships with an appropriate Indigenous Knowledge Keeper/Cultural Advisor, the AAWC committee will provide that connection and support you to approach the relationship in a good way. Please note that cultural protocol costs for working with the Knowledge Keeper and drummers are the responsibility of each participating company.

Videos of “Hand Games”

June 14 -21, 2025

Keeping the Circle Strong through the Sacred Relationship with Mother Earth

June 14, 2025, (Saturday)
Family Day & Powwow
Handgames Tournament
Indigenous Idol
at
Elbow River Camp, Enmax Park
Calgary Stampede

June 21, 2025, (Saturday)
National Indigenous Peoples Day

Community Events…

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Thank you 2025 Sponsors & Partners

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