 The indigenous games have been around for decades. Community members in the Bemidji area come together to participate in competitive and recreational games throughout the year. Now more than 10 people gathered earlier today in the bus parking lot of Bemidji Middle School to take part in the indigenous games. The event had a variety of games and activities that originated among American Indians across Canada, parts of Mexico and North America. They are original to the American Indians across the country and the significance is that they were played, they're played for enjoyment and for entertainment of the community and also for the creator. The activities that were played today included stick, stick and ball, a stick and ball game, snow snake and lacrosse. Ninham says they try to make every effort to play activities in their original form. Using the same implements that were traditionally used for those games and activities such as with the lacrosse game that you experience. The stick is the traditional lacrosse stick for the Ojibwe and some Dakota, Lakota, Lakota bands. And the ball is a leather ball that was made with horse hair inside. Ninham says that the primary reason for these games is so that an individual can be prepared for rigorous activities there's no cost to participate in the indigenous games. If you enjoyed this segment of Lakeland News please consider making a tax deductible contribution to Lakeland PBS.