DEH GAH GOT'IE KOE/FORT PROVIDENCE
Youth involvement in handgames in Fort Providence is undergoing a resurgence thanks to a program at the Zhahti Koe Friendship Centre and some local volunteers.

Logan Gargan, back left, Dustin Bonnetrouge, Wade Sanderson, Alvin Minoza, front left, Hunter Menacho and Jacob Gargan are all frequent participants in the youth handgames program at the Zhahti Koe Friendship Centre in Fort Providence. The six boys were also on a team that finished sixth at the Tulita Youth Handgames Tournament in early February. - Roxanna Thompson/NNSL photo

The centre has started a youth handgames program that runs every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evening.

An average of 14 male youth come to each practice.

"It's becoming really good and it's popular," said Peter Menacho, the centre's executive director.

"There's a lot of support, especially from the parents."

The evening sessions are led by members of the Deh Gah Got'ie Drummers and Handgames Committee.

The committee was revived, after being dormant for about six years, to support handgames in the community.

"We want to pass it to the youth, keep it going generation to generation" said Eric Gargan, one of the committee members.

At each practice, the youth are divided into two teams so they can play each other. Lessons are given on different hand signals.

"There's lots of signals and you've got to know them all," Gargan said.

The handgames program and the practice sessions are about more than just playing handgames.

The committee members also want to teach the culture behind handgames including the songs that are used and how to handle drums.

Menacho is planning to hold an on the land program at the end of March for youth that would include fixing caribou hides and making drums.

Instead of paying the committee members who run the practice sessions, Menacho gives the money to the committee for support teams who want to compete in out-of-town tournaments. The committee sent a team of youth to the Tulita Youth Handgames Tournament from Feb. 7 to 9.

The team finished sixth out of 16 teams.

"Overall I think they were pretty happy about it," Menacho said.

Going to tournaments is a way for the youth to gain more knowledge and experience about handgames, said Gargan.

He wants to pass on what he's learned about handgames to younger generations. Handgames is part of the Dene tradition, he said.

"It's been there for generations," said Gargan.

Hunter Menacho, 10, is one of the frequent participants in the practices at the Friendship Centre.

Demonstrating each with his hands, Menacho counted that he knows at least 16 calls already.

Speaking on Feb. 6, Menacho said he was excited to go to Tulita. It was his first time at a youth handgames tournament.

Dustin Bonnetrouge, 12, said he's glad handgames are offered at the centre so he can learn more about them. Hiding the token and drumming are his favourite parts of playing.