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Playing Inuit games

Neils Christensen
Northern News Services

Coppermine (Dec 01/03) - More young people across Nunavut are taking an interest in traditional Inuit games. Friday Havioyak is passing on his knowledge to younger generations.

News/North: How old are you and when did you first start playing Inuit games?

Friday Havioyak: I've been playing Inuit games for a number of years now. I'm 21. I don't really know when I started. I've just always played them since I was a kid.

N/N: Where did you learn them?

FH: I first started playing them in school. We would always play games on our breaks. It's something that I've always done.

We play a lot of games when we go out on the land. It's like whenever we were bored we would just start playing games like the finger pull.

N/N: So these are ways to pass the time?

FH: They are a lot of fun. When you're waiting for a storm to pass you can't really go outside, so what else are you going to do? They are a great way to spend time. When we had nothing else to do we would play games. It's better than just sitting in your house playing Nintendo.

N/N: There are also a lot of competitions now. Do you compete in any?

FH: I go to some competitions but only to watch. I like watching people play the games. Some of the people are really good and it's interesting to watch them.

N/N: You spend a lot of time demonstrating the games for young people in the community?

FH: It's really interesting putting on demonstrations for kids. I really like it. They always have a lot of things to say. They also like to watch and then try them because the games are a lot of fun.

N/N: How important is it to pass on your knowledge of traditional games.

FH: It's very important. That was how I first learned how to play. The games are a big part of our culture. We have to pass them down to the younger kids. There are a lot more kids playing the games. They play them in the youth centre and in schools. It's nice to see the kids keeping up the traditions.

N/N: Tell me some of the history behind playing the games.

FH: I don't know a lot about the history of how the games were started. This is just something that is passed down from the elders. I've just always liked playing them.

N/N: How many games are there? What is your favourite?

FH: There are a lot of Inuit games. I don't think I could list them all. My favourite is called Napakluk. You have to balance a nail on your finger and try to stick it into a piece of styrofoam. There are games like the one-foot high kick, the two-foot high kick. They are really hard and I have trouble doing them.

N/N: What kind of condition do you have to be in to compete in the games?

FH: For some of the games, like the high kicks, you have to be in really good shape. You have to be very flexible and do a lot of training.

N/N: What's the secret to being a good at the games. Is it all about strength?

FH: It depends on the games you play. You first have to know and understand the sport and train. For some of them, being flexible and strong can help.