Students learn Indigenous games as part of week-long program

By Lethbridge Herald on August 3, 2024.

Herald photo by Alexandra Noad Students in the Outland Youth Emploment Program learn to play double ball at the University of Lethbridge on Thursday.

Alexandra Noad
LOCAL JOURNALISM INITIATIVE REPORTER

Students in the Outland Youth Employment Program learned traditional Indigenous games such as double ball this week.

Double ball is and Indigenous sport, similar to lacrosse, played with long sticks and two balls stitched together. The object of the game is to loop the ball onto the stick and attempt to get it through the opposing team’s goal post.

Shane Dougall (Siksiikakoan-Blackfootman), Indigenous representative for the Student Union at the University of Lethbridge, says he enjoys teaching kids these games as a way to get them away from technology for a bit.

“Truth and reconciliation games, conflict resolution games, teach our kids hand and eye coordination skills for hunting and stuff. Nowadays, I use these games to get my kids off (technology). Digital detoxification, I guess they call it now,” said Dougall.

The university will be having intramural double ball next semester, sponsored by Don McIntyre, Professor of Indigenous Governance and Business Management at the university. All U of L students and faculty  are welcome to join the league.

Indigenous culture is oral-based. The people believe in being one with the land and their environment and which they passed on through their stories, ceremonies and games.

“This is the way of Indigenous people. Back in the day we didn’t have books or wifi or Google stuff, so we transferred our knowledge and everything to oral history so stories and stuff like that,” said Dougall.

Dougall believes learning the traditional ways of the Indigenous, including their games, is a great way for non-Indigenous people to practice truth and reconciliation.

“We don’t own anything, We’re part of everything. So we try to live in harmony with everyone And that’s what these games do. They’re not just for Indigenous people, they’re also a form of truth and reconciliation. So, we’re trying to teach all cultures,” said Dougall.

More information on the universities intramural double ball league will be provided beginning of September.