HPSD's 5th Annual pakisîwin Tournament Showcases Skill, Tradition, and Community Spirit

High Prairie Elementary School hosted our Division's 5th annual pakisîwin (pah-ki-SEE-win - Hand Games) tournament on April 9.

Congratulations to the Roland Michener Secondary School RAMS who won the junior/senior category after a close final round against the Kinuso School Knights. The Knights made history last year, sweeping both categories for the first time.

Congratulations also to École Routhier School, who claimed the elementary title in an exciting final round against the E.G. Wahlstrom Eagles. 

For those who haven't had the chance to attend a pakisîwin tournament, it is an elaborate, fast-paced game requiring quick hand-eye coordination and astute skill. Following the Arctic Winter Games-style rules, players use four different hand signals to outsmart the opposing team's captain, who must guess who is holding a small object and in which hand.

Thank you to Herman Sutherland Sr. and family, George Chalifoux, and all those who supported the event through drumming and refereeing. This truly is an event rooted in coming together. A special thank you to Herman for continuing to mentor our students as they learn this traditional game. This version of pakisîwin was passed on to Herman by the Dene people and he has dedicated years to HPSD students and staff, ensuring this game is kept alive in the minds and hearts of our young people.

Thank you to our Indigenous Education Team for planning and facilitating this event, and to High Prairie Elementary School for hosting. Thank you as well to our teams and coaches for their passion and sportsmanship, and to the families and community members who came out to cheer on our teams. It's this way of coming together that brings such great energy and spirit to the event.

Our winning teams have the opportunity to compete at the High Prairie Traditional Pow Wow on Saturday, May 2.