Northern Indigenous Games returning to Winona Aug. 13

Children in Winona learn about lacrosse at the Indigenous Games Play Day in 2019. Photo submitted by Winona Area Public Schools

WINONA, Minn. — Children in Winona will have another opportunity to participate in traditional games originally played by various cultures throughout North America.

The Northern Indigenous Games Play Day will return to Winona Middle School, 1570 Homer Road, on Friday, Aug. 13. Children in Grades K-2 can participate from 9-11 a.m., while children in Grades 3 and up can participate from 12:30-2:30 p.m.

The American Indian Parent Advisory Committee of Winona Area Public Schools is sponsoring the event.

The event is free and open to the community. Transportation can be provided if needed.

Event organizers are asking people to register to participate. Contact Karla Winter, Director of Learning and Teaching at Winona Area Public Schools, at karla.winter@winonaschools.org or call 507-494-0866.

Among the games people can participate in include longball, which is similar to modern day baseball, and shinny, a sport comparable to field hockey. Other events include lacrosse — still widely played today — double ball, running events and a Meso-American game.

The instructors are Dan Ninham, Susan Ninham and Paul Ninham.

This year’s meeting will be held at 6 p.m. Monday, Aug. 2 in the Winona Senior High School gymnasium, 901 Gilmore Ave. Individual team meetings will be held following the general meeting.

Registration for fall sports is now open at https://bit.ly/winhawks_register. A staff member will be available at the meeting to assist families with registration if needed.

(Winona Area Public Schools)