Letitia W.’s Post

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Advocate/Researcher/Consultant/Grad Student

It is amazing to see the cultural repatriation happening within Canada! Although Canada tried to erase us through aggressive policies like the Indian Act our ways survived! Wow the Revival of Mi'kmaw Waltes is the rich cultural heritage of the Mi'kmaq people through the traditional game of Waltes. Once deemed illegal, this ancient game is making a powerful comeback, symbolizing resilience, heritage, and community. A Brief History of Waltes Waltes is a traditional Mi'kmaw dice game that has been played for centuries. It is a skill, strategy, and chance game, often played during gatherings and significant events. The game consists of a wooden bowl and pieces made of bone or wood, and the objective is to accumulate points by tossing the pieces and counting specific combinations. Indian Gaming The roots of modern Indian gaming can be traced back to historical games played between Indigenous peoples, like Waltes and Handgames. These games were more than just pastimes; they were integral to social gatherings and cultural expressions. Handgames, for example, are played by various Indigenous groups and involve teams using hidden objects, guessing, and singing. Both Waltes and Handgames share elements of strategy, community involvement, and cultural significance, reflecting the rich diversity of Indigenous gaming traditions. Repatriation of culture Despite its historical significance, Waltes faced suppression during colonial times when many Indigenous cultural practices were banned as a result of the Indian Act. However, thanks to the efforts of Mi'kmaw communities and cultural preservationists, Waltes is once again being celebrated and enjoyed. The revival of Waltes is not just about playing a game; it is about reclaiming and honoring our cultural identity and heritage. Through games like Waltes, we strengthen our bonds and ensure our cultural legacies are passed down to future generations. Food for thought! Video credit CBC Indigenous #Mi'kmaq #Waltes #IndigenousCulture #CulturalRevival #Heritage #TraditionalGames #Resilience #Community #IndigenousPride #CulturalPreservation #IndianGaming #cbc #greatsrory #Culturalrepatriation #historical #survival #isc #canada

Mi'kmaw waltes players celebrate a game once deemed illegal

Mi'kmaw waltes players celebrate a game once deemed illegal

cbc.ca

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