HISTORY CULTURE GAMES
Onkwehonwe Games aims to build relationships and inspire respect for all indigenous peoples by sharing baseline history and culture of the Six Nations people (also called Haudenosaunee) through traditional games. We understand that everything is interconnected and use games to teach and discuss geography and land, creation stories, social systems and traditional understandings of health, lifestyle and connection to nature.
Interactive and hands-on our Traditional Games program can be adjusted to fit almost any group from youth to elders. Participants learn about and get to play Lacrosse and/or other traditional games such as bone & toggle and the rope game.
In Kanyen'keha Onkwehonwe translates to ‘the original or first people’. The traditional way of many Onkwehonwe is to live in harmony with Mother Earth. Living in this good way requires a balance of physical, mental, emotional and spiritual health. Games were and are still used as a way to stay healthy and connected to a persons community. Our traditional games are used to enhance individual and team skills, as well as create sportsmanship, connection and laughter.
PROGRAM FACILITATORS
DALLAS SQUIRE
Kahnyen’kehàka (Mohawk), Turtle Clan from Six Nations of the Grand River, Dallas Squire is the owner and operator of Onkwehonwe Games as well as program facilitator. A former professional Lacrosse player Dallas has been sharing culture and games for over a decade. Creating a safe and positive environment for learning Dallas encourages participants to experience the culture through traditional games. Over the past several years Onkwehonwe Games has been able to expand its reach across Ontario and beyond. As a professional lacrosse player Dallas played on what many have said is the 'Greatest team of all time in the sport of Lacrosse'. The 1994, 1995 and 1996 Six Nations Chiefs won back to back to back National Pro Championships, also known as The Mann Cup. Following his debut Championships with the Chiefs in the mid-90's, Dallas went on to play Pro Lacrosse for the next decade. From 1995 to 2005, Dallas racked up 188 goals and 187 assists for his hometown Six Nations Chiefs in Senior Pro. During this span, Dallas also played for the Rochester Nighthawks, Buffalo Bandits, New Jersey Storm and Albany Attack in the National Lacrosse League. |