"H.O.Y.E." Native Games THIS WEEKEND
ashlander, 18.03.2010 23:48
"H.O.Y.E." Native Games THIS WEEKEND, Saturday, March 20!
Red Earth Descendants, in collaboration with the Native American Student Union (NASU) of SOU and the Ashland Youth Council, will host our annual Native Games Event March 20.
"H.O.Y.E.," meaning "help our youth excel," is the driving force behind the gifting of these Native Stickball Games to the community. Red Earth Descendants has shared the vision of bringing back the indigenous game of "shinny" (one style of stickball game) to our inter-tribal community. We form teams for the tournament day, March 20, made up of all ages, races, genders and levels of playing. The goal is to have friendly competition, learn how to play and share the cultural importance these types of Games played for tribal peoples across the Americas. The evolution of indigenous games is deeply rooted in Ceremony and importance for the survival of the People. By sharing the Games, their meaning and significance with our community, we are helping with cultural restoration AND having a great time in the process!
We hold the Native Games Event on the Spring Equinox, in honor the the first day of Spring, celebrating new life, physical health and building community. You are welcomed to come and play, be part of a team or participate as a spectator and help support by cheering us on! The only thing we ask of you is to bring a potluck dish to share for the community feast at the end of the day, if you can. EVERYONE is welcomed (even if you can't bring something for potluck!). All equipment and instruction is provided.
Our Native Games are open to the public, free of charge (as are all our events!) as well as drug and alcohol free.
If you are under 18, we do require a legal guardian's signature for a release waiver in order to play on the field.
SCHEDULE OF THE DAY:
Saturday, March 20
Location: SOU baseball fields on the corner of Walker Ave. and Iowa St. in Ashland
(Please park at the Ashland Middle School on Walker, then cross Walker over to the fields--thank you!)
Women's Community Meeting 9:45 a.m.
Team Registration and Sign-up 11 a.m.
Games kick off at Noon!
Community Feast 5 p.m.
PLEASE BRING YOUR OWN CHAIR IF POSSIBLE AND A CONTRIBUTION TO THE COMMUNITY FEAST.
Native Games sponsored by:
Red Earth Descendants
SOU Native American Student Union
Ashland Youth Council
SOU Gaming Club
Bellview Grange of Ashland
Much appreciation to our helpers and co-sponsors!
If anyone is interested in helping organize the Games, forming a team, outreach to regional youth who you think might want to form a team, etc, PLEASE be in touch with us! We would love to hear from you and involve as many youth groups as possible! We are inter-tribal, which means you do NOT have to be Native American to play! Our purpose is to share these Native Games and the fun, culture and knowledge that goes with them.
Ways to be in touch with us:
Email us back at this address: 
redearthdescendants@gmail.com
Call one of us at: 541-941-5989, 541-201-8101, 541-890-3529
Also check out updates on our website: 
http://www.redearthdescendants.org