21st Annual
Native American Winter Games
Saturday, February 17, 2024 | 10 am to 4 pm
Event will take place with or without snow
During the long harsh winters in Western New York, the Seneca nestled in their bark longhouses to repair clothing, make tools and prepare for the spring. Despite the winter weather, Senecas remained active throughout the season. Many of the winter activities that traditionally occupied them outdoors are still in practice today.
Join us for Ganondagan's Native American Winter Games as a way to celebrate and discover the Seneca ways of winter through traditional Native American activities! PLUS...Visit the Seneca Art & Culture Center at Ganondagan as our guest. Enjoy complimentary admission to the Seneca Art & Culture Center at Ganondagan!
Free and Open to the public
Suggested donation $10 per family
Outdoor Schedule
Dog Sledding Demonstrations
Learn about dog sled team racing and meet the Kindred Moon Kennels dog sled team.
Location: Outside in front of Seneca Art & Culture Center
Time: 11 AM- 2:30 PM
Snowsnake
Hear Snowsnake expert "Snooky" Brooks (Seneca) share about the traditional Haudenosaunee game of snowsnake and snowsnake making.
Location: Outside behind Bark Longhouse (inside if there is no snow)
Time: 11 AM - 3 PM
Snow shoeing or enjoy a winter hike
Check out Ganodagan's trails, perfect for a winter hike, or a snowshoe trek (as long as we have snow).
Location: Ganondagan grounds & trails
Time: Dawn - Dusk
Indoor Schedule
Gift of the White Tail Deer Learning Center
Learn about how every part of the White Tail Deer was used, with many of the uses still being utilized today. Antlers, bones, sinew, hide, fur, see and learn about these parts and more were used to create tools, jewelry, clothing, hair ornaments, notions (buttons, needles, etc.) as well as provide a source of food.
Location: Classroom 1
Time: 10 AM - 3 PM
Wampum Learning Center
See a variety of wampum belts, learn their meanings, how they are made, and how they are still culturally significant today.
Location: Classroom 1
Time: 10 AM - 3 PM
Traditional Games with Ganondagan Staff
Join us to learn about and play traditional games with the staff at the Seneca Art & Culture Center.
Location: Auditorium
Time: 10:30 AM- 12 PM & 1:30 PM – 3 PM
Maple Sugar Demonstration
Learn how Maple sap is processed into sugar with demonstrator Belinda Patterson (Tuscarora)
Location: Auditorium
Time: 11 AM – 3 PM
Storytelling
Join us for the traditional winter activity listening to Haudenosaunee stories as told by Tonia Loran Galban, Site Manager, Michael Galban, and Allie Hargrave.
Location: Auditorium
Time: 12:30 PM & 3 PM (each session is for 30 minutes)
White Corn inspired Foods
Delicious foods will be available for sale.
Location: Lobby
Time: 11:30 AM - 2:30 PM
Iroquois Creation Story Film & Seneca Art & Culture Center Gallery
If you haven't had the opportunity to see our award-winning short film, the Iroquois Creation Story, or to tour our gallery then today is great day to see them both!
Location: Orientation Theater & Gallery
Time: 10 AM - 4 PM
Cornhusk Doll Workshop
Saturday, February 17th, 2024 | 10:30 AM - 12 PM
Join us for this special cornhusk doll workshop! This workshop will present the importance of corn to the Seneca people and its many uses. The instructor, Ronnie Reitter (Seneca, Wolf Clan), will show different examples of cornhusk items to the participates. Participants will hear the story of "The No Face Cornhusk Doll" and construct their own individual doll. After you are done, enjoy the Native American Winter Games event featuring traditional games, Haudenosaunee storytelling, snow snake, dog sledding and more!
Pre-registration is required, limited space available. Appropriate for ages 9 and up. For questions please contact info@ganondagan.org.
Sponsor
Thank you to the Rochester Area Community Foundation who helped make this event possible
