Aacimotaatiiyankwi

On Wednesday, November 1st, the Cultural Resources Department visited The American Indian Center for Excellence (AICE) on the Northeast Oklahoma A&M College (NEO) campus to help kick off NEO’s Native November celebration. We were able to teach students and faculty about Myaamia Games. We began by playing mahkisina meehkintiinki ‘moccasin game.’ The students learned quickly and even began jesting each other to try and win the point. They even learned to say kyaatoolo, ‘hide it,’ and mihkanto, ‘find it,’ and encouraged each other to use the terms.   

After playing mahkisina meehkintiinki, we taught the group about seenseewinki ‘plum stone game, bowl game.’ They also enjoyed this game, laughing and yelling when the pieces fell to the table or ground. After several rounds, many students became good at tossing the seenseeminiiki ‘game pieces.’ They learned that we use Kentucky coffee beans instead of plum stones today. Several questions were asked about both games, leading to a discussion about the importance of games as a socialization tool, how wagering would take place, and how, in different contexts, gambling takes on new meanings and utility. They learned that in a Myaamia context, wagering can become as important as the game itself, allowing for conversations and healing about community issues and the sharing of resources.   

Lastly, we taught the group about peekitahaminki ‘lacrosse’ and the differences between Myaamia peekitahaminki and what you might see on ESPN. The students and faculty were enthusiastic about using our Myaamia wooden sticks. While demonstrating how to play the game, we also educated the students and faculty on the history and communal importance behind peekitahaminki within our community. They also found shooting at the small 3-inch PVC pipe as a goal exciting and challenging. One student even scored a goal!  

They learned about the different types of wood used for stick making. Today, we use hickory as it is lighter than oak but more durable than ash, but all three are viable options. We also showed them one of our wooden balls and, due to the holes drilled in it, how it whistles when thrown.

We also had the chance to learn about Cherokee marbles alongside the students and faculty and enjoyed a Cherokee Hog Roast. The day was quite a success, and we enjoyed sharing Myaamia games and culture with the NEO community. To learn more about Myaamia games, see the links in Related Posts. 

Related Posts: 

• What Are Myaamia Games? 
• Seenseewitaawi! Let’s Play Bowl Game! 
• mahkisina ayootaawi miihkintiitaawi! Let’s Play Moccasin Game! 
• paahpitaawi myaamia paaskoontia! Let’s Play Miami Tossed Ball! 
• malotakahantaawi! Let’s Play Straw Game! 
• pakitahantaawi! Let’s Play Lacrosse!