Aacimotaatiiyankwi

Written by: Jordan Poyfair, Communications & Media Specialist

On Saturday, April 12^th, the Cultural Resources Office (CRO) hosted the second annual Picnic and Play event to celebrate the first peekitahaminki ‘lacrosse’ game of the year in Noošonke Siipionki ‘Miami, Oklahoma’. We also celebrated the changing seasons and weather, moving from the season of peepoonki ‘winter,’ through the transitional period of meeloohkamiki ‘spring,’ and into neepinwiki ‘summer.’ In addition to the game, there was also a lacrosse skills competition and a cornhole tournament, as well as moon bounces and smaller games and activities. Organized by Joshua Sutterfield, CRO employees and tribal staff assisted in setting up and running the event. Around 65 tribal and community members attended, both to play and to show support for those who did. 

Led by Nate Poyfair, around 20 tribal and community members grabbed their pakitahaakana ‘lacrosse sticks’ and split into two teams to begin two 15-minute halves. With adults and youth on each team, both teams were evenly matched and scored one goal each, which led the game into a sudden-death style overtime where the first team to score would win. One team was victorious by scoring first, finalizing the score as 2-1 in overtime. After the game, all players huddled together to share in victory as one community and had a celebratory photo taken. 

While lunch was being prepared, a competition was held for youth and adults to test their lacrosse skills. Trials included a timed dash while holding and cradling a pakwaahkoni ‘lacrosse ball,’ a ball-scooping and obstacle course, a shooting accuracy test, and a throwing speed trial measured against a radar sensor. The trials were scored based on time, accuracy, goals, and speed, and then participants were ranked. Jensen Dorey won the youth division, and Doug Tarabek won the adult division, each winning a $50 gift card. 

Following the game and skills competition, there was a grill-out lunch provided with tribal beef for burgers as well as hot dogs and many delicious sides and desserts. After lunch, the cornhole tournament began, with teams of two battling to be the first to 21 points to move ahead. After lots of laughs and friendly jabs by everyone at the throwing skills of others, Akima Doug Lankford and Callie Bowden were victorious in the tournament and received a $50 gift card.

Although it was slightly windy, the sun shone throughout the day, providing good weather for the games to be enjoyed by all as a community. Mihši neewe ‘big thanks’ to all of those who helped organize and put on this event, and made this day memorable. Please keep an eye out for news on more upcoming events on the MYAAMIAKI Facebook group, on the tribal website, and through mailed information. We hope to see you all at the next event!