'This is our game': Indigenous sport 'Double Ball' revived at Ochapowace First Nation tournament
A traditional sport was revived late last week in Ochapowace First Nation, with goals to expand the Indigenous game across the province.
“Double Ball” took to the fields of the Kakisiwew School on Ochapowace. The activities were led by the school’s Land Based Learning teacher, Lamarr Oksasikewiyin.
The students were given a week of practice, but for many it was the first time playing the sport on the field, competitively.
Five classes from neighbouring communities such as Whitewood and Kahkewistahaw made the trip to compete in the tournament.
Oksasikewiyin said traditionally in the area, the sport was only played by women, so they decided to run the tournament for the middle school girls.
Oksasikewiyin described the sport as similar to lacrosse or stickball. However, "double ball" pre-dates both sports.
As the tournament continued Thursday, Oksasikewiyin said the intensity ramped up as well, culminating to the final between Whitewood and Kahkewistahaw.
“Some of the teachers were saying some of the girls were timid in gym back home,” Oksasikewiyin said. “But when they came out here, they got super aggressive and they were really into the sport.”
A goal for Oksasikewiyin was to link this sport to Indigenous culture, something that meant a lot to Whitewood’s Kaley Starr.
“It’s really fun today. It was an intense game when we played, it was rough — but it was really fun,” the grade nine student explained.
The game includes contact, but the students were told to keep it within reason. According to Oksasikewiyin, traditionally there were no injury timeouts when the game was played in the past — that’s something they continued at the tournament.
Yet, a huge push from organizers was to teach the value of sportsmanship.
“That was probably the most important part because a lot of girls, they got hurt,” Oksasikewiyin said. “Some of them got rocked out on the field or they got wrapped by the willows there. In the end, they basically laid it all out on the line.”
Oksasikewiyin said he hopes the game catches on across the province, and continues to grow.
“This is our game, this is our sport,” he said. “We want people to play it more often because we do have things to contribute.”
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Broadcaster and commentator Rex Murphy dead at 77: National Post
The National Post is reporting that Rex Murphy, the pundit and columnist who hosted a national call-in radio show for decades, has died.
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Millions of cyberattacks per hour as B.C. government investigates multiple breaches
Careful attention to government statements and legislation is required to get a handle on the level of risk British Columbians’ information is under, as investigators probe multiple breaches under a continued barrage of attacks.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
New 'Lord of the Rings' film coming in 2026
The Oscar-winning team behind the nearly US$6 billion blockbuster 'Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit' trilogies is reuniting to produce two new films.