WAPETUUSKAWEN - MUD STICKS

Smith Atimoyoo remembers playing this game as a young boy. The game is also known as the "Warring Game".

HOW TO PLAY

1. Players were divided into two teams. One member from each team was chosen to carry a large ball of clay which was to serve as his team's ammunition.
2. As the players received their ammunition, they would roll small clay balls and stick them on the tip of their sticks.
3. The young boys would pretend to be warriors, sneaking about in the bushes trying to avoid the sharp blows of their opponent's clay balls.
4. The stick was usually held in the right hand and was pulled back and sharply released by the left hand.

VARIATION

1. War Game: Stan Cuthand, originally from the Little Pine Reserve, explains a similar game which can be played with bull rushes knotted together at one end. Players whack one another until they give up and sit down. Those who remain standing knead the shoulders or kick the behinds of those sitting down. Endurance and the ability to bear pain without complaint are the method of receiving points in this game.

EQUIPMENT

• Willow sticks from two to four feet in length
• Plenty of clay that can be rolled into small balls