Game 3

Another well-known game played by the Ktunaxa was a form of gambling called “stickgame.” Game pieces included two sets of two small bones, one bone from each set was marked with a stripe. In addition, ten sticks were used in a similar fashion as poker chips. Two teams would sit opposite each other and each would have one set of bones and five sticks.
When they were ready to play, one player from the starting team would hold a bone in each hand and then with hands hidden, would shuffle the bones around in an attempt to confuse the opponents. The player would then hold his hands in front of him and the other team would have one chance to guess which hand held the blank bone. If unsuccessful in guessing which of his opponent’s hands held the blank bone, the hiding team would gain control of the second set of bones and the game would continue. If they were not successful in guessing for a second time, then they would give their opponents one of their sticks.
A single game could last all evening! While the guessing was going on, members of each side would place bets and provide support for their players by singing special songs.