Robert Pruitt
Physical fitness is an important part of an individual’s whole being. The traditional teachings of the medicine wheel within First Nations have a balance of the four elements of an individual: the mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual.
Inuit games and activities are woven in tradition. These games may be found in Canada, Greenland, Alaska and Northern Siberia. The games fall under several categories that include pulls, pushes, reaches, kicks, twists and rotations. The events take place indoors and are often compact in environments. The indoor games were meant to pass time in the event of unfavorable outdoor conditions as opposed to the outdoor activities that were essential for every day survival.
The Inuit games are an indication of a culture being true to its heritage. Due to the oral nature of the Inuit culture it is believed that these games must be passed down from one generation to the next as the rules to the games are not usually written out. The events are mostly individual, and it is each individual’s responsibility to be the best at whatever gifts one may have. Having individuals with special gifts and talents meant that the community was wealthy. The games are often used as a means of training in the off-season and as a way to get to know the body.
Many Inuit games do not require much equipment. The games test strength, agility and endurance. Activities that do require minimal equipment use supplies that can be found on hand. The following is a list of a few games and events:
1) Foot high Kick – The jumper approaches the takeoff point with a short, quick run and takes off with two feet. The jumper must hit the target with one foot and land on that foot to be successful. The world record for this event is a jump of 9’6”. That skill demonstrates flexibility, balance and hand-eye coordination 2) Sitorak – The competitor squats low to the ground and alternates kicking feet out in front of their body. During this action, the individual is also attempting to remove and replace a parka like cover over their head. This skill demonstrates strength and stamina 3) Hurdle Jump/Russian Sled Jump – The individual must hop over 10 benches as fast as possible without touching them. A five second rest is allowed at each end 4) Knuckle hop – the individual hops forward in a push-up position on knuckles and toes to mimic a seal moving across the ice. The winner is the person who hops the furthest without resting. The world record for this event is 110 feet 5) Squat Jump – the competitor kneels down on the ground, sits on their own feet and attempts to lift his legs from below to jump forward and land on his feet 6) Triple jump – With a running start, the competitor takes off on 1 foot, lands on 2 feet and jumps two more times from that position. The person who travels the furthest distance is the winner
References www.stf.sk.ca The Toronto Star, September 28 2000 Kidd, Bruce (1996) The Struggle for Canadian Sport Toronto, University of Toronto Press Inc Morrow, D., Keyes, M & Simson, W., Cosentino,F., Lappage, R., (1989) A Concise History of Sport in Canada. New York. Oxford University Press