“We expected 900, but had more this year,” said organizer Fernessa Richards.
The lively scene featured Santa Claus, gift giveaways and the Southern Rockies Drum Group.
“We live in two worlds,” said one woman, who lifted her child onto Santa’s lap as the drum group played nearby. “We’re celebrating Christmas while also keeping our traditions intact.”
Youths dressed in elf costumes or in traditional Ute bead work served plates of meat and potatoes and dessert to diners in the Bingo Hall.
“It’s great to see the community come together for a meal and take a break from working to see old friends,” said Talia Whyte, one of the elves serving meals.
Hand GameLater in the evening a traditional Native American Hand Game Tournament took place.
Organizer Reuben Hammond said the ancient game is popular with tribal members, and 11 teams had signed up.
“The Hand Game goes back hundreds of years,” he said. “It is a game of chance and memory, and includes traditional native songs.”
Teams of 2-5 players line up across from each other. On one side, players held sticks. The other team hides small pieces of black bones in their hands, and one hides a white bone. The stick team tries to guess, or point, which hand has the white bone, and if they miss, they have to give up a stick. The team that ends up with all the sticks wins.
A cloth is used to hide the hands holding the bones, and the teams generate spirit by drumming and singing. Twelve teams competed in the double elimination tournament, with $1,500 in prize money.
Player Karen Box, of Towaoc, has been playing since her youth, and was taught by her grandparents.
“It’s challenging and a lot of fun,” said player Karen Box, of Towaoc. “You have to watch carefully and remember. Games can last 15 minutes, or five hours.”
Ute Mountain youths are also interested in the game and play with adults.
“They can be kind of predictable, but they can surprise you too!” Box said.
jmimiaga@the-journal.com