Aakohkanaokamo'tohkomio’pa Game
Introduction
Aakohkanaokamo'tohkomio’pa is the name our group gave to what is known in English as the Hoop and Arrow Game. The word directly translates as "we will all shoot straight," as follows:
aakohkanaokamo'tohkomio’pa
aak-ohkana-okamo't-ohkomi-o’pa
will-all-straight-shoot-inclusive.we
Here is a video explaining the game. Additional information can be found here .
This game is best suited for older children who have already developed a strong sense of coordination.
Teachings
Patience
Accuracy
Hand-eye coordination
Social cohesion (rules and protocol)
Stories
Napi stories
Stories about the Blackfoot buffalo hunt
Preparation
Accuracy (spearing & endurance)
Other stories about rites of passage
Maturity - when the young boys become men
Places
Open field
Prairies
Words and Phrases
Imperative verbs
Ikskimaat! - 'Hunt!' (imperative form to start the game)
Ikskimaak! - 'Hunt!' (directing more than one person)
Míístaapiksit! - 'Throw it away!'
Okská'sit! - 'Run!'
Stámokamo'tahkomit! - 'Just shoot straight!'
Other verb forms
ááwooka’pssiwa - 's/he is independent'
okamo’ta’pii - 'be straight, be true'
Nouns
apssi - 'arrow'
otiskinako - 'hoop'
pokón - 'ball'
otsipiiis - 'willow'
okonok - 'saskatoon'
Prefixes
sopoya'p- 'carefully, meticulously'
Language Learning Opportunities
Practice words for numbers by counting to three before starting
Activities
Students can make their own arrows
Adapting across Divisions
Division 1 (Pre K - grade 3)
Lots of repetition
Body movements, actions, facial expressions
Use a pool Noodle and hula hoop or ball cardboard rolls for wrapping paper for arrows
Division 2 (Grades 4 through 6)
Lots of repetition, introduce new vocabulary
Body movements, actions, facial expressions
Use a hoop wrapped in leather and willow sticks or dowels
Division 3 (Grades 7 through 9)
Introduce new vocabulary
Use traditional size and supplies but can adapt to all abilities
Division 4 (Grades 10 through 12)
Introduce new vocabulary
Students learn commands and rules of the game, practice full sentences
Traditional size and supplies but can adapt to all abilities