Fort Nelson fall handgames tournament slated to begin

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The current image has no alternative text. The file name is: HANDGAMES-2.jpg — Players from Wrigley, NT wearing traditional Dene vests during Handgames. ( Photo submitted by Ryan Dickie)

FORT NELSON, B.C. — Handgames enthusiasts will descend on Fort Nelson First Nation (FNFN) for a competition this weekend.

With an estimated $10,000 in prize money up for grabs, FNFN’s fall handgames tournament promises three days of intense competition, according to a Facebook post.

Traditional Indigenous handgames vary from region to region but all follow the theme of a guessing game.

Teams of six players each try to guess which hand an opponent is holding an object, accompanied by the beat of drummers.

The instrument players are to simulate the rhythmic heartbeat of Mother Earth.

The FNFN revived the handgames pastime in recent years, and has hosted the B.C. championships with teams from all over the Northwest Territories, Alberta and the Yukon, and will host it again in 2026.

Registration is $50 per player for teams of six and players over the age of 10 can participate.

The FNFN fall handgames tournament begins on Friday, October 3rd with registration beginning at 1 p.m. on the grounds of Fort Nelson First Nation at the health and wellness arbour.

To register or for more information, contact FNFN’s cultural information assistant at 250-500-4011 or by email at keith.kotchea@fnnation.ca.