Finger pull

Here comes the pain game. Finger pull looks like it hurts. It is a traditional Dene Game, and kids from all over were ready to try and dislocate each other's fingers.

You don't need to dislocate a finger to win, but it helps.

Sportsmanship (or sportswomanship) is a big part of this game. You help each other to your feet when it is done, that part is mandatory. It is a best of three, each side getting a chance on offence and defence. In the case of a tie after two rounds, there is a coin toss, and the winner gets to pick offence or defence... like overtime in the NFL without all the pointless dancing or lousy field goals deciding games.

Like Halifax singer/songwriter Joel Plaskett says,
"The reason I like the instrumentals
is 'cause they haven't got any words"

So, no more from me on Finger Pull (and no "pull my finger" jokes), just watch the video without any talking by yours truly... enjoy the "instrumental":

Dallayce Smith

Dallayce Smith -- Team Yukon -- must be one of the youngest competitors in the Arctic Winter Games, at the tender age of 12-years-old. She is here for Dene Games, and is having a fantastic time... even though she wouldn't smile for me. I tried everything I had, this young lady would not crack a grin for me.... but she would talk for the blog about her experience in Yellowknife.

Shane Pollet

Shane Pollet didn't have to travel far to compete in snowsnake yesterday, he is from N'dilo... where snowsnake took place. Here, he explains the best way to make the snowsnake move along the ground, just before he was about to take part in the finger pull.

Shane won a Silver Ulu for his effort at snowsnake, check it out.


Lots on finger pull later... it looks like it hurts. One of the volunteers called it the Dene "pain game". Here is how Shane gets ready:

Good morning blogosphere

Good morning all. I just got back from Dene Games, and I have some great video. Keep tuned in from your office cubicles all over Canada, and I'll do my best to keep you entertained.

You are watching and tuning in. I was recognized by my backpack after last night's broadcast, and the kids all know to "click on my head".

Stay tuned, I'm posting for the next hour and a half.

Aurora Warrior

I don't think I'll ever meet someone with as striking a name as Aurora Warrior, and this 15-year-old from Sitka Alaska is in Yellowknife to compete in Dene Games. Check it out, she already has an ulu.

More on ulu's later. They are the traditional Inuit women's tool and the design for medals at Arctic Winter Games. From personal experience, I can tell you that once you get an ulu in your kitchen, you will throw away your other knives. It slices, it dices, and cuts a mean pizza too.

Aurora has an ulu already, and above she is demonstrating her form in the snowsnake. She can speak for herself, just click the video below to listen.