Akwesasne Sky Warriors Hold Film Presentation and Award New Sticks

Last Thursday, the Akwesasne Sky Warriors had a presentation of a movie showing the progress the Sky Warriors have made. The Sky Warriors are the first team from Akwesasne and the Northeast to play stickball, a medicine game popular in the South. To coincide with the film, dinner was served, which consisted of baked ziti, fry bread, cake, candied apples, and strawberry drink.

In addition to the film presentation, the purpose for the evening was to award new pairs of handmade sticks to the players present, some of whom are left handed and had been playing with right handed sticks. The sticks were presented with words of admiration and recognition for all of the players.

There was also a drawing for a pair of sticks, which helped to raise funds to purchase more equipment for the team. Jean Square, who was present, won the sticks and immediately presented them to the first female stickball player in Akwesasne, Jolee Square.

Lead Horse said, “We want to thank the mothers, because without their patience, it wouldn’t have gotten this far.”

Lead Horse explained they teach the kids how to talk to their parents, how to talk to women, as well as songs and social dances. Lead Horse said, “We want the kids to keep a good mind.”

If your child is interested in playing Stickball, currently they have 10 more sticks available. All that is asked is $130 for each stick and if they stay with the game, half that is given back. They need more players because this is a village game, which fields teams of at least 30 players.

The Sky Warriors hold practice Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 4PM-6PM and then scrimmage on Sunday. This will go on until the 22nd of this month when they move into the gym, and then they will work on their physical fitness and other skills like boxing to get them ready for the upcoming games with the Choctaw and other nations.