The movie “Spirit Game” captures the ancient practice of Iroquois Native Americans in what most interpret as Lacrosse. While the developing of what we know as Lacrosse is an interesting story, the movie displayed the struggle of modern day Iroquois Natives trying to be represented properly in the very practice which originated from them. Oppression among many Indigenous communities still happens today and this movie brings one of those major issues to light.
Jarrod’s 4th day: Spirit Game
I have watched this film last year when I was at the Native Youth to College Program last year but i still loved watching it as if I was watching it for the first time. I just love watching sports and even if i knew what the end result was, I still had my hopes up and would actually get hyped. I also loved seeing indigenous people fight for their people when they weren’t allowed to cross without an U.S. passport. I’m glad that they keep the game alive in their nation, since other nations have lost their way.
Ja-Rey sweats and protects
so honeyyyy,
Today we were giving the opportunity to play an indigenous game called Mexica flower wars. The objective of the game was to capture the warriors who were carrying sacred staffs by touching the tops of their opponents heads. It really wasn’t as easy as it sounds. The day before we learned how to protect over self using indigenous martial arts. we learn to block our heads and our stomachs but also learned how to move energy. Our instructor, Hector Pacheco reminded us how disciplined our ancestors were by cultivating a focus atmosphere within the students. He taught us the knowledge behind the game and how those with the sacred staffs represent future generations. The goal for the team was to protect the new generation and to listen to those of the future. Participating in Mexica flower wars built a stronger sense of community at the NY2C program between the students. We were able to communicate with each other and focus our energy on one purpose. From this we would be able to apply the same skills we learn during the game to help enrich our communities. Being able to organize and communicate with people in our community allows use to cultivate the energy and discipline we need to create a more inclusive future for indigenous people all over the world. I had a good time though it was so hoooot up in there. it was funny also, I can’t wait to learn a lot more about…. everything.
Flower Wars with Andrew!!!!!
Today we had a flower war, it was testing us to use our defensive moves we leaned the other day, I think it was great, exercise,my team showed communication and unity. In Mayan class we all learned our month in there languages and we had our Mayan names giving to us.
Flower Wars by James Fenelon
With the name “Flower Wars” there is inherent feeling that there might be an aggressive tone to the game. This is not the case. Flower Wars is a fun game that has two teams compete in a team building manner. As we would play, it was easy to observe that one of the objectives of the game was to give support to your team where it was needed. You couldn’t succeed in beating the other team unless your team was great with supporting one another. These positive messages should included with our policies regarding the environment. If we do not support endangered species then it is possible the whole ecosystems could collapse ultimately hurting us and the environment. This also related to the mistreatment of indigenous communities in that we are hurting people that are on our own team, humanity.
Joseph day of solving issues
Today we played Mexica flower wars and we also started a projects about our tribe. one way that these two can relate is because you have to use both communication and trust with your community. this is how today has been.
Jarrod’s 3rd Day :D
Today, I learned the importance of communication and strategy through the Mexica Flower wars by how the first round my group didn’t know what to do because we were not led properly and we were basically running around like headless chickens. On the second round on the other hand, we were coordinated and actually communicated with each other, and that led us to a victory. Communication and strategy actually makes a big difference in your team if you are actually willing to listen.
In Angela’s class, we talked about environmental issues and Law issues. With the environmental issues we talked about oil, cultural land and pollution. With laws we talked about discrimination and how some law enforcement is not always good.
Isaac’s 3rd day
Today was alright. It was kinda slow but it was fun learning about the flower game. we did a couple of rounds and go t to come together as one. we all had a part to do when we played the flower game. the last activity of the day was alright we got to learn about what the US has been doing trough out the years. for example they have been trying to bring down the of the illegal immigration. i got to learn a little more about mayan math. i didn’t get it at first but after today i kinda understood it a little more then what i did the first time.
7-8-18 shook maryjane
Today i was practicing more Martial Arts and then we went swimming . then at our last class we talked about The US immigration and how it affected us but at the end we talked about something that i didn’t agree with and made me really triggered so yea bye
Solving Big Problems: Blog Prompt Day 3
How can the concepts of communication and community that you practiced in Mexica Flower Wars with Hector help us solve some of the environmental and Indigenous rights issues that you discussed earlier in the day with Angela?
Think about the topics you presented on from your own communities with Angela.
Reflect on what you shared in the circle after Mexica Flower Wars.
Brainstorm! Get creative! Think out of the box!
nativeyouth2college.org 