Traditional Native Games Trunk

basket, sticks, antlers, and other game pieces arranged on grass
Learn new (old) games

NPS

The traditional games trunk combines fun and engaging games with the rich cultural background of the tribes that first developed them. The trunk contains the necessary equipment to play the different games, including at least one game from each of the tribes in Montana, as well as detailed instructions on how each game is played, background information, lesson plans, and the cultural significance of each game.

Grades
K-12

Contents
The Traditional Games Trunk contains all off the necessary game pieces and instructions to bring these games into your class room, accompanied by lesson plans that get at the cultural history attached to each game and the skills students can develop in play. This trunk was created through a workshop offered by the International Traditional Games Society.

Lesson Plans
The lesson plans were created by the Montana Office of Public Instruction in collaboration with the International Traditional Games Society. The trunk contains lessons for students of all ages but is recommended for grades K-10. Each lesson focuses on cultural history, as well as the important social skills taught in each game. Browse through some of the games and lesson plans for the Traditional Games Unit.

Books

  • Indian Education For All: Traditional Games Unit
  • Native Games of Montana Tribes

Games in Trunk

  • Run and Scream
  • Double Ball
  • Sticks in Fist
  • Rock in Fist
  • Ring the Stick
  • Tie Up Game
  • Stone People
  • Make the Stick Jump
  • Plum Stones
  • Kick Ball
  • Hoop and Dart
  • Y Arrow Game
  • Guessing Sticks
  • Hoop Toss
  • String Game
 

Borrowing Instructions

All of Glacier's traveling trunks are free of charge and can be borrowed for 2-4 weeks at a time, but must be picked-up and dropped-off in person. (Sorry, it is not possible to mail the trunks.) To arrange to borrow a trunk please submit a reservation form found on the main Traveling Trunks page.

Last updated: May 12, 2021

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Contact Info

Mailing Address:

PO Box 128
West Glacier, MT 59936

Phone:

406-888-7800

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