The International Traditional Games Society has had guidance from “Talking Circles” comprised of families attending the events for the past three years. Our Board of Directors has taken the advice of those to create better experiences for the next year’s events. Membership on the Board is open to one representative from any tribe wishing such. Any person can join the International Traditional Games Society. The game events are open to all cultures even though it is American Indian Games that are played. People from Korea and Japan have also presented their own traditional games at our events.
CURRENT BOARD:
Benita Plain Feather, Assiniboine, Board President, has been a member of the
I.T.G.S. Board since 2006, when the traditional gamessummer camp was moved to the Fort Belknap Reservation. There, she has been
involved in traditional game activities connected
with the Diabetes Program, Social Services, and other tribal agency
events. She is an essential part of the history of this organization and
a very valuable asset to its future.
Craig Falcon, Blackfeet, Vice President, was raised in
two worlds: one with his grandparents on the Blackfeet Reservation learning
language, culture, and history, and the other with his family following the
military career of his father. He holds a B.S. degree in Environmental Science and often teaches about “historic
trauma” to schools and Indian agencies. Mr. Falcon works easily in Native
and non-native settings
Ti Shalene Stalnaker, Blackfeet,
Secretary, has seven years of college and has worked in marketing for the world
corporate office of Christie’s Estates. Her background in the arts, as a
graduate of Institute of American Indian Arts,
made her the Marketing Coordinator for the famous “Allan Houser, Inc.”
Newly moved back home to the Blackfeet Nation, she will be an influential voice
on the Board of Directors.
Jacob Stalnaker, Blackfeet, is 18 years old and is attending Blackfeet Community
College with two other youth leaders, Jeffery and Keith Horn. All three have
been with the Traditional Games events since they were six years old. Their
advice to the Board of Directors and their skills in teaching other students has
been rewarding for everyone. They will continue to present in schools along
with youth from other reservations. This year, they will help set goals for
the Level III youth teachers.
Jeremy Red Eagle, Sioux, Culture Chair,
has been deeply involved with many different tribe’s ceremonies and
celebrations. He is often asked to travel great distances to assist
with cultural events. Mr. Red Eagle works for the Helena Indian Alliance
in many roles with youth programs, as well as
assisting Helena School District with traditional Native events and
activities. He offers thoughtful advice in planning sessions.
DeeAnna Leader, Executive Director, has
been involved with the research and recovery of the traditional games since
1991.When working as an assistant
principal at Browning Middle School, she and others brought back 20 games from
written and oral history, and were played by Blackfeet youth.DeeAnna’s experience as a school
administrator in Indian Education has been beneficial to Indian Education for
All programs throughout Montana.
Arleen Adams, Salish, has worked for
the Salish, Kootenai, and Pend d’Oreille Tribes of the Flathead Nation for many
years.Arleen is daughter of Louis
Adams, one of the most highly respected elders of the tribes.Her Knowledge of the language, the old ways,
and her love for the culture place her in high regard by all.She has been part of the research and
resurrection of the traditional games since 1994.
Honoring & Teaching Traditional Native Games A Means For The Survival Of First Nation People's Culture
