Mission

• Our efforts will resurrect tribal cultural games, knowing that the ancient games were  for the youngest to the oldest in each tribe as a means to promote the cultural values, native language, and well-being of the families.

• Over twenty-five American Indian games have been revived for their active preservation in native cultural activities at schools and at ceremonial events.

• The Traditional Games Society has not only brought together families from dozens of American Indian tribes, but also visitors from Korea, Japan, Scotland, Australia, Canada, and U.S. states from California to New York, to participate in the traditional games of North American Indians.

• The history of this project has shown cooperation between tribes, state, and federal agencies, as well as support from private individuals, foundations, and corporations.

• An effective community with a common vision was formed in 1997 when cultural directors and tribal college presidents from all seven reservations in Montana and two in Canada directed the formation of I.T.G.S.

• Children and Elders on many reservations have been involved in the research and resurrection of traditional games.

• The traditional games have a lasting legacy and influence on those who have become involved in the playing or in the recovery of those old time games: one which seems to carry enthusiasm into families’ lives.

• Teachers of the traditional games have shared the values of respectful harvesting of wood for game equipment and values of game play with people of all ages.

• The International Traditional Games have regional, statewide, national, and international appeal.  The games have been on  the  Blackfeet  Reservation  1999& 2000,  SalishKootanai 2001-2002-2003 Stoney Reserve,Canada 2003, Greatfalls, Montana 2004-2005, and Fort Belknap 2006-2007, Fort Peck 2008, Fort Belnap and Blackfeet 2009 to 2012.

• The International Traditional Games Society has been recognized through contributions and funding from Montana Arts Council. Montana Committee for the Humanities, Montana Community Foundation, Burlington/Northern Santa Fe Foundation Nat'l Arts Council, Nat'l Park Service, Lewis and Clark Bicenntenial, Council of Tribal Advisors and others for its efforts to bring the traditional games into modern culture for the preservation of native language and to unite families in play as well as ceremonies.

• Visitors of past traditional games events have commented on how rare it had been to: A. Play and laugh with people of other cultures. B. Join in common ceremony. C. Find something that any culture could research and resurrect for their own families (Celtic, African, German, etc.)

• The International Traditional Games has shown fiscal responsibility by filing yearly non-profit tax reports and has given final reports to all organizations funding events even though it operates on 100% volunteer efforts.

• The yearly expenditures have been for payments to cultural teachers sharing their knowledge of the ancient games, for food to feed the guests, for the making of the games equipment, and for the expenses involved in hosting the summer events.

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.

The greatest needs for funding: (1) Strategic planning between Montana Tribal Tourism Alliance, the original advisers to International Traditional Games Society, and the I.T.G.S. Board of Directors. (2) Operational funds for staff and office, (3) Travel for traditional teachers to visit other urban and rural Indian communities. (4) Operational support for future events.

For more information call  (406)226-9141(office), or Craig Falcon, CEO, at 406-226-9018 or e-mail your  questions  to games@traditionalnativegames.org