Behchokǫ̀, N.W.T., handgames tournament has $150K in prizes. One former player says that's too much

A former handgames player from Whatı̀, N.W.T., says it's time to rein in tournament cash prizes. He also wants to see more regulation and a rethink on the competition structure. 

Dene handgames are based on traditions, and are equal parts sport and celebration. The games are popular among youth, and large tournaments with significant cash prizes have become the norm as organizers have sought to maintain the tradition and attract larger crowds and more players.

This year's tournament in Behchokǫ̀, N.W.T., will be giving out $150,000 in total prizes, and the tournament in Gameti, N.W.T., a few weeks later has $100,000 worth of prizes.

Shaun Moosenose, a former handgames player, says the cash prizes have become too big, and threaten to erode the cultural practice. Specifically, he sees teams selecting players based on who's the best rather than focusing on creating a space for where elders teach traditions to young people, and where players learn to be humble and respect the rules.

"The concern is just the amount of money that's being tossed around into the event itself or the games … and a lot of people who used to love the games stopped attending just because of the way the players have been treating the referees, the spectators … the whole entire thing about the game has changed," he said.

Moosenose stopped competing in tournaments when he was a teenager because of the money, but since then the cash prizes have grown even more.

"You kind of lose the meaning of and love of the game when all you're thinking about is money, right?

"For me personally ... the love of the game and the handgame tournament itself should be kept traditional, as much as possible," he said.

Moosenose says he's spoken with other community members who have similar concerns, but who for various reasons, haven't voiced them publicly. When he posted about his concerns on social media, several others echoed his views in the comments section.

But, in that post, he also said he's grateful for how the Tlicho government has supported the games, which has included hiring people to help run them. 

"I thank them for everything, they try to do their best for our people. Maybe the system in which we operate needs better direction or change, for the better of our people?" he wrote.

George McKenzie, a former Behchokǫ tournament organizer, a legendary player, and a former Tlicho grand chief, says he agrees it's time to reassess how prize money is factored into the games. However, he also says that some amount of prize money has been necessary to attract players and spectators.

Despite the tournament's current success, in its early days it was "shabby," McKenzie said. People were reluctant to come, opting for bingo nights instead.

"They would rather go and win the $2,000 jackpot bingo, than say [play handgames] for $5 to $10 all night," he said.