Community News

Ganondagan's 17th Annual Free Native American Winter Games

Event will take place with or without snow – Free and Open to the public

By Amy Blum, PR

Victor, NY—For its 17th annual Native American Winter Games, Friends of Ganondagan will again offer numerous activities that harken back to 17th-century winters when Ganondagan was an active Seneca town, and winter was a busy time both indoors and out.

On Saturday, February 22 from 10 am-4 pm, the public will experience family-friendly Haudenosaunee experiences through a variety of traditional Seneca winter activities. These include the competitive game of snowsnake, racing small wooden snowboats (akin to Pinewood Derby), meeting sled dogs and watching a dog sled demonstration, and learning how to use snowshoes.

Indoors at the Seneca Art & Culture Center, the Allegany River Dancers in colorful regalia will demonstrate their skill in Iroquois Social Dancing; Ganondagan staff will share winter storytelling; visitors will have the opportunity to win raffles, visit the Wampum Learning Center, watch the Iroquois Creation Story film, enjoy Iroquois White Corn inspired food for purchase (11 am – 2:30 pm), and more. All activities are free and include complimentary admission to the Seneca Art & Culture Center. Suggested donation is $10/family, $5/individual. The event takes place with or without snow.

“Ganondagan’s Native American Winter Games is a wonderful time to share our Haudenosaunee culture while enjoying the important benefits of being outside during the winter season,” said Friends of Ganondagan Program Director Jeanette Jemison (Mohawk). “This day provides the opportunity to learn about our rich history, culture and living traditions by engaging in storytelling, dancing, games, and traditional arts and crafts.”

Native American Winter Games sponsor is the Rochester Area Community Foundation.