Stick Pull

The Stick Pull game was used to help strengthen the hands and wrist of the Dene and prepare them for the fishing season. Often large fish swam along the shores and rivers enabling the Dene easy access. They would simply reach down and grab the fish near the middle of its back and throw it up on the land or shoreline. Though it may sound easy, the ability to grab a 20 pound whitefish or an aggressive Pike out of the water and toss it up on the shore required quickness, eye-hand coordination and incredible wrist and finger strength. Fish are often very slippery to hold and being able to grab a heavy fish out of the water is very difficult. So in order to remain strong and able Dene men would challenge each other in a stick pull.

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