#12 Hockey

I, a Red person, do not like hockey. Neither does MJ.

For me, it's because of the OBSESSION my family had with hockey. It was always on T.V. and you were not allowed to change the channel. There was always a local game and if you wanted to be cool then you went to the game.When I was younger the Winnipeg Jets were around (now they're back - still don't care) so a treat was going to an NHL game.

hockey, hockey, hockey.

You'd think I'd be down with something so closely resembling the word hickey. But no, I HATE HOCKEY!

But this is not a blog called Things Red People DO NOT Like. Amongst THAT list is asking if you can take a picture with us or touch our hair, telling us you are a Cherokee princess, dressing up and playing "Indian," and spiders - because who the f*ck likes spiders?!

The benefits of playing hockey:
Exercise, enhances communication, working as part of a team, improves self esteem (unless you suck) helps with coordination, build individual and community relationships, whiling away the cold winters, tight hockey player ass muscles...okay...I like THAT part about hockey.

I'm talking small time hockey. None of this bullsh*t that is the NHL (you make me sick professional sport divas!) And although many of Red people aspire to the NHL it's for the love of the game, not their egos - at least not initially.

Hockey is very social - it is after all a gathering. So I can see why people dig on going to a local game. In fact if I still lived on the Rez and had child in hockey I would go, just to be nosy and do some visiting.

Because of my bias I cannot do this topic justice. So I did some research for you.

Here's a TV show on First Nation Hockey. It's on APTN and I went to university with one of the coaches so I'm going to shamelessly promote for people I think are good peeps.

And here's an article about First Nation hockey in Manitoba, with a short video clip. (I love the Cochrane's Peguis accents!) I'm also from Peguis and a Cochrane, so again shameless promotion. Can I help it if I know people who are news and TV worthy?

Watching and reading these things on First Nation hockey, I get it. But I still don't like hockey. I'm just never going to. But it's a staple in many of our homes and communities and I respect what it means for so many people.

It keeps our youth in shape and out of trouble. It allows us to come together in unity by cheering for the same team. Healthy activity, positive influences and unity are things we need in our communities and those are good enough reasons for Red people to like the sport.

# 11 Bingo

Okay, this is a cliche.

It's true we like the bingo. Young and old - we all go.

We start off young, playing bingo with a deck of cards for candy prizes. Regular games are 5 cent candies, jackpot is a canned Pepsi.

We slowly graduate to Granny's little bingo helper - carry her dabbers, get her treats and coffee. In return she buys you junk food and you get a three strip bingo card. Word to the wise, don't ever spill tea on your granny's bingo cards. That's not fun because she calls you a, "Damn kid!"

Finally, you're old enough to buy your own smokes and find your own ride to bingo (if you're hardcore you walk.) It's really ceremonial. At this point the regulars know you. You have a favorite caller and ticket seller. You have spot that you sit in. You always carry a bingo dabber in your purse for bingo emergencies.

But why?

It's social - tons of people around. Ya know what that means!!! You get all decked out. Shower, hair, makeup, clean (sometimes new) clothes. It great time for gossip too.

It's also anti social - you can sit alone and no one knows you. You're like a bingo playin' ninja granny! This is even sweeter if you win, because it pisses off the regulars.

They have good eats - usually jam packed full of sugar or salt, OR BOTH! There's coffee, tea and pop, cakes, sandwiches, chips, chocolate bars, bannock, baloney, or those little cakes with the coconut icing...I'm hungry.

If it's on the Rez you can smoke cigarettes. Smoking...indoors. We like that.

There's a chance of cash flow. Albeit, a slim chance, it's still there.

Break open tickets - need I say more?

#11 Gatherings

Below is a list of the top 10 events Red people gather for.

1. Pow Wow
2. Treaty Days (bread and cheese day in Haudenosaunee territory)
3. Birth
4. Death
5. Spiritual ceremony or celebration (other than pow wow, wedding or funeral and including other church or traditional ceremonies)
6. Weddings
7. Funerals
8. Birthdays
9. Graduation
10. Court

Here are all the reasons we like big ole get-togethers

Opportunities for:
Laughing, joking and teasing
Storytelling
Gossiping
Snagging (NOT to be done at family reunions!)
Dressing up (ironing something, new white socks, wearing makeup or buying something new to wear)
Memory Making
Moral support and empathy

Chances of:
Good times
Food

Crying (happy tears, except for that one sickening cousin who cries about everything)
Running into someone old flames, your nemesis, or your crush
Getting a present or a surprise (gum from your auntie counts)
Witnessing a fight (argument, conflict, disagreement, otherwise just plain ole gossip making goodness)

This is embedded in our culture. As many of our nations are formerly nomadic peoples, we met during the summer season after spending the long winter months in smaller family groups. See: visiting for more information.

We are also big on celebrating individual achievements as they related to life and all it's journeys.

Get-togethers that didn't make the cut: Christian based holidays, socials, garage party, election time, Walmart, the weekend, hockey games, yard sales