Across Denendeh, the homeland of the Dene people in northern Turtle Island, the practice of hand games has persisted for centuries. Across the North, the traditional game, known in Dene as Na’h e’tse’ah, developed as a fun pastime and was often used for trade.

Also known as stick gambling, the game is often played during family or community gatherings, bringing people together. The elaborate guessing game is not only a fun activity but also a great lesson in concealment and in reading people’s intentions effectively.

Historically, male hunting parties would gather face-to-face on blankets to sing, drum, and play against each other, betting weapons, tools, furs, and valuables. Each party would take turns hiding small objects, such as a stone, coin, or button, in one hand while the other tried to guess its location.

As the game progressed, players would move their hands around their bodies and through the blankets to confuse their opponents. The opposing team would try to guess where the objects were hidden. The team with the most correct guesses would then win and collect the objects wagered.

Today’s game is largely similar to its traditional counterpart, but now often includes a captain. As each team’s drummer plays to keep the rhythm, each team’s captain takesturns hiding their objects, using hand and facial gestures to try to outsmart and confuse their opponent.