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