Nicole Petranchuk
Gahweñda’ (Snow Snake) Returns 
February 22, 2011
Wadeñ nwa’ aweñha
February 22, 2011
Wadeñ nwa’ aweñha
Onondaga Nation-
“Hadidakgwa o’sno•we!” You could hear the hollers of the young boys bouncing off the hills as they encouraged their snake to race up the track.
“Hadidakgwa o’sno•we!” You could hear the hollers of the young boys bouncing off the hills as they encouraged their snake to race up the track.
Shannon Booth, Meat Powless, and Ed Shenandoah brought their knowledge of the snowsnake game and their equipment to ONS for a week of enjoyable competition. The men had ample snow this year when making their track and the students of ONS were treated to a very “professional” track. The men had just returned from taking first place in the Mudcat division when they visited the Senecas at Newtown.
Shannon was very excited to get back to ONS to build the track to share w
ith the boys at ONS.
ith the boys at ONS.
“When I went to school here this was one of the most exciting times of year.” Shannon explained. “I loved when my Uncle Ed used to come and build the track and we couldn’t wait to come out and throw the snakes. I am just happy that we are able to continue the game at the school. Hopefully we will get some more good throwers to keep up the Onondaga tradition.”
The Nation boys have always loved the chance to play. Chief Irving Powless Jr. remembers his recess time at the school over 70 years ago.
“We would all bring our snakes to school. I would spend the night before school getting my snake ready for tomorrow’s recess.” Chief Powless added, “Us boys would have made a couple of tracks to throw on and while we waited, we would race our snake down the hill. That is a good memory.”
A few men from the community made their way to the back fields. There they watched our young throwers from Kindergarteners to 8th grade play Gahweñda’ or Snow Snake. Judging by the hollering and laughter, there was some great memories being made out there.
