Circular badge with dark blue center and red outer ring, displaying orange text 'First Annual' above a white cursive word and the word 'TOURNAMENT' in orange at the bottom.

FIRST ANNUAL STICK GAME TOURNAMENT

MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND MAY 22 - 24

Spokane Tribe Resort & Casino
14300 US-2, Airway Heights, WA 99001

Join us for the First Annual Stick Game Tournament at the Spokane Tribe Resort & Casino, a three-day event featuring competitive play, cultural tradition, and community connection. With multiple tournament formats, featured matchups, youth events, and more, this is a can’t-miss Memorial Day weekend experience.

THIS IS A DRUG AND ALCOHOL FREE EVENT

FRIDAY | MAY 22

6:00 PM – 8:00 PM | Registration
Bone Hog Tournament (Red Rover Style)

  • $50 per team
  • Single elimination
  • 1st & 2nd place payouts + surprise payouts

8:00 PM | Material Game
Hubert Leo (CDA) vs Quincy Weatherwax (Salish Kootenai)

SATURDAY | MAY 23

10:00 AM – 1:00 PM | Registration
Main Tournament (3–5 players)

  • $100 per team
  • Double elimination
  • 1st – 4th place payouts + surprise payouts

10:00 AM – 12:00 PM | Breakfast Served

12:00 PM | Shootout Game
Marnita Parr (Spokane) & Judy Carter (Spokane)
vs
Mylan Caye (Kootenai) & Doug Caye III (Kootenai)

SUNDAY | MAY 24

10:00 AM – 12:00 PM | Registration
3-Man Tournament

  • $50 per team
  • Single elimination
  • 1st & 2nd place payouts

10:00 AM – 12:00 PM | Registration
Youth Tournament (3–5 players)

  • Free entry
  • Ages up to 13

Memorial & Giveaway
Honoring the late Merle Andrew Sr. (hosted by family)

10:00 AM – 12:00 PM | Youth Material Game
Joe Sansavere “Susep” (Salish)
vs
Tameana Dick (Colville)

We will honor our youth and hold the tournament until this is complete.

Experience the Tradition: Stick Game Tournament

Native American women sitting in a circle playing a traditional stick game with sticks and bones during a cultural gathering

We invite you to observe and experience a traditional stick game tournament – a cultural practice passed down through generations. Rooted in community, respect, and connection, stick games bring people together through rhythm, song, and shared experience. All are welcome to respectfully observe and appreciate this meaningful tradition.

Traditional Native American stick game playing tools including marked bones and hand sticks used in cultural guessing games
Traditional stick game tools used in Native American cultural games of chance and skill

WHAT ARE STICK GAMES?

Stick games are traditional Native American games that blend chance and skill. In each game, players use two sets of bones: one set is unmarked, and the other is marked or striped. There are also ten sticks and a kick stick. Players hide the bones in their hands, while the other team tries to guess which hand holds the unmarked bone. Rhythmic drumming and singing often accompany the game, creating an energetic mix of competition, intuition, and cultural tradition.
Kickstick used in a Native American stick game, a traditional tool for signaling and gameplay during cultural guessing games
A kickstick used during traditional stick games to signal plays and keep rhythm

A RICH CULTURAL HISTORY

For generations, tribes across North America have played stick games, long before modern casinos appeared. These games were much more than entertainment. They brought people together, helped build community, and were used to settle disputes or celebrate important events. Today, stick games still honor these traditions and continue to bring people together in a lively, spirited way.

STAY & PLAY

Make the most of your weekend at Spokane Tribe Resort & Casino. Enjoy on-site accommodations, dining, gaming, and entertainment just steps from the tournament.

RULES & FAQ

General Rules

  • No drug or alcohol use permitted
  • No fighting of any kind
  • No thumb pointing in open games or tournaments
  • All games will take place in the Event Center
  • All start times are approximate

Attendance & Conduct

  • Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult at all times
  • Smoking is allowed only in designated areas
  • Registration will not be held for late arrivals

Media & Recording

  • The tournament may be recorded at times for marketing and advertising purposes by Spokane Tribe Resort & Casino’s marketing team

Event Authority & Policies

  • Spokane Tribe Stick Game Committee and Spokane Tribe Resort & Casino management reserve the right to refuse entry to any individual or team
  • This event is subject to change at the discretion of Spokane Tribe Resort & Casino

Important Notice

  • We will not hold up registration for anyone

No, all registration is completed on-site during designated times.

Yes, the youth tournament is free and open to ages 13 and under.

Yes, spectators are welcome to attend.

Team members, entry fee (if applicable), and readiness to play at scheduled times.

CONTACT INFORMATION

Tournament Information:
trina.andrew@icloud.com

Hotel Front Desk:
877-786-9467

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Problem Gambling Hotline

The Spokane Tribe of Indians seeks to provide a fun and safe entertainment environment. In an effort to promote responsible gaming, we would like to offer assistance to those in need of help for gambling-related problems.

If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, help is available. All calls are confidential. Please contact one of the following organizations if you have any questions or concerns:

•    National Council on Problem Gaming: 1-800-522-4700 or WWW.NCPGAMBLING.ORG

•    Evergreen Council on Problem Gaming: 1-800-547-6133 or WWW.EVERGREENCPG.ORG