Sacred lance run part of summer games tradition

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The Native tradition of a sacred lance run, rekindled in Saskatchewan in the mid 1990s, was once again part of this year's Saskatchewan First Nation Summer Games.

The first lance run held as part of the summer games took place in 1996, and saw the lance being run from Poundmaker First Nation, which had hosted the previous games, to Ahtahkakoop First Nation, the community hosting the games in 1996. The run, based on Native tradition and spirituality, was incorporated into the games as a culturally relevant version of the torch run held in conjunction with the Olympic Games.

Elder Alma Kytwayhat was at this year's games and spoke about the history and tradition behind the lance run.

"The way it was explained to me is that the lance is a celebration of achievement and reaching goals,"

The tradition goes back hundreds of years, she explained.

"Each tribe had a runner or a guide who would go ahead of a main group. This rider would go ahead and find a place where there was safety and a good supply of food."

A lot of times these runners would not return as the enemy would get to them first, she said.

"It is a very sacred tradition. The ones who are chosen to make the lance are selected in dreams. It is a gift that is passed on through the spirits and the Creator.

"The lance-keeper is a very respected and trusted individual who is held in high esteem in the community. The lance is symbolic of all those who have reached their goals."