Traditional Aboriginal games & activities

Traditional Aboriginal games were almost lost after colonisation. Today extensive consultation with Aboriginal elders is necessary to re-establish the traditional Aboriginal games and their rules. They are now creatively adapted—for safety reasons—by using tennis balls instead of spears and soft pool noodles instead of waddies (Aboriginal heavy-wood war club).

Benefits of bringing traditional Indigenous games back to life include

• bringing-together of Indigenous and non-Indigenous people
• help reconnect urban Indigenous youth to their culture
• boost education retention (i.e. attendance at school)
• promote reconciliation
• provide essential training in social interaction
• enhance physical health

Many Aboriginal people see the traditional Indigenous games as a strong indicator that their culture can survive. In this way traditional games are not only helping Aboriginal youth to get physically fit but also inspiring older members of the Indigenous community.
Traditional Aboriginal games were not only played by children. Some games involved only men and boys, even old men, while in other games everyone was allowed to participate.