Ganondagan’s Indigenous Winter Games & Maple Syrup Festival
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Indigenous Winter Games
& Maple Syrup Festival
Saturday, March 15, 2025 | 10 am to 4 pm
Event will take place with or without snow
During the long harsh winters in Western New York, the Seneca nestled in their bark longhouses to repair clothing, make tools and prepare for the spring. Despite the winter weather, Senecas remained active throughout the season. Many of the winter activities that traditionally occupied them outdoors are still in practice today.
Join us for Ganondagan's Indigenous Winter Games & Maple Syrup Event as a way to celebrate and discover the Seneca ways of winter through traditional Native American activities! PLUS...Visit the Seneca Art & Culture Center at Ganondagan as our guest. Enjoy complimentary admission to the Seneca Art & Culture Center at Ganondagan!
Snow Snake Demonstrations – Snooky Brooks (Seneca) Snow snake (or gawasa in Seneca) is a traditional winter game played across the Haudenosaunee Confederacy.
Haudenosaunee Traditional Games & Social Dance Workshop – Bill Crouse, Sr. (Seneca, Hawk Clan) Join Bill Crouse as he shares traditional Haudenosaunee games and leads a social dance workshop. Crouse is a culture bearer, educator, singer and group leader for the Allegany River Dancers.
Dog Sled Demonstrations – Kindred Moon Kennels Jo Lynn Stresing, a recreational musher with 30 years of experience, will demonstrate dog sledding with her team of Siberian Huskies (given enough packed snow). Happening throughout the day.
Maple Syruping – Ganondagan Cultural Interpreters & Finger Lakes Environmental Educator Happening throughout the day at the fire pit in front of the Seneca Art and Culture Center. Learn about traditional and contemporary maple syruping methods and the cultural, historical, and environmental importance of the maple tree.
Delicious Winter Comfort Food Available for Purchase From 11:30 AM until 2:30 PM (or sold out)
Wampum Exhibit & Interpretation – Rich Hamell Happening throughout the day.
Children’s Activities
Visit the exhibit gallery, watch the Iroquois Creation Story film, and stop by the gift shop. Available throughout the day.
Admission: Free Suggested Donation: $5/person, $10/family
photo credit - @alexhamerphotography
*Times, dates, and prices of any activity posted to our calendars are subject to change. Please be sure to click through directly to the organization’s website to verify.