Media

Press Release - August 12 2005

Gambling Game Sla-Hal Showcased at the Lytton River Festival

The Lytton River Festival showcases a unique First Nations gambling game called Sla-Hal during its three-day Labour Day Festival.

Seldom seen by the public, Sla-Hal, also known as lehal, or the bone game, is an Indian gambling game played on the North Pacific Coast.

Music accompanies the game. Gambling songs are an integral part of the tradition since aboriginal times.

The object of the game is to guess correctly as to the location of the unmarked bones while the opponents are shifting each of the two sets. Each round has a winner and a loser. A game can last for hours.

Wagers can be placed both on the outcome of individual rounds and on the completed game. Both players and participants place bets.

Challenges have been sent from the Lytton First Nations community to other First Nations groups in the Interior. Bragging rights and more tangible assets are at stake.

A Pow-Wow also takes place on Sunday of the three-day Lytton festival. This heart-pounding, all-day event features authentic native dancers from the Interior, large and small drums, grand entries, and spectacular costumes.

A full schedule of Lytton River Festival events, photos, and raft race rules and information are available at www.riverfestival.ca or by calling Bernie Fandrich at the Kumsheen Rafting Resort (250) 455-2296 or Tom Dall, Village of Lytton (250) 455-2355.