Snow Snake was historically played by which groups?

• A. Women only
• B. Men and boys
• C. Elders only
• D. Children only

Answer: (B)

Snow Snake is a traditional Haudenosaunee winter game, where a carved stick (the “snake”) is slid along the snow by flicking the wrist, with players competing to cover the longest distance. In Haudenosaunee communities, this activity was part of male-led sporting and training traditions. Men and boys practiced and competed, learning discipline, precision, and teamwork—skills valued for hunting, warfare, and community leadership. Elders often mentored the younger players and kept the stories and ritual aspects of the game, but the active competition itself was carried out by males. Women and girls contributed in important supportive roles, such as crafting equipment and helping with community life, but the actual game was historically played by men and boys. So, the best answer reflects that the participants were men and boys.