The Tulalip Amphitheater resonated with the rhythmic sound of hand drums as competitors gathered on May 30 for one of the region’s most significant stick game tournaments. Participants from the Pacific Northwest and Canada vied for more than $65,000 in prize money.
Teams arrived from places like British Columbia, Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and Montana, some opting to camp on-site, while others stayed at the Tulalip Resort Casino. Their shared goal was to compete for the tournament’s top prizes.
The traditional game, known by names such as slahal and bones, drew teams of four to six players. With a $250 entry fee and a grand prize of $25,000, the competition was intense, lasting from the opening rounds into the early morning hours.
The event commenced with a prayer and a tribute from event coordinator and Tulalip tribal member Carrie Fryberg. She honored her father, Cy Fryberg, who handcrafted drums for the tournament for over a decade. Attendees who received one of his drums were asked to raise it in recognition of his contributions.
“I want to give a big thanks to my dad,” Carrie stated. “He has been making 20 drums every year for 14 years, since I have been doing the stick game tournament. He sells drums and also gives out so many. I want to thank my father for everything he has done for the tournament.”
The championship team, hailing from Nanaimo, British Columbia, included Anthony Wyse, Percilla Saloperee, Lyla Smith, Peyton Wyse, and Charlyse Brown. For Anthony, a relative newcomer to the game, the victory was particularly meaningful. “I have only been playing for three years. We all started together,” he said, highlighting the atmosphere created by the songs and drumming as one of his favorite aspects of competing.
When asked about the win, Percilla simply said, “It was pretty lit.” She noted that their path to victory became clear when they advanced to the final round after an 11:00 p.m. game, with the final match taking place at 4:00 a.m.
While the cash prize was significant, the team emphasized that the experience itself was the true reward. For Peyton, the tournament was especially personal. “I really enjoyed playing with my family; my little brother and his girlfriend,” she shared. “Playing with them and seeing them happy makes me feel good, and that’s what’s best for me.”
Source: Tulalip News