Steve Sxwithul’txw, the producer and host of APTN’s new television show Warrior Games, visited Oliver last year to film an episode featuring First Nation youth from this region who belong to the South Okanagan Sportsman’s Association. That episode will be broadcast on Saturday, Nov. 22 across Canada on APTN. Check local listings for broadcast times. (Photo supplied)
A large group of First Nation youngsters from the South Okanagan will be featured in an episode of a new television series that will be broadcast across Canada on Saturday.
The Aboriginal Peoples Television Network (APTN) is producing a new show called Warrior Games and youngsters who belong to the South Okanagan Sportsman Association will be featured in an episode set to be broadcast across the country on Saturday, Nov. 22.
Host Steve Sxwithul’txw travels across diverse and distinct territories to meet with aboriginal youth who mentor him in their traditional as well as contemporary sports.
While the host trains and suffers scrapes and bruises to master the various sports, he also discovers a deeper understanding of First Nation culture, history and identity of the youth he learns from.
The episode featuring members of the South Okanagan Sportsman Association was filmed at the Air Cadet hangar in Oliver over a couple of days more than a year ago, said Sxwithul’txw.
The episode focuses on the importance of archery in First Nation culture, he said.
He got the idea for the show about three years ago while attending an athletic event for First Nation people in Arizona.
“I was very impressed with these indigenous games for First Nation youth in the United States … and the idea for a television series focusing on Warrior Games played by First Nation youth in Canada popped into my head,” he said. “It took me about a year and a half to write down my proposal and it was originally rejected, but I took some advice and narrowed the focus and eventually the bosses at APTN came through and said they were interested.”
The first episode of Warrior Games was broadcast on APTN the first week in September.
The episode that was shot in the South Okanagan will be episode 10 of the pilot season.
“The response has been very positive,” he said. “This is a youth mentored show about the games and activities that were such a big part of First Nation culture dating back hundreds of years.
“The good news is many of these sports and athletic activities are making a big comeback in our culture and this show is all about showcasing First Nation youth and our culture.”
Sxwithul’txw grew up as a member of the Penelakut Tribe on Vancouver Island and heard about many warrior games that were part of native culture dating back generations, but they weren’t a big part of his life growing up.
Being the writer and producer of this show has been enlightening and a heck of a lot of fun, he said.
“Today’s youth are dominated by video games, but thankfully many First Nation youth are getting involved in more traditional sports and that’s what this show is mainly about,” he said. “A lot of these warrior games have tremendous meaning and impact on First Nation culture.”
Other episodes have focused on sports such as canoe racing, Earth ball, stick ball and hoop dancing.
After being mentored by First Nation youth, Sxwithul’txw tries his best to show off his skills in the various activities, with mixed results.
“I’m 47 now and not as fast or as flexible as I used to be. My poor body has taken quite a beating while filming this show, but I do give it my best.”
People can view previous episodes by visiting the APTN website and linking to Warrior Games.
Viewers should check local listings for broadcast times.
KEITH LACEY
Osoyoos Times
