"Snowsnake"

A centuries-old tradition whizzed down a frozen strip of the Six Nations Reserve on Sunday, as dozens of competitors took part in a snow snake contest.

Originating at least 400 years ago, the game involves hurling a smoothed stick down a straight, long track made of snow.

The winner is the person whose stick - or snake - goes the furthest.

Glenn Parker, a native American from New York State started playing three or four years ago as a way of doing his part to preserve the culture of his ancestors.

"It's a tradition in the neighborhoods that are dying off and we're just trying to bring it back," he explained.

The origins, according to Mr. Parker, are boredom. Most had a sack full of snakes they had made. Starting from a simple piece of wood, they file and sand them until they are completely smooth.

"If you take care of it it will last for ever," said Mr. Williams, pointing to his favorite snake. "This one is from 1931."