Atti is likened to modern-day lacrosse, minus any protective equipment or rules. Historically, it was often played when tribes would have a dispute. Instead of battling the traditional way with weapons, the sides would play Atti.
Nowadays, lacrosse is popular within the community, but atti is still played. While there’s not intention to harm attached to the game now, helmets, pads and rules remain barred. If you get hit, you better get back up.
While Meskwakis took a liking to modern sports such as baseball, softball and basketball in the late 1800s and early 1900s, an interest in football came much later, mostly in the early 2000s.
Most were introduced to football through television. Some young boys played backyard football, but playing the sport in an organized capacity never seemed possible due to the amount of equipment required to play.
Now, Jonathan can see some similarities between atti and football based on the sports’ level of physicality. He believes that 20 years ago, a presence like the Bears may not have mattered much. But with the acceleration of the sport in the community, Jonathan sees great potential in what the club’s support could mean.
“For the past 15 years, our boys have been playing football, not just out in the yard,” Jonathan said. “That’s been culturally exciting, to see our boys play football. It’s been a new experience tribally. Football is big now in the high school realm. It’s fun to see. Win or lose, we’re proud of our boys. So, culturally, it’s becoming relevant to us.”