About the Game:

Lahal, also known as Slahal or the Bone Game, is a traditional Indigenous game played by many First Nations communities along the Pacific Northwest Coast. It is a lively team game that involves guessing, strategy, and traditional drumming songs that help encourage cheering and create distraction during play. More than just a game, Lahal brings people together, builds community connections, and supports the sharing of culture and teachings across generations.

If you have any questions please connect with:

Michelle Newman-Bennett – Vice-Principal Shoreline Middle School – mnewmanbennett@sd61.bc.ca

Kolette Cristante – District Indigenous Vice-Principal Elementary/Middle – kcristante@sd61.bc.ca

How to Play:

Click either image below to view the full PDFs on the rules, how to play, and additional information:

Lahal Etiquette:

Lahal Drum Songs:

Please note that in SD61, there are specific songs that are to be sung and drummed when playing the game of Lahal. 

Click on the drum poster below to access all the Lahal songs: