The unique Arctic sport of snow snake will be in the spotlight during a television broadcast this weekend.

The Warrior Games episode, which includes footage from Whitehorse, will air Saturday on the Aboriginal Peoples Television Network.

Host Steve Sxwithul’txw (Swee-thult), who hails from Victoria, said the sport is “definitely one of the most unique” out of the 13 episodes.

“I’d never heard of it,” the 49-year-old admitted. “The sport is derived from a way of life.

“Snow snake was used traditionally for hunting. ... It’s a sport that has come full circle. For the kids to stay in tune with their history, they use it as a sport.”

A traditional Dene hunting sport, snow snake challenges participants to pitch a sharpened wooden pole down a plowed snow lane, replicating an ancient technique once used to kill resting caribou.

Sxwithul’txw and his television crew were in the Yukon capital to film an Arctic sports school competition alongside snow snake in April 2013.

During the episode, Sxwithul’txw heads to Brampton, Ont., to learn how snow snakes are made, as well as the game’s origins.

After learning how to make the sleek projectiles, Sxwithul’txw heads north to Whitehorse to pit himself against some snow snake veterans.

“We met up with a group of youngsters who were more than excited to teach us the finer techniques of snow snake,” said Sxwithul’txw.

He and his crew spent some time at the Grey Mountain Biathlon Range, testing their newfound skills.

Once thrown, the spear-like poles glide along the top of the snow, said Sxwithul’txw.

“Supposedly they glide along,” he chuckled. “I had some real issues with trying to make that thing go straight.”

The episode will include a mock hunting segment, he noted.

“For us to be able to highlight (snow snake) and bring it to a national audience, I think is really important,” Sxwithul’txw said.

“For a number of the sports we’ve highlighted in our show, we’ve been able to do that. That’s something I’m really proud of.”

Warrior Games premiered Sept. 6 showcasing aboriginal youth embracing traditional and modern sports.

A second episode featuring Whitehorse athletes performing Arctic sports is slated to air later this season.

For more information on show times or to watch past episodes, visit the Warrior Games website at www.aptn.ca/warriorgames/.