Toka is a traditional O'odham (Pima) game for girls and women that is similar to field hockey.

Along with learning and playing Toka, 5th & 6th grade [female] students learn the cultural teachings, legends, and songs that are tied to the game. Salt River Elementary School students also learn team building and accountability as individuals and community among girls and women through Toka.









The traditional game has been a part of Salt River Elementary School as an afterschool club since 2017.

Toka is played among the four O'odham sister tribes: Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community, Gila River Indian Community, Ak-Chin Indian Community, and the Tohono O'odham Nation.

SRES students scrimmage community Toka players at the end of every semester.

SRES students participated and placed fifth of 13 teams in the third annual Young Women's Tournament (12 & under) at the Tohono O'odham Nation's Vapkial Ha-Tas Rodeo & Fair in 2019.

As our communities return to in-person evens, we hope to rebuild our Toka community through play, practice, and tournaments.

- Written Jessica Ruiz, SRES Eagles Club Toka Coach

Click here to read the write-up about Toka at SRES in O'odham Action News.