The Stream

Have the origins of lacrosse been whitewashed?

Originating from North American indigenous tribes, the sport of lacrosse holds spiritual significance for Native athletes.

When is playing a sport more than just a game? For the Native American Iroquois nations, or Haudenosaunee, lacrosse is central to their cultural heritage and a fundamental means of honouring the earth’s creator. Twelfth century indigenous Americans developed the game to sharpen their hunting skills and strengthen the mind and body. Today, Native American athletes are among the sport’s top players. The documentary “Spirit Game: Pride of a Nation” follows the 2015 Iroquois Nationals lacrosse team and their fight to be recognised as a sovereign nation in international competition. We’ll speak to Native lacrosse athletes on how cultural identity affects the way they play the game.

On this episode of The Stream, we speak with:

Lyle Thompson @lyle4thompson
Professional lacrosse player
thompsonbrotherslacrosse.us

Jeremy Thompson @j_thompson74
Professional lacrosse player
thompsonbrotherslacrosse.us

Bill O’Brien @Bill_OBrien96
Professional lacrosse player
thompsonbrotherslacrosse.us

Amber Hill-Donhauser @HaudenosauneeLx
Captain, Haudenosaunee Nation women’s national lacrosse team
facebook.com/AmberHillDonhauserForNF

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