By C. Perera, JadeTimes News
One of the fastest growing sports in North America, lacrosse is set to return to the Olympics, yet the sport's creators, the First Nations Haudenosaunee people, might not be invited.
Lewis Mitchell, a lacrosse stick maker from Snye, Quebec, notes the deep rooted tradition of lacrosse among the Haudenosaunee, where it's common to introduce babies to the sport early. Mitchell's workshop, located in the Mohawk territory of Akwesasne, plays a vital role in preserving the traditional craft of wooden lacrosse stick making despite the dominance of plastic sticks since the 1970s. His and Evan Cree’s workshops are now part of Akwesasne's growing tourism industry, which uses lacrosse to showcase the region's culture and history.
Lacrosse, believed to have been invented by the Haudenosaunee around 1,000 years ago, is experiencing a resurgence and will feature in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics in the sixes format. As Mitchell explains the process of crafting a lacrosse stick, he shares stories of his playing days and his induction into both the Akwesasne and Ontario Lacrosse Halls of Fame. For the Haudenosaunee, lacrosse is more than a sport; it's a spiritual activity tied to their creation stories and used for both competition and healing.
Despite their deep connection to lacrosse, the Haudenosaunee might not be able to compete in the 2028 Olympics due to their lack of a National Olympic Committee or recognition by the United Nations, which prevents their teams from being recognized by the International Olympic Committee. This situation forces Haudenosaunee players to choose between playing for the US or Canada or not playing at all. However, there is significant support for their inclusion, including from President Biden, who advocates for an exception similar to the one made for the Refugee Olympic Team in 2015.
