Lacrosse now commonly adopted by athletes in many countries, originated with the North American Indians who played it centuries before the arrival of the white-man. It has been played by various native nations from coast to coast, but its origin is thought to rest in the great lakes area.

To the Haudenosaunee, lacrosse has spiritual origins, given to the people by the creator to be symbolic of the duality of life.

Lacrosse figured prominently on all occasions of importance, ceremonies or entertainment of guests. Players often fasted for days preceding the game. Native lacrosse games ranged from several families to over 2,000 participants. The fields ranged from one hundred yards to one mile apart. Some nations used two sticks others used one similar to the lacrosse sticks of today.

One of the earliest cross cultural lacrosse games was between the French and the Mohawks in 1735. The first formal white team was in Montreal in 1837. Since that time, non-natives have participated in the sport of lacrosse, spreading "OUR" game around the world.

From the first native games until the 1930's, lacrosse was played in open fields. Field lacrosse has become one of the primary sports of the Ivy League colleges as well as the US Military Academies. Field lacrosse teams consist of ten players.

During the late twenties, an indoor version of the game developed. Box lacrosse was played in an arena similar to ice hockey, only with smaller teams of six men on each side. Both field and box have flourished and are played across the continent by our young native men and youth, keeping our traditional pride alive. Canada, adopting the lacrosse as their national sport concentrates on box lacrosse with organized provincial leagues. The United States has played field lacrosse almost exclusively with collegiate and club teams.

The Haudenosaunee, who traditional territory lays on both sides of the United States - Canadian border, play both games, dominating high school play. However, box lacrosse is the favored game, with inter-tribal teams competing each year.

Today, lacrosse has a world-wide following. Field lacrosse is played in the United States, Canada, Ireland, England, Australia and the Six Nations. Box lacrosse is played in the United States, Canada, England, Australia and the Six Nations. Women's field lacrosse, although not played heavy by Native women, is also popular in other nations.

Lacrosse was a featured game in the 1932 Olympic Games held in Los Angeles in which the Haudenosaunee participated. In fact one of the Mohawk players, named Harry Smith remained in Los Angeles to become a famous actor "Jay Silverheels" who starred as "Tonto" in the lone ranger series.

Prior to 1978, the inter-league play was known as the (NALA) North American Lacrosse Association. The year 1978 brought forward the existing box lacrosse league known as the Can-Am Lacrosse League. This league consisted of two divisions, with the East Division consisting of: Montreal, Cornwall, Akewsasne and Caughnawaga. The West Division consisted of Niagara, Syracuse, Oshweken and the NEWTOWN GOLDEN EAGLES.

WHAT LACROSSE MEANS TO THE HAUDENOSAUNEE

Of all the woodland Native hell games, lacrosse was by far the favored sport. Far as long as our collective memory recalls, we have played lacrosse. The young men of our Nations, wearing colors and insignias of their communities, clans or nations, exhibited great strength, skill and ability

Lacrosse is important, both as a concept as well as a sport. It builds character, trust and integrity. How you play the game today will display how you live your life tomorrow. Great rivalries between clans, villages or nations could be peacefully settled by a game of lacrosse, viewed by hundreds of spectators. To all of us, Lacrosse is the Creator's game, to be cherished and respected. Great ceremonies were preformed prior to the competition, to ask for protection of the players and to assure the creator that the game will be honored.

Finally, lacrosse is a spiritual statement. A special medicine was used for the welfare of the Haudenosaunee. The spirit of Lacrosse has remained a major part of our lives. In all of our territories you will find children playing the game, young men competing with skills and exuberance of the forefathers, as our people continue the ancient tradition, of a game we have come to call "LACROSSE"