Lacrosse; An Ancient Game

To the Iroquois, lacrosse is a very important part of our social, cultural and spiritual heritage.

We believe that the game of lacrosse was given to us by the Creator as and enjoyable way to compete amongst ourselves and a way for the young people to demonstrate their athletic skills to the benefit of their communities. Lacrosse is a very ancient North American Indian game, played throughout the Northeast Woodlands. French missionaries first described the game in 1636, fascinated by the intensity of the game and the fast pace of the action. It was also described as a very important medicine ceremony.

 

Early games were played on huge fields, some of which were several miles long. The game was played until one team scored two of the three, or three of the five goals. Back then, a lacrosse game could take days to finish.

 

In 1750, Mohawk Indians introduced the game to the French Canadians at Montreal. By 1874, the Iroquois had toured England and Australia to promote the game of lacrosse. The ancient Indian game found new and eager audiences.