The History of Lacrosse

We're grateful to have been shared the game of lacrosse, which has been played on Turtle Island (North America) since the creation of these lands. Lacrosse comes from rich history and cultures, and it carries meaning greater than simple sport.

Gifted this experience, we seek to embrace its roots as students of the game — honouring and spreading its spirit.

This page is dedicated appreciating the origins and development of lacrosse.

------

RESOURCES:

*If there is anything that should be added or edited, please give us a shout.

Books:

The Creator's Game: Lacrosse, Identity, and Indigenous Nationhood

By Allan Downey

Akhwatsirehkó:wa – My Big Family: Our Game, Our Experience, Our Way

By Brennor Jacobs with Brendan Bomberry

Lacrosse: The Ancient Game

By Jim Calder

Women Play Lacrosse: A History of the International Field Game

By Jim Calder

Salmonbellies vs the World: The Story of Lacrosse's Most Famous Team & Their Greatest Rivals

By WB MacDonald

Mohawk Interuptus: Political Life Across the Borders of Settler States

By Audra Simpson

Specifically page 25–33, speaking to the Nationhood, sovereignty, and and self-determination in the context of the Haudenosaunee lacrosse team.

Movies/Documentaries:

Spirit Game: Pride of a Nation

By One Bowl Productions

The Medicine Game: Episode 1/ Episode 2/ Episode 3/ Episode 4

By Thomson Brothers Lacrosse

Full length feature available online by Vision Maker Media (available in DVD directly from the producers or digital copy at amazon prime video)

Web Videos:

Spirit of the Game

By Sports Centre

Web:

Lacrosse Educational Guide: Grades 9-12 & Higher Education

By Vision Maker Media

This PDF document is meant to supplement the documentary produced by the writers, The Medicine Game, listed in the section above.

"Lacrosse: From Creator's Game to Modern Sport"

By Tabitha de Bruin and Jim Calder

"Lacrosse"

By Onondaga Nation

News Articles:

"How Indigenous Players Are Reclaiming Lacrosse"

By Andrew Keh

Shop