Roots: Exploring the History of Lacrosse

Summary

The video script narrates the rich history and cultural significance of lacrosse, originating from the Iroquois people as a ceremonial game for healing and unity. It discusses the sport's evolution, its appropriation by European settlers, and its current status as a predominantly white, expensive sport. Despite this, the script highlights the efforts to diversify the sport, with notable players of color and the reestablishment of lacrosse programs at historically black colleges. The narrative calls for a more inclusive and accessible future for lacrosse, reflecting the game's indigenous roots and promoting a community based on friendship, respect, and peace.

Takeaways

• 🏑 Lacrosse is deeply rooted in the culture of the Iroquois (Huda Rosoni) people, who were given the game as a ceremonial medicine game over a thousand years ago.
• 🌐 The game was originally intended to heal the sick, make peace among nations, and bring fun, reflecting a connection to the natural world.
• 🏆 Lacrosse has a rich history, with the first recorded college game played in 1877, predating the first college basketball game by 22 years.
• 🔄 The sport has undergone significant changes since its origins, including shifts in how it is played and perceived, especially with the influence of French missionaries and its adoption as Canada's national sport.
• 🌈 Despite early racial segregation, the civil rights movement and subsequent changes have allowed for more diversity in lacrosse, with notable players like Jim Brown breaking barriers.
• 🏈 Morgan State College was a pioneer in lacrosse diversity, fielding an NCAA team in the 1970s and achieving significant victories before financial challenges led to the program's closure.
• 💼 The cost of equipment and insurance has been a barrier to participation in lacrosse, similar to other sports like hockey and golf, affecting demographic expansion.
• 🏆 Players of color have made significant impacts in recent years, with individuals like Lyle Thompson and Miles Thompson achieving records and inspiring others.
• 🌟 The Iroquois Nationals hope to see lacrosse played at the Olympics in 2028, symbolizing a broader acceptance and appreciation for the sport's origins and values.
• 🌱 The future of lacrosse involves embracing its traditional roots, advocating for inclusivity, and addressing social injustices to create a more diverse and representative sport.

Q & A

What is the traditional name of the Iroquois people mentioned in the script?

The traditional name of the Iroquois people is Huda Roshoni.

How old is the game of lacrosse according to the script?

Lacrosse is over a thousand years old, as it was first given to the Hada Noshone people as a gift from the creator.

What were the original purposes of the game of lacrosse?

The game of lacrosse was originally given as a medicine game to heal the sick, make peace among nations, and to have fun.

What materials were used to make the traditional lacrosse stick and net?

The traditional lacrosse stick was made from the hickory tree, representing all plant life, and the net was made from the sinew of the deer, representing all animals.

How is the lacrosse stick connected to the Iroquois people's life cycle?

The lacrosse stick is put in an Iroquois child's cradle board when they are born and is buried with them when they die, symbolizing a connection to the natural world and the next life.

Who coined the name 'lacrosse' and why?

The French missionaries coined the name 'lacrosse' in the 1630s because they thought the stick looked like a crosier, or cross, that bishops carried.

How did the game of lacrosse evolve after being played outside Native reservations?

After being played outside Native reservations, lacrosse began to take a new shape, eventually being declared Canada's national sport and distancing itself from its Native roots.

What was the significance of Jim Brown in the history of lacrosse?

Jim Brown was a legendary lacrosse player who played midfield and remains the only black male player in the National Lacrosse Hall of Fame. He was known for his exceptional skills and for inspiring others.

Why did Morgan State College discontinue its lacrosse program?

Morgan State College discontinued its lacrosse program in 1981 due to financial hardship.

What is the significance of the phrase 'grow the game' in the context of lacrosse?

The phrase 'grow the game' refers to the efforts to expand the sport of lacrosse's geographical footprint, demographic participation, and to make it more accessible and inclusive.

What is the hope for the future of lacrosse as expressed in the script?

The hope for the future of lacrosse is that it will be a sport that represents the direction of where the world is moving, is inclusive, and brings a world community based on true friendship, respect, and peace.