The History of the Medicine Game

Summary

This video explores the deep cultural, spiritual, and historical significance of lacrosse within Indigenous communities. It highlights the game as a sacred tradition, passed down through generations as a form of medicine—both physical and spiritual. The speaker reflects on how lacrosse serves as a tool for healing, community building, and preserving ancestral knowledge. Through personal anecdotes and insights, the video demonstrates how lacrosse continues to foster connection, pride, and well-being today. The sport is portrayed not only as a game but as a way to honor the Creator and support the community, with healing effects that extend beyond the playing field.

Takeaways

• 😀 Lacrosse is a deeply rooted game with spiritual and historical significance, often referred to as a 'medicine game' and connected to various cultural practices.
• 😀 Traditionally known as 'stick and ball,' lacrosse has been played as a form of healing, entertainment, and conflict resolution within communities.
• 😀 The game is a means of passing on traditions and lifestyle, carrying forward the ancestral teachings embedded in the players' heritage.
• 😀 Lacrosse was used to address community challenges such as drought, war, disease, and famine, offering a way to restore balance and resolve issues.
• 😀 Players are taught that they play not just for themselves but for those who can no longer play, as well as for the pride of their community and ancestors.
• 😀 Community involvement is key in lacrosse, with preparation for the game including rituals like choosing players, setting up the field, and organizing feasts as offerings.
• 😀 The lacrosse stick, especially the wooden ones, is seen as a sacred object that connects players to their ancestors, providing a deep, spiritual experience.
• 😀 The game teaches both physical and mental resilience, offering players a unique form of medicine that embodies strength, healing, and history.
• 😀 Modern lacrosse still carries the values of its origins, with a focus on teaching the game's history and connecting new generations to their cultural roots.
• 😀 The game is celebrated as a community event, where competition exists but the overall spirit is one of unity, healing, and mutual respect.
• 😀 Lacrosse has proven therapeutic effects, helping individuals with varying abilities, such as those with autism, connect emotionally and socially through the game.

Q & A

What is lacrosse referred to in the context of the script?

Lacrosse is referred to as a 'medicine game,' a sacred tradition that has deep historical and spiritual significance for the communities that play it.

How did lacrosse serve in Indigenous communities traditionally?

Traditionally, lacrosse served multiple purposes: as a form of entertainment, a means to prepare youth for future challenges like hunting or battle, a way to resolve conflicts, and a tool for healing during times of crisis.

What role did the game of lacrosse play in resolving community issues?

Lacrosse was used to settle disagreements between different communities and heal individuals, acting as a form of peaceful conflict resolution and a way to bring people together.

What is the significance of the wooden stick in lacrosse, according to the script?

The wooden stick is considered the 'medicine' of the game, representing a deep connection to history and traditions. Holding it allows players to feel the presence of their ancestors, pushing them forward and reminding them of their cultural heritage.

How does the narrator feel when playing lacrosse with the wooden stick?

The narrator feels a deep emotional connection, sensing the hands of their ancestors guiding them. It brings a sense of pride and continuity, reinforcing their bond with the game and their heritage.

What kind of lacrosse stick did the narrator use in their youth, and how does it relate to tradition?

The narrator used a lacrosse stick with a plastic frame but with traditional leather stringing, maintaining a connection to the old ways while adapting to modern materials.

Why does the narrator teach the history of lacrosse in schools?

The narrator teaches the history of lacrosse to ensure that students understand its origins and cultural significance. It is important to pass on this knowledge so that the game’s deep traditions are not forgotten.

What is the narrator’s role in sharing lacrosse with students?

The narrator sees their role as sharing the game’s history and cultural significance, educating students about its deeper meaning beyond just the sport itself, and helping them connect to the game’s traditions.

How does lacrosse continue to impact students in contemporary settings?

Lacrosse has a profound emotional impact on students, including those with varying abilities. It provides them with a sense of community and emotional release, as some students have become deeply moved by the game and reluctant to stop playing.

What message does the narrator convey about the competitive nature of lacrosse?

While lacrosse is competitive, the narrator emphasizes that the true value of the game is in the participation and unity it fosters. After the game, there are no hard feelings, and everyone is considered a winner for having played and contributed.