Traditional Iroquois Lacrosse

People all over the world now play lacrosse, but it started as a Native American game. Over the years, the Iroquois people have used lacrosse as a cultural event, as it holds much significance in the history of the people. The past, present and future of lacrosse all go through the Iroquois nation.

Origins

Lacrosse predates European settlement in North America, and according to the Iroquois Nationals Lacross website, some believe that the Iroquois began playing in the 12th century. Originally, the Iroquois would play lacrosse with hundred of players on each side on a pitch up to one mile long. They also believed that participation in lacrosse pleased the gods, so it took a spiritual importance in Iroquois society. They used the sport not only as a recreational activity, but also as a way to keep young men fit for hunting and in case of war.

Modern History

Europeans first discovered the sport in the 1600s, after watching Iroquois teams participate. In 1740, a French team challenged an Iroquois team for the first time, losing the match easily. By the 1790s, the rules limited teams to 60 players and confined them to a field 500 yards in length. In 1825, the Iroquois started playing with seven-man teams on fields 50 yards in length. By 1851, the European settlers had improved greatly and finally defeated a Native American team. The Europeans also came up with the name lacrosse, which comes from the stick's resemblance to the crosier carried by Catholic bishops.

International Play

The Iroquois have permission to participate in international events as a nation, as the Federation of International Lacrosse granted this in 1987. They remain the only Native American team recognized as a sovereign national team for participation in an international sport. Although they have never won a World Lacrosse Championship, the Iroquois Nationals have also never finished lower than fourth during one of these events. They have also finished as high as second in the World Indoor Lacrosse Championships.

Controversy

In 2010, the British government prohibited the Iroquois Nationals from entering the country to play in the World Lacrosse Championship, since the players did not have American or Canadian passports. Since 1977, the Iroquois people have used passports issued by the Iroquois Confederacy and have traveled all over the world using them. The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative states that individuals need national passports to leave and enter countries. Many players have refused to get American or Canadian passports, since they feel as though these diminish the Iroquois nation's identity.