History of Lacrosse

Lacrosse is the oldest and most storied sport in North America, deeply rooted in Indigenous culture and history. More than just a game, lacrosse was originally played as a spiritual practice, a means of healing, and a way to resolve conflicts. Known as "The Creator's Game", it remains an integral part of Indigenous heritage and Canadian identity today.

Indigenous Origins, Spiritual Significance, and Resurgence

Lacrosse was first played by Indigenous nations across what is now Canada and the United States. The sport was called different names by various tribes, including "baggataway" by the Algonquin and "tewaarathon" by the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois Confederacy). Games often lasted for days, involving hundreds of players on fields stretching for miles.

For Indigenous communities, lacrosse was far more than a competition. It was viewed as a sacred gift from the Creator, played for healing, strength, and community unity. Shamans and elders would organize games as a means of curing illness, bringing balance to the people, and honoring those who had passed. The Iroquois, in particular, consider lacrosse a sacred game meant to be played with gratitude and respect, and it is often part of ceremonies that seek spiritual guidance.

Players would pray before and after games, and many viewed participation as a way to show respect for their ancestors and spiritual connections. The sticks, often hand-crafted from hickory and strung with deer sinew, were believed to carry spiritual power and were treated with great reverence. Even today, lacrosse remains central to many Indigenous cultures, continuing as a bridge between past traditions and future generations.

In recent years, there has been a strong resurgence of Indigenous lacrosse, with the Haudenosaunee Nationals competing on the world stage. The team, representing the Iroquois Confederacy rather than any nation-state, has been a dominant force in international competition. In 2022, the Haudenosaunee Nationals were invited to participate in the 2028 Summer Olympics, marking a historic recognition of their contribution to the sport. Indigenous-led lacrosse programs are growing across Canada, promoting both the athletic and cultural aspects of the sport. Some First Nations communities also hold traditional wooden stick lacrosse games, preserving their ancestral ways of playing.

Lacrosse has also been increasingly recognized for its healing power, particularly in Indigenous youth programs that use the game to promote mental health, resilience, and cultural pride. Organizations such as Right to Play and First Nations Lacrosse Association have worked to provide access to the sport in Indigenous communities, reinforcing its role as a tool for connection and well-being. Many Indigenous lacrosse players now serve as role models, inspiring young athletes and ensuring that the traditions and values of the game endure.

European Contact and Early Modernization

The first recorded European observation of lacrosse occurred in 1637 when Jesuit missionary Jean de Brébeuf documented a game played by the Huron people in present-day Ontario. French settlers adopted the game, giving it the name "la crosse" due to the resemblance of the stick to a bishop's crozier (staff).

By the early 1800s, organized matches between Indigenous teams and settlers became more common. In 1856, Dr. William George Beers, a Montreal dentist and avid lacrosse player, formalized the sport by standardizing team sizes, game duration, and introducing a rubber ball. In 1867, Beers established the first governing body for the sport, the National Lacrosse Association, and helped spread lacrosse beyond Indigenous communities.

Lacrosse Becomes Canada’s National Sport

Lacrosse quickly became a symbol of Canadian identity and was declared Canada’s national game in 1859. It gained international recognition in 1876 when a team from Canada played an exhibition match in England, attended by Queen Victoria, who reportedly called it "a very pretty game to watch."

The late 19th and early 20th centuries saw the rise of lacrosse leagues across the country. In 1901, Lord Minto, the Governor General of Canada, donated the Minto Cup, which is still awarded to the Canadian Junior A Lacrosse champion. In 1910, Sir Donald Mann introduced the Mann Cup for the country’s top senior team.

The Shift to Box Lacrosse

In the 1930s, a major shift occurred with the introduction of Box Lacrosse, a faster-paced indoor version of the sport played in hockey arenas. This new format quickly became the dominant version of lacrosse in Canada. By the mid-1930s, field lacrosse had largely been replaced by box lacrosse, which remains the most popular form of the sport in the country today. This adaptation helped sustain the game during the decline of field lacrosse and created an opportunity for professional leagues to emerge, leading to the National Lacrosse League (NLL), which remains the highest level of box lacrosse today.

Lacrosse in the Modern Era

Today, Lacrosse Canada governs four official disciplines of the sport:

• Box Lacrosse - The most popular form in Canada, played indoors on hockey-sized rinks.

• Men's Field Lacrosse - Played outdoors with 10 players per team, emphasizing ball control and strategy.

• Women's Field Lacrosse - A non-contact version focusing on passing and skill.

• Inter-Lacrosse - A non-contact variant designed for all ages and skill levels.

In 1994, Parliament passed the National Sports of Canada Act, officially reaffirming lacrosse as Canada’s national summer sport, alongside hockey as the national winter sport. The decision highlighted lacrosse’s deep-rooted history and its ongoing significance within Canadian culture.

Lacrosse's Legacy in Canada

Lacrosse is more than just a game; it is a living connection to Canada’s Indigenous heritage and a testament to the country’s sporting history. From its origins as a ceremonial practice to its place in modern athletics, lacrosse remains a symbol of endurance, skill, and national pride. As the sport continues to grow at all levels, its deep Indigenous roots ensure that The Creator’s Game continues to thrive for generations to come.