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Indigenous Education

The Creator's Game

Native American communities around the Great Lakes, Mid-Atlantic, and American South have played lacrosse and other stick and ball games for centuries. Modern lacrosse most closely resembles a version played among the Haudenosaunee, or Iroquois people, who refer to lacrosse as the Creator's Game. Explore the resources below to learn more about the cultural significance of lacrosse.

Resources

The Great Ball Game

The Great Ball Game

Hear the story of the first game of lacrosse that was played between the land animals and the birds.

Video | 3 minutes

The Stickmaker

The Stickmaker

Watch a legendary craftsman create wooden sticks by hand using traditional techniques.

Video | 5 minutes

Origins and Values

Origins and Values

Hear directly from Indigenous leaders about the origins and values of lacrosse.

Video | 12 minutes

Haudenosaunee Guide for Educators

Haudenosaunee Guide for Educators

A guide created by the National Museum of the American Indian.

PDF | 24 pages