National Indigenous History Month, commemorated in Canada annually in June, invites us all to recognize the rich history, heritage, resilience, and diversity of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples across the country known as Canada.
Over the next several weeks, Lacrosse Canada and the Canadian Lacrosse Foundation will be highlighting stories from Akwesasne to Squamish Nation, Kahnawake to Onondaga, and re-introducing you to individuals who have made significant impacts on the game.
All of these stories can be found in the back catalogue of the Legends of Lacrosse video series.
Sam Seward, Squamish Nation
Seward has been involved with the sport of lacrosse for over 60 years, and plan in the first World Box event in 1980 for the Can-Am Indigenous team.
Tewanee Joseph, Squamish Nation
Joseph has been in love with lacrosse for as long as he’s been alive. Watching family members play on the North Shore team and win National Championships, he would eventually follow in their footsteps. He was also a key part in the Four Host Nations' involvement in the 2010 Vancouver Olympics.
Wayne Baker, Squamish Nation
Baker comes from one of the “lacrosse royal families” of the West Coast, and has a number of acting credits. He credits lacrosse for his success and for helping him on his path through life.
Barry Alfred, Kahnawake
Known for his leadership abilities, he was elected team captain many times in his career with Kahnawake. He is known for bringing out the best in others, and coached his Kahnawake team for 14 seasons.
Louis Delisle, Kahnawake
Deslisle has coached in every decade since the 1960s, and continues to coach high school lacrosse today. He played a major role in the 150th Anniversary of Lacrosse celebration, organizing the Kahnawake community for historical re-enactments of lacrosse.
About Lacrosse Canada
Founded in 1867, Lacrosse Canada is the governing body responsible for all aspects of lacrosse in Canada. Our organization is comprised of 10 Member Associations representing nearly 85,000 individual participants, including coaches, officials, and athletes of all ages and abilities. Lacrosse Canada’s mission is to honour the sport of lacrosse and its unique nation-building heritage, by engaging our members, leading our partners, and providing opportunities for all Canadians to participate. Lacrosse Canada oversees the delivery of numerous national championships and the participation of Team Canada at all international events sanctioned by World Lacrosse. Lacrosse Canada is proud to be affiliated with partners that share the same vision and values, including our corporate partners - NormaTec Recovery Systems, RockTape, OPRO, Canadian Red Cross, Westjet, and Baron Rings - as well as our funding partners the Government of Canada, the Coaching Association of Canada, and the Canadian Lacrosse Foundation.
For more information, please contact:
Taylor Retter
Communications and Marketing Coordinator
Lacrosse Canada
Email: taylor@lacrosse.ca