Indian Time - A Voice from the Eastern Door

On Thursday June 21 a field day was held at Generations Park. The focus was lacrosse and the Akwesasne Lacrosse Hall of Fame put on the event. Under a white tent on a 90 degree day a crowd listened intently to the abundant amount of knowledge that was shared by many great speakers. Inside the Senior Center were exhibits about Mohawk culture, a variety of vendors were present and a traditional meal was served at noon. Field Day Chairman Peter Garrow moderated the event and the Akwesasne young men singers started the ceremony with the traditional opening and the Stomp Dance.

Grand Chief Mike Mitchell taught us that lacrosse is played always and at all times to honor the Creator. Lacrosse defines who we are and our contribution to the world and it is the only sport that is played under our own indigenous flag. The Creator created lacrosse as a peaceful way to end disputes. All of the rules must be agreed upon before beginning the game so that everyone will accept the results.

Sue Ellen Herne moderated the topic “Our Game of Lacrosse” with speakers Dave White, John Thomas, and Leadhorse. They explained that lacrosse is much more than a sport and speakers described the medicine game and how players can draw strength and heal from engaging in a medicine game of lacrosse. Sue Ellen Herne spoke about the lacrosse exhibit at the museum and how the Akwesasne Freedom School students helped create the exhibit. Dave White was the advisor of the exhibit and detailed the process of making a lacrosse stick. The first lacrosse sticks were made of hickory and the evolution of the lacrosse stick was shown. Leadhorse introduced the crowd to stickball and showed a Choctaw lacrosse stick. He and others would like to get a team together to play.

Leadhorse Kabocca Towa (stickball Choctaw). He is currently recruiting to coach young players to demonstrate this sport at this year’s Nations Cup in September. Photo courtesy of Neddie Thompson.

Chief Brian David moderated the topic “Wampum and Silver Covenant Chain” which featured speakers Darren Bonaparte and Henry Lickers. Chief David focused on lacrosse as a peaceful way to end disputes. He stated that we are still waiting for the United States and Canada to put a team together to play on treaties. Darren Bonaparte spoke of Wampum and the Silver Covenant Chain explaining their significance and history, and how they still shape the world we live in today and furthermore, how they should play a bigger role in the world today. Henry Lickers connected being a biologist to lacrosse and discussed the Great Way of Peace.

Delmor Jacobs proclaimed that once you understand lacrosse is the Creators game, you will always play with respect. He explored the War of 1812, how the role of Native Americans is left out of history and explained how that role shaped North America.

Overall, the event was held to foster learning, understanding and connecting. Speakers declared the youth and other peoples need to know these things. Mohawk culture and language are not being lost and an annual event like this would reconnect the community to its heritage.