A History of Iroquois Nationals Lacrosse
By Lena Camara
Lacrosse is not what tends to come to mind when Canada and sports are mentioned in the same breath, though it is the country’s national sport – in summer, at least. The sport has been around for centuries, predating even the European settlement of North America; it is believed the Native Americans invented the game of Lacrosse as early as the 12th century. Lacrosse is not only a sport, but originally was played as a spiritual endeavour, meant to give thanks and praises to the gods, a tradition which the Iroquois Nationals lacrosse team follows to this day.
The original version of the game was played with possibly hundreds of players at a time on a field that could range up to a mile in length and would continue for days. Given the number of players, and the physicality lacrosse demands, it is with good reason that the Eastern Cherokee name for the sport roughly translates to “little war.” The game, however, has little to do with inspiring aggression. “We play this game to give enjoyment to the Creator,” clarified Ansley Jemison, general manager of the Iroquois Nationals. Before the game, the team gathers around their spiritual advisor who leads a traditional tobacco-burning rite, among other rituals that prepare the players to take the field.
The only time lacrosse has been a medal-earning sport at the Olympics was in 1904 and 1908 when Canada won the gold medal for men’s lacrosse both times. Lacrosse has been played for demonstration in a small number of subsequent summer games, and the Federation of International Lacrosse (FIL) continues to push the game’s presence in order to reinstate it at the Olympics. In order to do so, the sport will need a following on at least four continents with 75 competing countries. With only 23 countries currently in the FIL, it will be some time before we see the sport in the Olympics again. Until that time, the Lacrosse World Championship (LWC) will have to do. It is the biggest of the international lacrosse championships. The LWC is played every four years, just like the World Cup, and involved a record 29 competing countries in 2010. From its inception as a four-nation tournament until the present, the same teams have dominated: only the Iroquois, Canadian, American and Australian teams have ever placed in the top four.
The Iroquois Nationals team is the only Native American team authorized to play a sport internationally. The FIL accepted the Iroquois Confederacy as a full member nation in 1987, and they participated in their first competition in 1990. Since then, the Nationals then proven their mettle. “The game is absolutely still a big part of our culture,” said Jemison, when asked about the team’s importance today. “We are very proud to represent our nation.” As part of the agreement with the FIL, Native Americans from other tribes are also eligible to tryout and play for the Nationals.
The Nationals have been endorsed by Nike since 2008, and receive other funding from various sources including prominent Native American businesses. They are now a long way away from the donated equipment and airline tickets that saw them through the 1990 LWC. Under-funded at the outset, the Iroquois Nationals made a name for themselves and attracted investments and interest from around North America. Nowadays, their players are offered scholarships and recruited by the best university teams.
This summer, the LWC made news for reasons other than lacrosse. Upon travelling to Manchester for their first game against Germany, the Iroquois team was denied entry into England. The British government demanded that they carry either Canadian or American documents in order to cross the border, as their Iroquois Confederacy passports were not recognized. In the United States, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton intervened on behalf of the Iroquois Nationals lacrosse team, obtaining a one-time waiver that allowed them to travel despite their passports not containing biometric chips and current security features. More outrage was levied against the British than the American authorities, though neither was willing to give the Iroquois Confederacy passport the same privileges as the Canadian and American ones. When asked about the decisions, team members were incensed by the idea of obtaining passports of nations to which they did not belong. Jemison quoted a member of the Nationals who said, “It’s one thing to lose a game to a team that’s better than you; it’s another to lose to a man behind a desk.”
It was in 1923 that the Iroquois Confederacy began issuing passports, and for many years carriers of this document were able to travel without much problem. With tightened security measures after 9/11, the E.U. member states no longer recognize Iroquois Confederacy passports as legal documents. While holders of this passport are free to enter Canada, neither the U.S. nor Canada endorse it as an official and valid travel document. The Bloc Québecois sided with the federal government on the issue, arguing that if the Iroquois passport was valid, then Quebec would also issue its own travel documents. As for the tournament, the Iroquois Nationals were never given the chance to compete and so did not place in the championship. Every match scheduled against the team was counted as a 1-0 forfeit victory for the other nation, which Jemison felt “was a big disappointment to all of us because we were highly ranked. We had all the tools to do well but suddenly it felt like we had one hand tied behind our backs.”
Despite recent difficulties with customs, the Nationals continue to cement a presence in international lacrosse. Just this month they travelled to Hawaii to compete at a tournament, which marked the first meeting of the indigenous Hawaiian players with the Iroquois. The team has previously travelled to other tournaments around the world to represent the Iroquois Confederacy, finding little to no trouble with regards to restricted movement. The 2014 LWC will be hosted in Denver and the Nationals should have no trouble getting there to represent the Iroquois.
Entertainment – Haudenosaunee Confederacy
Skip to content
EntertainmentCommunications2021-06-09T18:45:42-04:00
While the Haudenosaunee communities were bustling with chores and every day living, their lives did not consist only of work. Throughout the Haudenosaunee culture were times of celebration and thanksgiving.
Art, sports, games, music and dance were staples in the Haudenosaunee people’s lives and often intertwined in their day to day activities. Every game or piece of art had a second significant purpose. Sports like lacrosse were played by men as a sort of conditioning to maintain and further develop their skills. Baskets, combs and beadwork clothing which are seen as artistic pieces today were made for practical use but with as much love and attention as any artistic piece today.
Music and dance were a major part of the Haudenosaunee lives. Ceremonies and social dances could involve 60 to 70 songs using instruments like water drums and gourd rattles.
While children played, most of their games involved role playing to learn what their mothers or fathers do. For young boys lacrosse was a way of teaching the skills of stealth, strength, agility and speed. Girls played with cornhusk dolls to prepare them for their role as nurturers. Another past time of story telling helped them to learn the stories that taught them their culture and the ways of the Haudenosaunee.
Search for:
Top Posts
- HDI Midwinter Closure
December 17, 2021
- Statement: CEASE AND DESIST BLUE TRITON
November 25, 2021
- HDI MEDIA ADVISORY: New Contact Information
November 19, 2021
- In the News: Tobacco Trial Restarts
October 22, 2021
- Norfolk County Buyer Beware
October 12, 2021
Departments Links
DEVELOPMENT INSTITUTE
Represents HCCC interests in the development of lands within areas of Haudenosaunee jurisdiction.
Click for Details
DOCUMENTATION COMMITTEE
Official voice of the HCCC on border crossing documentation issues.
Click for Details
WILDLIFE & HABITAT COMMITTEE
REPATRIATION COMMITTEE
Tasked with retrieving sacred objects for the nations of the Confederacy and redistributing them to the individual nations.
Click for Details
JOINT STEWARDSHIP BOARD
Responsible for ensuring cooperation and successful continuation of environmental management plans for the Red Hill Valley.
Click for Details
OGWA WIHSTA DEWA SYNE
Project funding, payroll services and finance monitoring.
Click for Details
Council
- Current Clan Mothers & Chiefs
- Council Minutes & Agendas
Newsletters
Check out our Quarterly Newsletters
Click on the newsletter below to view or download.
January 2018
December 2015
July 2015
Go to Top
What kind of sports at what age is best to do?
Sign up for our ”Context” newsletter: it will help you understand the events.
Image copyright, Getty Images
Image caption,
At 20 years old, we are in great physical shape and can show our best results in sports. At 30 and 40 years old, we will not be able to achieve such results, but we can remain active throughout our lives.
Everyone knows that exercise in reasonable amounts has a positive effect on health. However, the impact can be very different.
Physical activity reduces the risk of heart disease, protects against certain types of cancer and prevents type 2 diabetes.
In addition, sports support our mental health: the body produces more endorphins, which positively affects our mood and self-esteem.
- Golden bar, boxing and polo. What kind of sports do politicians and celebrities prefer
- Chessboxing: the sport of smart and strong
But it is also obvious that sports for a 20-year-old is not the same as a sport for a 40-year-old. It would be logical to assume that there are sports that are more suitable for a certain age.
If you do not take into account the age factor when choosing physical activity, you can in some cases cause serious harm to health.
Image copyright, Getty Images
Image caption,
Staying active into adulthood keeps us feeling good and in good spirits
The Conversation magazine published a debate by scientists on what kind of physical activity at what age will help you stay healthy health.
Professor of Physical Therapy Julie Broderick from Trinity College Dublin talks about the scientists’ general recommendations for people of all ages.
In childhood
Exercise helps children develop, strengthens their muscles, builds self-confidence and self-confidence, and promotes healthy sleep and wake patterns.
Image copyright, Getty Images
Image caption,
It is important that children always have time for “free” physical activity, such as playing in the park or playground
As a child, it is important to try different sports to develop different abilities of the child. Everything is suitable – from swimming to ball games and wrestling. It is also important that the child has time for “free” physical activity – to play in the park or on the playground.
Adolescence
Children’s interest in sports tends to fade as they get older, especially for girls, says Broderick.
However, sports at this age will not only help you stay in good physical shape, but also reduce stress and get rid of the fears that are typical for teenagers.
Team sports are preferable at this age. This will help keep you motivated to play sports, expand your teen’s social circle, and teach them discipline.
Image copyright, Getty Images
Image caption,
In adolescence, the main thing is to help your child not lose interest in sports
If you choose from non-team sports, it can be swimming, gymnastics and athletics.
At 20
In this decade of our lives, we can show our best results in sports, experts say.
The reaction rate at this age is at its peak, the time for recovery is minimal, oxygen enters the bloodstream much faster than when you are younger or older.
Image copyright, Getty Images
Image caption,
At 20, we can be at our best in sports. Pictured: Swiss snowboarder Patrick Burgener
If you’re 20 or so, try to be your best at that age. Try a wide variety of sports: rugby, rowing, weightlifting and athletics.
Try to keep your training varied: alternate aerobic exercise with anaerobic and strength exercises.
At 30
At this age, it is important to keep the muscles strong and the cardiovascular system healthy. As a rule, at this age, we have a sedentary job and a lot of family concerns, so it is difficult for us to find time for sports.
Therefore, one must act wisely. Don’t stop exercising due to lack of time, but do short but very intense workouts known as High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) workouts. These are cycling, running, skiing and swimming.
Image copyright, Getty Images
Image caption,
At 30, it’s time to get smart
Women at this age, especially after having a baby, are encouraged to do Kegel exercises aimed at strengthening and developing the muscles of the pelvic floor.
It is also very important to make your workouts varied and enjoyable. If this is not done, then interest in sports will quickly fade away.
At age 40
At this age, we usually begin to gain weight. And, according to experts, strength training at this age is exactly what you need.
Strength training will help us not only not to gain weight, but to slow down the loss of muscle mass. Losses of muscle mass on average range from 3 to 8% over 10 years.
Image copyright, Getty Images
Image caption,
If you’ve never played a strength sport before, it’s best not to try lifting the bar straight away. Start with dumbbells
If you’ve never done strength training before, it’s best to start with dumbbells and move on to weight machines later.
If you haven’t started running yet, now is the time. Running can help keep your cardiovascular system healthy, says Broderick.
And if you add Pilates to this, you can also perfectly strengthen your back muscles.
At the age of 50
Our physical abilities are especially noticeably reduced at this age. We are increasingly faced with pain, discomfort, various chronic diseases make themselves felt. Including at this age, type 2 diabetes is often detected.
Women are particularly susceptible to cardiovascular disease due to changes in hormonal levels – mainly due to a decrease in estrogen levels.
Image copyright, Getty Images
Image caption,
50 year olds should focus on cardio
The solution – at least two workouts a week should be strength training so you can maintain muscle mass.
Also, at least two workouts per week should be devoted to cardio exercises – this can be brisk walking or easy running. Also, these workouts can be combined with a completely different activity – like yoga or tai chi gymnastics, which will help develop a sense of balance and balance.
At age 60
After age 60, the risk of developing or exacerbating chronic diseases increases. According to experts, physical activity will help reduce these risks.
The most useful physical activity at this age, from the point of view of specialists, is ballroom dancing. They also advise two workouts a week to devote to simple exercises to develop strength and flexibility.
Water aerobics is an ideal choice, because during training in the water you can strengthen your muscles well, while the load on the joints will be minimal.
Image copyright, Getty Images
Image caption,
At 60, the ideal workout is ballroom dancing
And don’t forget about cardio. A brisk walk will do.
Age 70 and over
At this age, it is important to stay active and avoid injury. In addition, physical activity helps keep your cognitive abilities at the same level.
Try to go for walks and do light strength exercises during the week. But before that, be sure to consult your doctor.
The most important thing is to keep physically active all your life.
Stress trainers: what kind of sports to do with emotional imbalance
Read also
Stay in the saddle: how to deal with everyday stress Bring to the senses: how to reduce employee stress during difficult times Mental health trends for the next three years
freepik.com habitual affairs, the other begins to train hard. According to experts, exercise is one of the best ways to manage stress, but it’s important not to overdo it.
Only 30% of respondents in Russia can maintain emotional balance and control the level of anxiety in connection with current events. This is evidenced by the research data of the NAFI Analytical Center. The survey involved 1,600 people over 18 from 53 regions of Russia.
As the researchers found out, the severity of the psychological reaction depends on gender, age, financial situation, level of education. Young people aged 18 to 24 (48%) and people with a good financial situation (43%) are the least stressed.
Nearly half (48%) of respondents said they found various ways to get rid of stress and anxiety. Hobbies and entertainment help 12% of survey participants, household chores – 10%, work and finding an additional source of income – 9%, communication with friends and family – 6%, walking and sports – 3%.
According to a survey by Hasttings, a manufacturer and supplier of sports equipment in Russia, 37% fight stress through sports. The study involved 2050 people from 18 years old. At the same time, 25% said that anxious thoughts do not allow them to focus on sports, so going to the gym and home workouts are postponed. Talking with loved ones and helping them at a difficult moment (64%), sleeping (33%), communicating with friends (32%) also help to cope with stress, noted in Hasttings.
The age of anxiety needs sports
If the 20th century was called the century of depression, then the 21st century is the century of anxiety, says Evgeny Fomin, a psychotherapist, sports psychologist, candidate of medical sciences. According to him, stress precedes an anxiety disorder, which in the long run can provoke a depressive syndrome. Stress relief as a prevention of anxiety-depressive disorder is promoted by physical activity.
“In an evolutionary way, a mechanism has been developed to protect the body from situations associated with a threat to life. This is the release of stress hormones – adrenaline, norepinephrine, which increase physical and mental tone, – explains Fomin. – But, as a rule, at the moment of experiencing a stress reaction in modern conditions, nothing physically threatens a person, so this is an exaggerated reaction. And the energy aimed at survival must somehow be utilized. The best way is sport. According to Fomin, sports are suitable for everyone, except for those who have physiological limitations or contraindications from doctors.
Regular exercise improves mood, boosts self-confidence and helps to relax, adds Daria Volkova, a cardiologist at the Central Clinical Hospital with a polyclinic of the Administration of the President of the Russian Federation. “They have a positive effect on sleep, which is often disturbed due to stress or depression. All these benefits give a person a sense of control over their body and their lives,” the expert explains.
freepik.com
But before starting a workout, it is important to assess your condition. You should consult with a certified trainer who will help you choose the necessary load, says fitness expert Eduard Kanevsky.
If a person is constantly under stress, then an attempt to get out of this state with the help of sports can increase anxiety and lead to unpleasant consequences. “A person comes to the gym to “knock out” stress or “run” it to the point of exhaustion. But during intensive cardio training, adrenaline and noradrenaline are again released into the blood. In a normal, more or less calm situation, this is what you need, Volkova explains. – But in a state of stress, when adrenaline and noradrenaline are already off scale, endorphin is not enough for a long time, and stress hormones remain in the blood without having time to completely dissolve. A new day brings a new portion, and the next workout is even more adrenaline rushing. After that, a person naturally feels like a squeezed lemon. If there is enough stress in life, then any kind of physical activity should be left until better times, when the situation stabilizes and the person feels in himself a resource for more intense activities, Volkova is sure. Complex psychological deviations, to which, for example, depression leads, it is important to work out first with a psychologist, and then go to the gym, she concluded.
Pilates, yoga or cardio
It is important for a person to choose the right kind of sport that he is interested in and determine the goal of training, Evgeny Fomin believes. “If a person thinks that he just has to do it for some reason that is not related to his true need, then sports will not help him, but, on the contrary, will drive him into even more stress,” the doctor explains.
A beginner should ask himself what exactly he needs, continues fitness expert Eduard Kanevsky. “If we are talking only about relieving stress, without any serious goals – to reduce body fat, gain muscle, then it is recommended to attend group lessons. For example, water aerobics, dance classes, yoga, Pilates. These activities are especially relevant for women. Martial arts lessons, a gym, a climbing wall and even a shooting range are suitable for men, ”says the specialist.
More often than not, people intuitively choose one or another type of load depending on the level of stress during the day, says Daria Volkova. “It can be a long walk after a hard day, skating, rollerblading, skiing, depending on the season. When sports are needed not only to train the body, but also to relieve tension, it is worth trying static loads in combination with breathing techniques – yoga, Pilates, ”the doctor explains.
Evgeny Razumny / Vedomosti
Exercise should be systematic, but not excessive, adds Eduard Kanevsky. “Moderate loads – from two to five classes a week, strictly for an hour,” he clarifies. But, for example, with cardio, everything is not so simple. “You can practice relaxed jogging, swimming for fun or cycling, but if the person as a whole quickly becomes addicted to adrenaline and is included in the race for achievement, then this is not his option. When sport turns into an addiction, joint problems can arise due to excessive stress, ”Volkova emphasizes.
But this does not mean at all that triathlon and martial arts are not suitable for anyone, Volkova continues. Many modern specialists in emotional intelligence and positive psychology, according to the doctor, advise choosing a sport based on your emotional state.