Memorial Day weekend is not just about barbecues and family gatherings; it also marks a significant moment in the world of lacrosse. This year, the NCAA lacrosse season reaches its climax with the Final Four, featuring powerhouse teams like Syracuse, Cornell, Maryland, and the underdog Penn State. The Nittany Lions made headlines by overcoming a six-goal deficit against Notre Dame to secure their spot in the finals, making this their third appearance at this stage.
Lacrosse has traditionally been popular in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions of the United States. However, it has gained traction in other parts of the country and internationally. The University of Denver made history in 2015 by becoming the first college team west of the Mississippi to win a national championship. Today, lacrosse is thriving in countries like England, Ireland, Japan, Australia, and Israel.
The roots of lacrosse run deep in Native American culture, particularly among the Six Nations tribes, who invented the game nearly a millennium ago. The Six Nations, formerly known as the Iroquois, include the Onondaga, Oneida, Mohawk, Seneca, Cayuga, and Tuscarora Nations. Many top players, such as Cody Jamieson and Sid Smith, hail from these tribes and have made significant contributions to the sport.
The Thompson brothers from the Onondaga Nation, Lyle, Miles, and Jeremy, have particularly influenced lacrosse in recent years. Lyle Thompson is celebrated as one of the greatest players in the sport’s history. He holds the record for the most points scored by a player and won the prestigious Tewaaraton Award in both 2014 and 2015.
Lacrosse is set to return to the Olympic Games in Los Angeles in 2028, the first time since 1948. However, the Haudenosaunee, ranked third in the world, currently face barriers to participating. To compete in the Olympics, a nation must be recognized internationally and have a National Olympic Committee, which the Haudenosaunee do not possess.
The International Olympic Committee’s decision to include lacrosse but exclude its original creators raises concerns. Some fear that allowing the Haudenosaunee to participate could spark separatist movements among other nations. This perspective overlooks the unique history of lacrosse and its importance to American culture.
The Haudenosaunee have faced challenges in international competitions, including the World Lacrosse Championship. In 2010, they qualified for the World Championships in England but were unable to participate due to passport issues. They rejected offers for expedited U.S. passports, insisting on competing as their own nation.
Support for the Haudenosaunee’s Olympic bid has come from prominent figures, including former President Joe Biden and former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. They issued a joint statement advocating for an exception for the Haudenosaunee, recognizing their historic connection to lacrosse.
An Olympics in America that excludes the Haudenosaunee would miss an important opportunity to celebrate the sport’s origins and the diverse cultures that contribute to it. The sight of Haudenosaunee players carrying their flag at the Olympics would symbolize a bridge between the past and the present.
Lacrosse is described as a "medicine game" by indigenous leaders, emphasizing its role in community health and well-being. The game has even spread to places like Iran, showcasing its universal appeal. As the world prepares for the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles, the IOC has a chance to acknowledge the Haudenosaunee’s rightful place in the sport they created.