To learn about Indigenous cultural teachings through sport, the University of Toronto Varsity Blues men's and women's lacrosse teams partook in the Creator's Game Workshop on August 28 at Back Campus Fields. 

Hosted by Kevin Sandy, an Indigenous lacrosse player belonging to the Lower Cayuga Nation, Wolf Clan and Haudenosaunee communities and Cam Bomberry, a Mohawk lacrosse player, coach and mentor from the Six Nations of the Grand River, the workshop explored the history, culture and spirituality of the game. 

"When I was learning to play, my first coach Jim Calder brought in the late Cayuga Faith-keeper Delmar Jacobs to share his teachings about the game of lacrosse," said Jesse Porter, head coach of the Varsity Blues women's lacrosse team.  "Creating a container to help other athletes learn about the spiritual, cultural, and historical importance of lacrosse to Indigenous people is my way of passing on what was shared with me."

Kicking off with a Thanksgiving address in Sandy's native language, Sandy and Bomberry shared traditional teachings with the athletes, explaining the spiritual connections between the game and the Creator's Story. They showcased various traditional Indigenous forms of lacrosse sticks, explaining the care, effort and meaning that were put into their creation. The two leaders also reflected on how lacrosse has provided opportunities for them to travel all over the world and discussed the diversity they've witnessed in the sport, with athletes of all backgrounds participating.

Workshop activities included practicing face-offs with traditional lacrosse sticks, trying to hit small targets and teaching the athletes variations of lacrosse that came before the modern game.

"This was such a valuable opportunity to learn about the game beyond what we experience on the field," said Alexi Dokis-Dupuis, a midfielder on U of T's women's lacrosse team. "As an Indigenous student athlete, it means a lot to me to have the opportunity to listen to and learn from the teachings and wisdom of Indigenous people. It helps us understand and acknowledge the deep history of lacrosse and its connection to Indigenous people and cultures, as well as the impacts of colonialism in North America." 

The student athletes got to test their skills across a range of challenges and tried a variety of stick and ball games with different lacrosse sticks. To cap off the event, the two teams—along with Sandy and Bomberry—partook in a scrimmage.

"Ending the workshop by having everyone out on the field together was really special," Dokis-Dupuis explained. "There was such a strong sense of community and love for the game. After everything we had learned throughout the day, being able to come together and play made the whole experience feel really powerful. It was a reminder that lacrosse is about so much more than competition; it is about community, connection, culture, and the experiences and memories we create through the game. Today reminded me how lucky I am to play this game and to be able to share it with others."

Porter shared that sentiment. "Kevin and Cam were able to highlight how the game can be used to bring people together to lean on each other when support is needed. We are grateful for their teachings.

Every chance we have to learn more or engage deeper, is another opportunity to build connection with and understanding of the game, its history, and Indigenous peoples and their culture."