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.
Alf Jacques, Onondaga
Jacques carries on his father’s legacy of crafting unique wooden lacrosse sticks, and is an educator on the Indigenous history of stick-making, focusing on the connection between player and the environment.
Cam Bomberry, Six Nations
Bomberry captained the first Indigenous-based franchise to win a Minto Cup in 1992, and also finished the tournament as MVP. He played eight seasons in the NLL, and was a member of the first Canadian U19 Men’s Field Lacrosse team in 1988. He continues his involvement in the sport through lectures and clinics.
Cap Bomberry, Six Nations
Bomberry has been involved in lacrosse for over 60 years, and was the GM of the Six Nations Arrows who won the Minto Cup in 1992, the first Indigenous team to do so. He would go on to manage 3 Mann Cup-winning teams, and 2 Presidents’ Cup champions.
Bobby Delormier, Bill Sunday, & Ron Thomas, Akwesasne
These three have been friends most of their lives, and were all inducted into the Ontario Lacrosse Hall of Fame in 1998. Delormier is remembered for his dodging ability, Sunday for his pure speed, and Thomas for his outstanding abilities as a goaltender.
Ernie Mitchell, Akwesasne
Mitchell was a member of the 1980 WILC silver-medal winning team with the Iroquois Nationals, backstopping his way to all-star honours. After his playing career, he would become the first coach of the Akwesasne Thunder in 1993, and have an equally successful coaching career as he did as a player.
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