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.
In our last instalment for the year, Lacrosse Canada and the Canadian Lacrosse Foundation will be highlighting stories from Akwesasne, 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.
Bruce Roundpoint, Akwesasne
Roundpoint’s family is known for their stick making, and at one time supplied 97 per cent of the game’s sticks worldwide. He played for the Montreal Les Quebecois in the original National Lacrosse League.
Mike Benedict Jr., Akwesasne
Benedict has been involved in lacrosse his entire life, from high school to the NLL. He made an appearance in an NLL video game, and was an Olympic torch bearer for the 2010 Vancouver Olympic Games.
Dave White, Akwesasne
Dave White could be called one of the greatest high school lacrosse coaches of all time, running the program at Salmon River Central for nearly 33 years.
Carl White, Akwesasne
White played minor lacrosse on Cornwall Island, and played senior lacrosse for the Brooklin Lacrosse Club. He won a Mann Cup with the Peterborough Lakers in 1973.
Mike Kanatakeron Mitchell, Akwesasne
Mitchell has been a driving force in the recognition of Indigenous contributions to lacrosse. He was born into a family that are leaders in stick-making for the global lacrosse community, and has worked with the Ronathahonni Culture Centre to produce literature supporting the game and Mohawk culture.
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