For those of you familiar with lacrosse, you probably already know that the sport originated among Native American tribes (the Iroquois nations). In modern times, lacrosse is the only sport that sanctions Iroquois to play as a nation and still holds many spiritual and religious connotations for the Iroquois players. Below, we reveal an account of the the legend, known to all Iroquois players, about the first ever lacrosse game between the Bears and the Birds.

If you've ever had the honor of playing in or seeing an international match involving the Iroquois you may have seen the ceremony the spiritual elder of the team performs beforehand, praying to the Creator for the coming game: Players are reminded of the reason for their participation. Lacrosse is played for the enjoyment of the Creator. Lacrosse should not be played for money, fame, or personal gain; you should be humble and of a good mind when you take your lacrosse stick in hand. Some players will ask the spirit of an animal for guidance so that he may have the eyes of the Hawk, and the agility of the Deer. The blessing ,where sacred tobacco is placed into the fire so that the smoke will rise, carries this message to the land of the creator. Below the story, is the translated version of the prayer so that, come 2010, you'll be able to understand what they're saying and impress all your friends...

Our Grandfathers told many stories that would relate to lacrosse and how one should conduct themselves and the importance of the INDIVIDUAL to the game. Lacrosse was a gift from the Creator, to be played for his enjoyment and as a medicine game for healing the people. The Haudenosaunee people know that all creatures, no matter how big or small, are significant and have a contribution to make to the overall cycle of life. Long ago the Haudenosaunee were told the following story about a great ball game that took place between the four-legged animals and the winged birds...

The captains for the four-legged animals were: The Bear - whose weight overpowers all opposition, The Deer - whose speed and agility to stop and go made him invaluable to the team, and The Great Turtle - who could withstand the most powerful blows and still be able to advance towards the opposition.

The captains for the winged birds were: The Owl - who excelled in the ability to keep his eye on the ball, no matter what position or direction the ball may be traveling. The Hawk and Eagle - both excell in quick, swift movements. These three represented all the winged animals.

While the birds were preparing for the game, they noticed two small creatures, hardly larger than a feather, climbing up a tree where the winged leaders were perched. Upon reaching the top, they humbly asked the captains to be allowed to join the lacrosse game.The Eagle, easily noticing that they were a squirrel and a mouse, inquired as to why they didn't ask to join the animal team. The little creatures explained that they had asked, but had been laughed at and rejected because of their small size.

On hearing their story, the bird captains took pity on them, but wondered how they could join the birds' teams if they had no wings. After some discussion, it was decided to that they would try to make wings for the little fellows, but how would they to do it?

 By happy inspiration, one bird thought of the water drum that is used in social and ceremonial gatherings. Perhaps a piece of the drums leather could be taken from the drumhead, cut and shaped and attached to the legs of one of the small creatures. It was done and thus originated the bat

The ball was now tossed into the air, the bat was told to catch it. With his skill in dodging and circling he kept the ball constantly in motion never allowing it to hit the ground. Through his impressive performance he convinced the birds that they had gained a valuable ally.

The birds thought they could do the same for the squirrel, but, to their dismay, all the leather had been used on the making of the bat's wings. There was no time to send for more. At the last minute it was suggested that perhaps stretching the skin of the squirrel itself could make suitable wings. So, by tugging and pulling the fur between the front and hind feet, the task was completed and there originated the flying squirrel. When all was ready, they began the game

Eagle and Bear met, a face-off ensued and the flying squirrel caught the ball, cradled it up the tree and passed it off the Hawk. Hawk kept it in the air for some time. Then, just as the ball was to hit the ground, the Eagle seized it. Eagle, dodging and doubling, maintained possession and kept the ball from even the Deer, the opposition... the fastest of the four-legged team. Eagle then faked to Squirrel and passed to Bat, who moved in hard and left to score the goal. This goal won the victory for the birds.

This story shows that regardless of how unworthy you feel as an individual, you have qualities that could be a great help to you some day.

The Prayer

We acknowledge the creator and give thanks to the four protectors and all life sustainers. Now, the creator has endowed upon all human life a game call dehonchigwiis (lacrosse) for all to enjoy. The young men who participate in the creator's game will generate a gift of healing that we may have peace of mind.

Now, we send a message to the creator's land that there are peoples representing the four directions of mother earth, having assembled here today to enjoy in the game of lacrosse. And as these games are conducted, we acknowledge the healing energy and the peace of mind for all human kind. We acknowledge the continuance of this ancient game as beneficial for the future generations of all peoples of the world.

Now, we ask the creator's to watch over these men gathered here during this game so that no harm will come to them. We ask the creator to watch over all those who come to enjoy this game of lacrosse. We ask the creator, as the games conclude, to safely return all to their homelands, located in each of the four directions of etinoha wenjhage (our mother earth). Dawneytoh (that is all).