P.E.I. lacrosse players learn the history of Canada's national summer sport

Instead of rushing to the fields, two hundred young P.E.I. lacrosse players paused before Saturday's matches in Morell to listen to a traditional Mi'kmaq prayer and song.

Then, under overcast skies, they played their games, trying to get the ball into the opposing team's goal. After that, it was time for a history lesson about Canada's national summer sport, organized by Lacrosse P.E.I. and members of the island's Mi'kmaq community.

"Not only is this game a healing game and a gift from The Creator, it's also a place where every individual can shine," said Julie Pellissier-Lush, a cultural advisor with Mi'kmaq Legends.

Teaching the narrative

Pellissier-Lush recounted the story of The Creator giving lacrosse to the animals and the birds many years ago. The story continues with them playing a match that ultimately revealed each player's unique strengths and talents.

Brad Bissett, member of the Canadian Lacrosse Association Indigenous Development Committee and referee in chief for Lacrosse P.E.I., said he felt it was important to educate players on the narrative behind the sport they play.

"The roots of lacrosse are deeply founded for thousands of years within Indigenous communities of North America, and that's where the game started, and came from The Creator," said Bissett.

"We feel as promoters of the game here on the Island that that should not be missed out on here."

The event wasn't just to teach players why the game is so treasured in Canada, but also to raise money for Island athletes heading to the North American Indigenous Games this summer in Toronto.

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