JASON SETNYK
A group of youth in Akwesasne spent part of their school break learning about the cultural roots of lacrosse during The Roots of Lacrosse, a four-day camp held for 15 youth ages 13 to 17.
The program was led by Mike Benedict, Youth Worker with the Akwesasne Community Justice Program, and Jessica Shenandoah, Camp Coordinator with Thompson Island Cultural Camp.
The camp focused on teaching participants about the meaning of the game and the significance of the wooden stick, while also exploring how the sport has evolved over time. Youth learned how plastic sticks have become the norm in some leagues and discussed the importance of preserving the traditional aspects of the game.
Throughout the week, guest speakers shared their experiences and spoke about how lacrosse shaped their lives on and off the field.
Kiowere Rourke spoke about his playing career and, as a master stringer, helped the youth string their sticks. Karatoten Lazore shared how lacrosse helped him get his life back on track and what the game means to him.
Ky Tarbell spoke about his playing and coaching career, what coaches look for at tryouts, and ran drills with the youth. He brought an old stick Mike Benedict had given him as a child, along with Ottawa Rebel gloves signed by Benedict. Tarbell said he and his brother, Kason Tarbell of the Georgia Swarm (NLL), both wear number 15 because of Benedict’s influence.
Additional speakers included Thanaokatha Elijah and Kyren Lazore, who discussed opportunities to play lacrosse in high school, prep school, and college. Wayne Baker shared stories from his playing days, including time spent competing in British Columbia. While Johnson Jimerson spoke about the deeper meaning of the medicine game, led the youth in a smudge, and finished the week with a mock medicine game.
Each youth received a wooden lacrosse stick along with plastic field heads and mesh kits donated by Evan Cree of Traditional Lacrosse.
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