The Creator's Game: Big-Field Lacrosse and Its Indigenous Roots
A school lacrosse game with the whole class on a big field, like the traditional versions played by Indigenous peoples of North America, followed by a reflection on its cultural meaning. The Haudenosaunee call it 'the Creator's Game' and link it to health and community.
How to play
- Context: lacrosse was played by many Indigenous nations of North America long before Europeans arrived; the name comes from French settlers. The Haudenosaunee see it as a gift from the Creator and still field their own national team in international competition (4 min).
- Quick review in threes: ground balls, passing and catching with the stick (6 min).
- Big game 14v14 on the full field with two wide cone goals: no fixed positions, teams decide how to organize (15 min).
- Tactical time-out: each team picks two captains who propose one adjustment (zones, marking pairs) and play resumes (8 min).
- Closing circle: what's the difference between playing to win and playing 'for the community', and how to respect the origins of a sport that isn't ours (7 min).
Rules
- No hitting another player or their stick above the waist.
- Never raise the stick above the shoulders of a nearby player.
- No body checks: defend with position and a low stick.
- On a ground ball with several players nearby, the first one there gets three seconds without pressure.
Variations
Easier
Players may pick up the ball with the non-dominant hand once per possession.
Standard
Stick only, full field.
Harder
Every teammate must touch the ball before a shot on goal.
Adaptations
- Wheelchair user: protected zone near each goal where the student receives without pressure and can shoot or pass.
- Visual impairment: large, brightly colored foam ball and a guide teammate calling short passes.
- Overwhelmed by the big game: start as strategist captain on the sideline and join for the second half.
Learning goals
- Organize tactically in a game with many players.
- Understand lacrosse as an Indigenous cultural practice with its own meaning.
- Reflect on respecting where sports come from.
Equipment for a class of 25
- school lacrosse sticks: 28
- foam balls: 4
- cones: 12
- pinnies: 14
Teacher tip
If you lack school sticks, make them from plastic bleach jugs cut into a scoop and taped to a broom handle. Mind the tone: no imitating ceremonies or regalia; talk about the origins with respect and facts.
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