'Lacrosse - the Ancient Game' comes to Six Nations Polytechnic

Lacrosse, or more properly, dewao:gajihgwae:, is the ancient game of the Hodinohso:ni. It has its origin in our Creation story, when the Creation Twins, battling for dominance over the newly created world, play an intense game of lacrosse to a draw. Since the beginning of time, our people have been playing lacrosse as both a form of entertainment and as an expression of our faith.

 

Now, Lacrosse is getting a fresh look with the publication of “Lacrosse - the Ancient Game.” Six Nations Polytechnic is hosting a book signing for this newest edition of the meaning and history of lacrosse. Written by Jim Calder, Ron Fletcher and Delmor Jacobs, the book has a forward by Lacrosse Legend Gary Gait. Gait writes: “Readers of this book will learn about the game’s growth and expansion from an exclusively Native American tradition to a truly international sport.”

 

Jim Calder, publisher and co-author of “Lacrosse - the Ancient Game,” has over forty years of experience in lacrosse. He has been player, coach, manager and builder of the game. He played lacrosse with Hobart College and on an international level with Team Canada. Currently he resides in Scarborough, Ontario.

 

Ron Fletcher, Co-Author, has also written Over the Don and The Humber: Tales of a Canadian Heritage River – two historical books on Toronto’s defining rivers. He is a founder and officer of various Toronto Historical Societies, a historical lecturer and has a Master’s Degree in Comparative Education.

On the website for the book, the authors provide this insight as to why lacrosse is special: “Every year thousands of new participants join the ranks of those who are passionate for the most ancient of indigenous games. It is lacrosse, a special game – unique to the world - as it really is the only existing “team” game on the planet that is spiritual in nature. You feel that magical difference immediately when you pick up a stick for the first time.”

 

Dao Jao Dre (Delmor Jacobs) is a Cayuga from Six Nations who is a lacrosse historian and his essay in the book explains the origins and cultural significance of the game of lacrosse.

 

The book is divided into three chapters: The Oral Tradition; A Recorded History; and The Stickmaker. Each presents a different style of interpretation that is educational, entertaining and enjoyable.

 

In addition the book is handsomely illustrated by Onondaga Artist Arnold Jacobs and David Craig. Jacobs, who operates Two Turtle Iroquois Fine Art Gallery at Six Nations provides beautiful visual interpretations of the cultural context of lacrosse. Jacobs is noted for his design on a 120-foot long eagle that was painted on an Air Canada jet in 2001. He is also noted for many community murals and organization logos that he has created.

 

David Craig is one of Canada’s premier illustrators having won the 2003 James Madison Award in Washington, D.C. for his work in First to Fly: How Wilbur and Orville Wright Invented the Airplane and the 2009 Orbis Pictus Award for Outstanding Nonfiction (presented by National Council of Teachers in English) for the book Amelia Earhart: The Legend of the Lost Aviator.

 

There will be a special display of the art works used in the publication at the book signing. The book signing event will also feature a lecture by Allan Downey, PhD. Candidate at Wilfrid Laurier University to share his recent research on the history of lacrosse. Downey is a lacrosse player from the Nak’azdli First Nation, British Columbia.

 

Downey has presented a number of historical and sports conferences and will lecture at 7:30 pm on October 17, followed by a talk from Delmor Jacobs and the publisher Jim Calder. The book will be available for purchase that evening. Light refreshments will be served.

 

For more information on the book, contact www.lacrossetheancientgame.com. For Info: Rick Hill, 519-445-0023, Ext. 250.