The goal was often to incapacitate as many of the opponent as possible. Today’s game is no longer just popular in the eastern United States and Canada; it is growing in popularity from coast to coast nationally and internationally. Many ascertain that the first reference was in 1636 in the journals of Saint Jean de Brebeuf who was a French Catholic Jesuit Missionary who spent time living with the Iroquois. Beers is commonly known as the father of Lacrosse. The white government and Christian influence saw the games as barbaric and pagan in nature and efforts were made to restrict play of the original game. Beers would be a major influence in the spread of Lacrosse outside of the Indian nations. If you read around you will see many references that the French word “crosse” derives from the crosier and was used to describe the IndianStick. Minilacrosse (or soft lacrosse) is played by beginners and primarily taught in gym class. Or Shinny which also like field Hockey was played by women or girls. In the summer of 1763, the Sauk and Ojibway needed a plan to recapture Fort Michilimackinac (upper Michigan) from the British. They were highly spiritual and sacred in nature. Who invented Lacrosse? Many ascertain that the first reference was in 1636 in the journals of Saint Jean de Brebeuf who was a French Catholic Jesuit Missionary who spent time living with the Iroquois. North American Indians play of Lacrosse was at its peak in the 1800’s. Lacrosse gained a level of organization in 1794 when a match between the Seneca and Mohawks caused the creation of some basic rules. However, there is debate concerning whether or not this was a direct reference to the early version of the Indianstick ball game we now call Lacrosse or one of many other “Stick ball” games played in those times. In Minnesota and Wisconsin, efforts are being made to reintroduce the sport to kids at various reservations. It is a highly skilled and fast-paced game that actually retains more of the traditional Native game than any other version of the sport. Games were much more than just entertainment or contests between tribes as they were also believed to influence healing, and were used to resolve conflicts. The popular belief is that Jesuit missionaries named the game Lacrosse because of the “Stick’s” similarity to the staff or crosier held by Jesuit Bishops. In French “La Crosse” may have translated to “the stick.” Regardless of which version you prefer there is no question that Lacrosse was named by French Jesuit missionaries some time around the 17th century.

Play was extremely violent and particularly brutal. Copyright © 2001 - 2020. This ancient game was extremely violent as the name “the little brother of war” indicates it was used to train warriors for battle. Games were much more than just entertainment or contests between tribes as they were also believed to influence healing, and were used to resolve conflicts. North American Indians play of Lacrosse was at its peak in the 1800’s. In all its forms the Native version of lacrosse was an athletic contest of great skill, pride, and spiritual significance. google_ad_client="ca-pub-1186963167535514";google_ad_slot="8865928439";google_ad_width=468;google_ad_height=15; Who invented Lacrosse? The traditional ball game played by Minnesota’s Ojibway and Dakota communities ended in the last 40 to 90 years due to the extensive diffusion of traditional culture and the influence of government and religious assimilation policies, plus gambling and harsh play. The name “Lacrosse” itself has some debate concerning its origins. However, there is debate concerning whether or not this was a direct reference to the early version of the Indian stick ball game we now call Lacrosse or one of many other “Stick ball” games played in those times. For general information or to be directed to a specific department, please contact the ISD Receptionist at 425-837-7000. They were highly spiritual and sacred in nature. It is an NCAA Division I, II, and III and National Federated High School sanctioned sport with programs throughout the United States.Women’s field lacrosse played 12 on 12 has no boundaries or the body checking of the men’s game. It is an NCAA Division I and III and National Federated High School sanctioned sport with programs throughout the United States. Play was extremely violent and particularly brutal. Throughout Native American Indianhistory there were different varieties of stick ball that were played across the land such as Ta-bé which is similar in some regard to modern field hockey.. Or Shinny which also like field Hockey was played by women or girls. They would string the net on the crooked end in a triangular shape. The British were at war with the French and controlled all the trading in the Upper Midwest.