http://abcnews.go.com/WNT/video/onondaga-nation-champions-23479433
My grandson, Parker, is playing lacrosse on the Onondaga Nation. He has had a handmade stick since he was a little boy and he is now 8. His family moved to Skaneateles last year while we were in India for a job for my son, Chris, and to be nearer the family, us in the Albany area, and the Onondaga Nation near Syracuse for Demone, his wife’s family.
The Iroquois Nation which includes 6 ancient tribes was a democratic nation when the European colonists first arrived in the “new world.” It is a matriarchal society where the clan mothers choose the chiefs, though they are never chiefs themselves. In the ancient times, the clan mothers decided when and if the tribe went to way. I think that was a very insightful idea. The Onondaga are the fire keepers and the peace makers. This gives you an indication of their natural temperament. This is where the game of Lacrosse began. It is their belief that the Creator gave the game to their tribe making it very special. A film was released a few years ago based on the Onondaga history with Lacrosse , called “Crooked Arrows.” Another PBS episode was made for TV called “The Medicine Game” which is the story of the Thompson brothers honored as ABC Persons of the Week in the above video.
Now Parker is continuing the family tradition from his father who played lacrosse, his grandfather, uncles, and cousins who played or play Lacrosse for the Onondaga Nation. He is letting his hair grow because he wants the braid to as a symbol of the tradition he is continuing.
He goes to box Lacrosse practice two nights a week. Chris, his dad, is very impressed with the coaching he is receiving and the gentle , no nonsense discipline and instruction he is receiving from the Onondaga coaches. The season begins in May when the boys will play box Lacrosse games at the various “res” sites around Syracuse. I am very proud of Parker just because he is a terrific little guy, but I will be especially proud to see him learning and carrying on his Onondaga traditions. Bofa and Miss Anne will with his Onondaga family cheering him on as he proudly takes his first steps into this 1000 year old traditional game !
A scene from “Crooked Arrows.”
This is the Iroquois symbol which is on their flag and means Iroquois Nation, People of the Longhouse or 6 Nations.
Images from public domain.
TalesAlongTheWay 
Reblogged this on It Is What It Is and commented:
Excellent post!!! TY for the lesson …. I love thus kind of information. This is the kind of news that need to be told.
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Thanks for the reblog and the kind words. I agree completely !
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You are welcome!! That’s why I’ve learned to love blogging .. I learn so much!!
Hugs ….. 😎
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It is so great to be able to share all our stories. . . . Smiles. . .
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It is …. 😀
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How interestingM thank you for sharing this!
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So glad you enjoyed it.
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It is much more than just a fashion statement to the Native Americans. Way back in the days of the Indian Boarding schools, in the 1800s, the misguided whites who ran the schools, immediately cut the boys hair. The slogan was prevalent of “Kill the Indian (traditions) and save the child.” trying to make them turn to the white ways. This is just one of the many indignities and horrors forced on the Native people. So you can see the long braid tells many stories.
Thank you for your continued interst.
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The long braid looks cool for the players.
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Somehow, I typed my response to you by mistake in Laura’s comment. . . . Can you check that out, please? I really do appreciate both you and Laura and your comments and interest! Happy Sunday !
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Ah, that is more than just eye. It is really good to know. Thank you!
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You are most welcome!
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The Syracuse area is one of the hot spots for the sport of lacrosse, much thanks to the Onondaga Nation, Anne. Many Onondaga natives go on to play for Syracuse University and many other upstate colleges, including now the two brothers who play at SUNY Albany, as referenced in the ABC clip. In fact, Oren Lyons, faithkeeper in the Onondaga Nation and respected artist and ambassador throughout Central New York, is one of Syracuse University’s former stars. Best of luck to your grandson on this exciting journey. Enjoy, Anne!
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Thank you Marco. . . . I know a lot about Orin Lyons, as he is a huge presence. He spoke before the United Nations as the keynote speaker of the conference beginning the Year of Indigenous People…I think it was called. In the Medicine Game film, the Thompson say they are hoping to go to Syracuse but somehow they ended up in Albany. Maybe like so many kids who want to be near family but a little away, too ! Smiles . . .
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Thoroughly enjoyed this post. Best of luck to your grandson as he learns more about the sport and teamwork.
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Thanks so much for your kind wishes, my friend !
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How fabulous and so interesting. I had no idea of the history behind lacrosse. Ben is about to try it out at his school soon 🙂
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That is great. It is really catching on here in the states. Let me know how he likes it. I think he is a little older than Parker. . . Big Sunday smiles. . .
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I will, thank you 🙂 he’s 12 xx enjoy your day xx
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Really interesting Anne. I didn’t know the history either, and it’s so good to learn new things about our first citizens in this country. Parker must be so excited. I love the braids they are wearing. It shows their pride in their past, and the respect for their elders. I like that.
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I am so glad you enjoyed the post Angie. I asked my family first and was so glad they agreed. Check my Music Monday post tomorrow.. . . .You will like it , I think !
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Cheers to your grandson (and you for recounting his tale)!
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Thank you so much. I am so glad you enjoyed it! Big smiles for your week!
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Hasn’t really caught on in Europe this Sport..
Great story though, you must be so proud
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It is a great story and I am proud! Thought you just might enjoy the sport story. . . . .
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I enjoy any (Most) sports story..
but cool story though..
x
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I know you like sports and though probably not too familiar with Lacrosse, would enjoy this one….very American story !
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No it’s not a very American story..
I heard the same story 100 times…
x
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To add, the last comment wasn’t mean in a bad way..
It’s just I have heard similar stories..
x
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I was just thinking you might like to hear the origin of Lacrosse and our connection to it, not the story of a little boy playing a sport. Have a nice day! Smiles!
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I did, but as I worked with kids in sport 15 years, I like when memories are created for kids and parents Very enjoyable
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