Family Lacrosse

Introduction

Family Lacrosse is an important game for teaching roles and responsibilities. Here is a short video introducing the game.

we all have a role to play in passing on skills to the next generation
motor skills and coordination
traditional values, as reflected in the game
everyone is respected and everyone has a role and responsibility
importance of community and working together, across all ages
humility; being grateful for your achievements
importance of Elder input and contributions; we are here to listen and see what they are teaching us
building confidence by teaching children that their community supports them

Ihkitsikammiksi, the story of the Big Dipper (one version available here)
- this story is relevant because it is a story of unity, of people coming together
- the boys all had to play equally and perform together to escape
Napi Loses His Eyes
- this story is relevant because it warns of the dangers of gambling addiction

Use simplified rules to teach children imperatives
Words need to be gentle and encouraging; a child may remember one word because it speaks to their heart

Rules of the game can be simplified to different degrees for different divisions