Students weave Indigenous culture through lacrosse sticks and storytelling

At Georgian, putting Indigenization into action is a priority, and we recognize reconciliation is the collective and individual responsibility of all of us – throughout the month of September and all year long. As the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation approaches on Sept. 30, the college is hosting several events and activities and sharing ways to reflect. Recently, Georgian’s Muskoka Campus hosted 30 Grade 7 and 8 students from Trillium Lakelands District School Board in their shop space where they learned a unique conversation starter on Indigenous history and culture.

Two young students building a lacrosse stick. — *Young students built their own lacrosse sticks using white ash wood.*

“Sticks & Stories” gave students the opportunity to get hands on and build their own lacrosse sticks while learning about the game and its connection to Indigenous people. Jim Calder, an ex-Canadian national field lacrosse team player and author; and Joe Valliere, Ojibwe lacrosse stick maker from Chippewas of Rama First Nation, led the activity and the history lesson.

Two people making a lacrosse stick. — *Calder (left) and Valliere (right) shared their lacrosse expertise with Grade 7 and 8 students.*

Valliere taught himself how to make lacrosse sticks from white ash wood, creating something similar to what his people would have used to play. Students were given a piece of wood, learned how to sand it and string the pockets, and now have something handmade to use in a game or to hang up with pride.

A person showing students how to build a lacrosse stick. — *Valliere shows students step by step how to make their own lacrosse stick at Georgian’s Muskoka Campus.*

“Lacrosse is the only game in the world that’s spiritual at its essence,” Calder says. “Now that we’re focusing on Truth and Reconciliation, I find this a great way to teach young people about culture and history, and it’s a great way to start the conversation.”

The sticks were tested, knowledge was passed down, and stories were shared about the origins of lacrosse and how it’s been a key part of bringing people together across Turtle Island.

Two students looking at historical photos. — *Students learned about the history of the game of lacrosse and its connection to Indigenous history and culture.*

“This game is engrained in my life,” Valliere says. “Unless we talk about Indigenous history, unless we teach it, it gets lost, and lost is not where I want this game. I’ll do everything I can to make sure it continues.”

Learn more about Indigenization at Georgian

Take part in these events for National Day for Truth and Reconciliation