Dey-hon'tshi'gwiehs (Lacrosse) is a gift from the Creator and should be played with respect, intensity, and dignity.
History of the Game - From the ones that started it all
Lacrosse is a game that has been played by the Onondagas and the Haudenosaunee people for countless centuries. The Onondagas consider the game to be a very spiritual game given to them by the Creator and is still played at Onondaga as a spiritual and healing game for the people. In the early 1800's at Onondaga, the Haudenosaunee prophet named Handsome Lake requested the game of lacrosse be played as one of his last wishes before he made his journey back to the Creator's land. The game was played in his honor and assisted him to fulfill his journey.
The Onondagas call the game Dey-Hon-Tshi-Gwa'-Ehs which translated to mean, "they bump hips". The young people are told by the elders that the game is to be respected and to respect your opponent as they also have been given the gift to play the game. Players of all ages from Onondaga participate in an annual spiritual game. The game is played for the spiritual benefit of the Nation and for all those who play the game.
The Onondagas have a long and proud tradition of playing the game and extend their hand to everyone to join them in preserving and playing the oldest team sport in North America,
Dey-Hon-Tshi-Gwa'-Ehs.
The Onondagas Player Code of Conduct:
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I will play by the rules of the game.
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I will control my temper. Fighting and mouthing off spoils the game for everyone.
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I will respect my teammates and opponents because without them, there would be no game.
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I will do my best to be a true team player.
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I will remember that winning isn't everything that having fun, improving skills, making friends, and doing my best are also important.
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I will acknowledge all good plays and performances of everyone.
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I will remember that coaches and officials are there to help. I will accept their decisions and treat them with respect.
Source: www.redhawkslax.com
Remembering History - Iroquois Nationals Win Over Team USA
For Additional Information on Lacrosse:
Check out the comprehensive dictionary at http://www.e-lacrosse.com/laxicon.html.
We also highly recommend reading The Spirit of the Stick by Neill Duffy.
