DID you Know?

The First Nations began playing the sport more than 500 years ago. Today lacrosse not only remains an integral part of native culture, but is played by thousands of people across Canada. From its origin as 'The Creator's Game' to the overwhelming popularity of the Toronto Rock and the modern game, lacrosse has survived the test of time after treading down a long, controversial path that led it to become recognized as Canada's official national sport.

The old Indian game of baggataway

• Considered the original Native game, baggataway (also called tewaarathon) was known as 'The Creator's Game'. First Nations people believe the game was given to them by the Creator to play for his amusement. It was a recreational sport that also was used as a means of training young Native warriors for battle. The game also settled disputes between feuding tribes.

• According to some sources, when French colonists arrived in Canada during the 17th century, they saw the Mohawks playing baggataway. They adopted the game themselves and renamed it la crosse. The French thought the standard lacrosse sticks (with its wooden shaft and twisted elm bark webbing) resembled the shepherd's crook, a crosier carried by bishops.

• "There is a long history of speculation about where the game of Lacrosse originated, but as Natives of North America, this question has little significance. We do not wonder who invented Lacrosse, or when and where; our ancestors have been playing the game for centuries — for the Creator." — from Tewaarathon, Akwasasne's Story of Our Indian National Game, 1978.

Laurier High School Friendship Lacrosse Day 2012