Uncovering the Legacy: Part 1 - Tewaarathon and the Journey Begins

As I sat in the hallways of the Iroquois Lacrosse Arena, waiting for my daughter's first game with the Centre Wellington Riverhawks at the Six Nations Confederacy Tournament, little did I know that a chance encounter with four intriguing plaques would unveil a captivating story. These plaques, tucked away in the arena's corners, held the essence of lacrosse—the Creator's Game. Over the course of this five-part series, I will share my discoveries and reflections on each plaque, unveiling the rich history and progression of this beloved sport.

A proud father with his daughters after the Gold metal games

The Iroquois Lacrosse Arena: Located on the outskirts of Hagersville, Ontario, within the Six Nations of the Grand River Reserve, the Iroquois Lacrosse Arena has become a sanctuary for lacrosse enthusiasts. Constructed in 2004, this box lacrosse arena carries a profound significance. Steeped in tradition and legacy, it has witnessed the triumphs of the six-time Mann Cup-winning Six Nations Chiefs, the five-time Minto Cup-winning Six Nations Arrows, and the seven-time Founders Cup-winning Six Nations Rebels.

A Chance Encounter: On this particular day, while waiting for my daughter's game, I decided to explore the nooks and crannies of the arena. As I wandered, camera in hand, I stumbled upon a set of four plaques hidden in corners, preserving fragments of lacrosse history. These plaques whispered stories of the past, tales that deserved to be shared and celebrated.

Tewaarathon - The Creator's Game: The first plaque, created many moons ago and partially hidden by a pamflet rack, presented the essence of Tewaarathon, also known as the Creator's Game. The ancient roots of lacrosse, deeply entwined with Native American culture, emerged before me. Tewaarathon symbolized more than a game—it represented a spiritual connection between players, community, and the natural world.

Reflections on My Journey: As I stood before this plaque, I couldn't help but reflect on my own journey. What brought me to this point? It was my daughter's passion for lacrosse, her admiration for her brother and her desire to be like him, her determination to join the Centre Wellington Riverhawks for her inaugural season. Little did I know that her pursuit would lead me back to this arena, where I would stumble upon the hidden treasures of lacrosse history. Whats is interesting, is like I said, this is not my first adventures to this location, as my son's adventures had led me here before, But it was the fact that my daughter had a different change room and these plaques happened to live right beside her door.

The Anticipation Builds: With each passing moment, my excitement grew. The anticipation of witnessing my daughter stepping onto that lacrosse turf, blended with the thrill of unearthing the sport's rich heritage. These plaques offered a glimpse into the transformative power of lacrosse throughout the years—a testament to its growth, fragmentation, and the creation of box lacrosse.

In the End: In this first installment of the series, we have embarked on a journey fueled by curiosity and passion. From the Iroquois Lacrosse Arena, I discovered the Tewaarathon plaque, a poignant reminder of the spiritual connection woven into the fabric of lacrosse. Join me as we continue to explore the plaques, unearthing the tales that shaped the game we know and love today. The history of lacrosse awaits, eager to be shared, celebrated, and embraced.