Lethbridge lacrosse celebrates National Indigenous People’s Day

By Lethbridge Herald on June 21, 2023.

Jackie Anderson- Lea Photo Chad Chief Moon talked about what lacrosse meantto him, while Tammy White Quills-Knife looks on during the National Indigenous PeopleÕs Day celebration at Nicholas Sheran Arena on Wednesday.

By Justin Seward

Lethbridge Herald

National Indigenous People’s Day was on Wednesday and the local lacrosse community did their part to recognize its significance.

The day is for recognizing and celebrating aspects such as history, heritage, resilience and diversity of First Nations, Inuit and Metis in Canada.

It was prior to face off between the Lethbridge Barracudas  and Taber Thrashers  U17’s playoff game that Lethbridge Lacrosse  Association had Chad Chief Moon speak about  what the game meant to him in reflection, a prayer from Tammy White Quills-Knife, Tana Knife did the introductions and offerings and U17 Cudas manager Fay Coleby did the land acknowledgement.

Chief Moon, Crowsnest Pass Lacrosse president, said it’s an honour to be recognized on Indigenous Day.

“(With) myself being a parent of a Lethbridge lacrosse player, you know we haven’t really seen this in the past,” said Chief Moon.

“So you know, times are changing and those are positive changes. So, yeah just growing the game, that’s the main thing today and I think we recognize where the game came from and the originators, it’s part of the growth. So, yeah, I’m glad that Lethbridge Lacrosse decided to this (and) host us. You don’t see much of it.”

Chief Moon said it’s (the day) recognizing who we are.

“Myself, I’m Blackfoot (and) come from Blackfoot Territory,” he said.

“So, you know, it’s not just for myself and my family, but for the whole community. You know, to be recognized by Lethbridge Lacrosse Association and just the city, you know  to host a couple of Indigenous Day events, I thought that was pretty cool. I was part of one (yesterday) and it was fun and you know I got to meet more new people, right.”

Lacrosse means everything to Chief Moon.

“It’s a healing game right, you know on my healing journey,” he said.

“It’s been with me ever since and I’m going to carry it with me for a long time … I enjoy watching it and being a part of it. So it means a lot to me. I pretty much do it every day and whether we’re  practicing or  just throwing a ball around with the kids or getting ready for the weekend to have games. My son’s still playing and I’ve got some up and coming nephews and cousins that are playing. So it means a lot and it’s going to be a part of my life.”

Jackie Anderson-Lea, LLA president, talked about  the connection between lacrosse and the local Indigenous People

“We have a beautiful partnership with Chad (and) with the Indigenous communities of southern Alberta,” said Anderson-Lea

“Even central Alberta, we’re trying reach out and branch out everywhere we can. We’ve seen tremendous growth, (a) big, big part (is) Chad’s efforts. Chad’s son plays on our junior team. We’re sponsoring our North American Indigenous Games athletes to go and we’re very proud of that and that was a complete unanimous, not even a discussion vote to do that.”

LLA wants its players, coaches, volunteers and families to know that it is a privilege to have this land to play on and have the rich culture and tradition shared with them.

“I want people to pause, I want people to reflect, I want people to look around them and learn and  realize that we are one community and we need to do this together,” said Anderson-Lea.