Naahii Ridge Students Engage in Lacrosse with Delaware Nation

Students at Naahii Ridge Public School in Ontario immersed themselves in Canada’s national summer sport, lacrosse, through a collaborative effort with the Eelunaapeewi Lahkèewiit Delaware Nation. On a day in December, junior players Garrette Stonefish and Shaun Glover-Noah visited the school to provide a hands-on learning experience that introduced students to the fundamental skills of the game.

Stonefish, who serves as the Play Community Mentor at Eelunaapeewi Lahkèewiit, and Glover-Noah, an Instructor and Community Member, demonstrated various techniques essential for playing lacrosse. They taught the students how to effectively use the stick’s webbing to carry, pass, catch, and shoot the ball, both while standing still and in motion. The students were encouraged to pick up sticks themselves and practice these skills under their guidance.

Building Community Connections through Sport

The event was organized by Andrea Tobias, the Primary Student Success Worker in the Eelunaapeewii Lahkèewiit Education Department, in collaboration with Jason Dick, a Physical Education teacher at Naahii Ridge. Tobias expressed the significance of the event, stating, “It’s for students to have the opportunity to embrace the Creator’s Game. The students learn about lacrosse while building physical skills, teamwork, and having fun.”

This clinic marked the second consecutive year Naahii Ridge students participated in a lacrosse session. The inaugural clinic was held during Treaty Week from November 3-9, 2024, highlighting an ongoing commitment to promoting the sport within the community.

Lacrosse boasts a rich history as the oldest organized sport in North America, tracing its origins back to the 12th century among Indigenous Peoples. The sport was officially designated as Canada’s summer sport in 1993. Despite the sport’s national status, Wallaceburg remains the sole community in Chatham-Kent offering organized lacrosse programs, which include the minor teams of the Griffins and the junior team of the Red Devils.

Encouraging Future Participation

Instructional clinics like the one at Naahii Ridge play a crucial role in encouraging young students to engage with lacrosse. By providing direct exposure to the game, clinics aim to spark interest among children, potentially leading to increased participation in organized programs as they grow.

Tobias emphasized the value of community connections, stating, “We’re fortunate to have connections from the Eelunaapeewi Lahkèewiit community to bring this to the children.” The hope is that such initiatives will inspire adults within other communities to establish their own lacrosse programs, expanding the sport’s reach and impact.

As the students of Naahii Ridge learn about lacrosse, they not only gain physical skills but also deepen their appreciation for a sport that is central to Canada’s cultural heritage. The collaboration between Naahii Ridge Public School and the Eelunaapeewi Lahkèewiit Delaware Nation exemplifies how sports can strengthen community ties and foster a love for traditional games.