Response to Champagne's Article

Last week, I posted a summary of Duane Champagne's article "Native Games: Alive but Transformed in Contemporary Sport". This week I will be giving my opinion about his argument and sentiments.

I believe that Champagne had very valid points about the way the sport of lacrosse has been transformed over the time that it has been played. The ties that kept the sport and spiritual and healing practices together have been severed in most contemporary venues for lacrosse. But there are some atmospheres in the lacrosse community where these links are useful and at other times are completely unattainable. Leagues that are officially representing various original Native American tribes will be more willing to accept and practice rituals of the past in comparison to a team formed by a Catholic high school.

Champagne expressed a sense of disappointment to see the sport of lacrosse being changed from something that was so symbolic of his culture to a simple spectator sport, and I can understand his sentiment. I believe it would be a good idea for the Native American communities that are still actively participating in lacrosse competition to try to bring some of these rituals back. After doing a little research, I discovered that the Iroquois Nationals still take time to say a prayer before they play a game. This simple act is a great way to ensure that the tribes’ identity is not lost from within the playing of the actual game.

I agree with Duane Champagne in respects to a definate movement away from these religious and healing rituals that were so tightly intertwined with lacrosse so many years ago. However, I don't believe that all forms of the sport should move back to this type of play. I think it would be a good idea for Native American leagues to embrace this part of their history when playing but otherwise, Native American rituals should be kept out of the contemporary sport of lacrosse.