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Lacrosse is a game that has been played by the Onondagas and the Haudenosaunee
people for countless centuries. The Onondagas consider the game to be a very spiritual game
given to them by the Creator and is still played at Onondaga as a spiritual and healing game
for the people. In the early 1800's at Onondaga, the Haudenosaunee prophet named Handsome
Lake requested the game of lacrosse be played as one of his last wishes before he made his
journey back to the Creator's land. The game was played in his honor and assisted him to
fulfill his journey.
The Onondagas call the game Dey-Hon-Tshi-Gwa'-Ehs which translated
to mean, "they bump hips". The young people are told by the elders that the game is to be
respected and to respect your opponent as they also have been given the gift to play the
game. Players of all ages from Onondaga participate in an annual spiritual game. The game
is played for the spiritual benefit of the Nation and for all those who play
the game.
The Onondagas have a long and proud tradition of playing the game and extend
their hand to everyone to join them in preserving and playing the oldest team sport in
North America,
Mission Statement: The Onondaga Athletic Club (OAC) is a community-based organization, which promotes the traditional moral values: Honor, dedication, and community service. The OAC will serve the people of Onondaga and her friends, promoting fairness and goodwill through sports. The concept of unity and friendship shall be foremost in the hearts and minds of its’ keepers and exemplified with dignity in all functions. The OAC shall remain non-political and open to the views of others, acknowledging the natural laws of diversity, and respecting the knowledge that can be learned from others. The OAC shall encompass all ages and seek to support all programs designed to foster the ideals of positive social interaction. With full spirit and tradition the OAC shall lay the foundation for its’ next generation, by protecting and forwarding their own respective history in Onondaga Sports. |