Canada Games officially adopt box lacrosse as a permanent sport, honoring Indigenous roots and boosting participation across the nation.
A Historic Endorsement in St. John’s
At the 2025 Canada Games in St. John’s, box lacrosse achieved a landmark milestone by securing a permanent place on the Games’ sporting programme, marking its evolution from a pilot event in 2022 to a fully recognized national sport. The move underscores a growing commitment to elevate Indigenous sports and celebrate their cultural significance.
Cultural Resonance Meets National Sport Policy
Kelly-Ann Paul, President and CEO of the Canada Games Council, emphasized that this inclusion is more than competitive—it’s symbolic. She described the decision as a “meaningful step in strengthening the cultural fabric of both the Games and our nation,” noting box lacrosse’s deep Indigenous heritage and its ability to foster diversity and reconciliation within Canada’s premier youth sporting event.
Rooted in Tradition, Revived on the Field
Kevin Sandy of the Haudenosaunee Lacrosse/Iroquois Lacrosse Program enriched the narrative by recalling the traditional significance of the sport: “It’s a medicine game, it’s a healing game… We play for the honour of our ancestors.” This sentiment was part of an interactive showcasing held prior to competition, where Sandy shared the oral traditions and cultural stories embedded in box lacrosse.
A National Stage for Identity and Unity
Rachael McKinnon, Technical Coordinator for Lacrosse Canada, noted that box lacrosse’s inclusion speaks to both sport development and cultural recognition. She stressed its presence provides “meaningful representation and connection to culture, history, and identity on a national stage,” affirming its importance in advancing reconciliation through sport.
Empowering Athletes and Futures
With its new permanent status, box lacrosse now offers formal pathways for athletes across Canada, especially in regions where the sport has declined. McKinnon highlighted how this visibility can ignite growth in schools, universities, and communities, driving youth engagement and amplifying opportunities to compete at high levels.
A Personal Journey of Discovery
Team Newfoundland athlete Cali Fitzgerald, who discovered box lacrosse after transitioning from ball hockey, represents the sport’s reach and welcoming spirit. “It’s aggressive…a little chaotic sometimes… such a welcoming sport,” she said, praising the supportive environment and vibrant energy that drew her in. Her experience underscores how the Games’ platform can attract newcomers and nurture talent.
Why It Matters
Box lacrosse’s elevation to permanent status at the Canada Games is a landmark win for Indigenous representation, sporting inclusivity, and national unity. By embedding a sport steeped in traditional culture into a prominent multi-sport festival, Canada affirms its respect for Indigenous contributions and ensures that the next generation has a platform to connect, compete, and thrive.
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