SAN DIEGO — The playoff-bound San Diego Seals and the Strong Roots Charitable Foundation have partnered to share the “fastest game on two feet” with Indigenous people throughout the Southern California area. Currently just a half-game back of Colorado for the West Division lead in the National Lacrosse League, the Seals are inviting tribal members to join them for FREE as they make a run for the 2022 NLL Championship — thanks to the generosity of Strong Roots.
The San Diego Seals will recognize the history and Indigenous roots of the game of lacrosse, called Tewaaraton (deh-wa-al-la-doon) in the Mohawk language. Commonly referred to as “The Creators Game” among the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois People), the game gives thanks to the Creator for the gift of lacrosse, which also serves as a medicine game that seeks good health and strong minds for individuals and the overall Indigenous community.
“Lacrosse has provided a positive outlet and an important path for myself and many other Indigenous youth in my home community of Six Nations on the Grand River,” said Seals star forward Austin Staats (Mohawk). “It also helps unite our communities and provides good medicine during some of our most difficult of times.”
Members of an Indigenous or First Nations community are welcome to attend at no cost and to cheer on the Seals in the West Division Semifinal at Pechanga Arena San Diego (3500 Sports Arena Blvd., San Diego, CA 92110), with ticket costs covered by the Strong Roots Charitable Foundation. The game will be played on either Saturday, May 7 (at 7:00pm) or Sunday, May 8 (at 6:00pm), and the opponent is still to be determined. To claim your free ticket, visit SealsLax.com/Creator. Indigenous people must present a tribal membership/enrollment card, status card, or other identification for verification.
Based in the Mohawk community of Akwesasne along the Canada-United States border in Northern New York State, the Strong Roots Charitable Foundation has been supporting initiatives that help improve the wellbeing of Indigenous peoples since 2015. They are pleased to support the San Diego Seals professional lacrosse team in their desire to help share The Creators Game with Indigenous communities located in Southern California and elsewhere.
“We are honored to partner with the San Diego Seals and to continue the Haudenosaunee’s long tradition of sharing the gift of lacrosse with the world,” stated Strong Roots Foundation Board Member, Dianna Tarbell. “We welcome and appreciate the opportunity to share its deep cultural and historical significance as a medicine game with all of our Indigenous brothers and sisters.”
The Strong Roots Charitable Foundation is a 501c3 organization. To learn more, please visit them online at www.strongroots.org.
About San Diego Seals
The playoff-bound San Diego Seals are a team in the 35-year-old National Lacrosse League (NLL), the world’s only professional box lacrosse league. The league ranks third in average attendance for professional indoor sports worldwide, behind the NBA and NHL. The Seals play their home games at Pechanga Arena San Diego, the city’s leading destination for sporting events, family shows and live entertainment. For more information, visit SealsLax.com or follow the Seals @SealsLax on social media.
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