World Lacrosse and Haudenosaunee Nationals Lacrosse express our sincere gratitude to President Biden and the United States government for their expressed support of Haudenosaunee inclusion in the lacrosse competition at the LA28 Olympic Games. Recognition of the cultural significance of lacrosse to the Haudenosaunee people – and the Haudenosaunee people to lacrosse – is an important step in our Olympic journey.
The Olympic Games are the most powerful platform for promoting understanding and peace among nations. We look forward to continuing to collaborate with the International Olympic Committee, LA28, and the U.S. and Canadian Olympic Committees to explore potential pathways for the Haudenosaunee to participate in the Olympics while respecting the Olympic Games framework.
HNL Athlete Statements
Lacrosse holds such a sacred place in Haudenosaunee culture, and its inclusion in the Olympic Games reflects the diversity and unity that are central to the Olympic Movement. This endorsement by the U.S. government reflects a shared commitment to fostering inclusivity, and will help build additional momentum as we continue our journey as Haudenosaunee people with a desire to bring the medicine of lacrosse to the world.
Fawn Porter
This marks a positive step forward in the ongoing journey toward a more inclusive and respectful world of sports, and ensuring that indigenous voices and traditions are celebrated on the world stage. We approach this the way we do the game of lacrosse: with open hearts and open minds. We remain very optimistic that an Olympic pathway can be identified that both honors our deep heritage in the sport and respects the existing framework of the Games.
Randy Staats
