A Special Night

The game of lacrosse has existed for centuries across Turtle Island, more commonly known today as North America. In Indigenous culture, lacrosse is recognized as the Medicine Game; played to heal people, settle tribe disputes and train for war.

Every year, many teams in the National Lacrosse League host an Indigenous Heritage Night to acknowledge and bring awareness to where the game once originated from. Toronto Rock defender Justin Martin, a Mohawk from Six Nations, always looks forward to this game at home where he can reflect and honour his ancestors that played the Creator’s Game before him.

“It’s a celebration. It’s good to recognize where the game came from,” Martin said thinking about the upcoming Indigenous Heritage Night. “It has meant so much to me because I’ve played lacrosse my whole life.”

For Martin, there is one feature of the Indigenous Heritage Night jersey that is most meaningful to him.

“I really like how they put the confederacy belt on there, because it shows five of the six nations,” Martin happily said. “Having my culture on there is probably my favourite aspect of the jerseys this year.”

This year’s jerseys will again feature the language of the Mohawk people with the word ‘Toronto’ being replaced with ‘Tkarón:to’ along with the word ‘Tewa:ara’ton’ which is the Mohawk word for lacrosse, and it translates to ‘it has a dual net’.  Instead of the usual last name that is traditionally placed on pro sports jerseys, Martin will have his Indigenous name, Sgahendade, on the back of his.

Playing alongside Martin on the back end is Rock captain Challen Rogers. Martin explained how having Rogers, who is also Indigenous, provides a sense of ease that helps him to play free.

“Challen was one of the first ones that came up to me and introduced me to everybody. So, I think just having someone there like that, another native there with me, made me feel more comfortable and relaxed with the team.”

Before most Indigenous Heritage Night’s around the league, there is usually a pre-game ritual or smudging ceremony paired with a traditional Indigenous dance. The Rock’s game will be no exception.  For Martin, being a part of these ceremonies and being honoured during them, always puts a smile on his face.

“It just brings me happiness seeing that,” Martin explained about the pre-game ceremonies. “I get to see everybody doing their part, celebrating their culture.”

The Rock will host the San Diego Seals on Saturday night for this year’s Indigenous Heritage Night and are looking for their fourth straight win of the season at Paramount Fine Foods Centre in Mississauga. Fans can watch the game on TSN+, ESPN+ and NLL+ at 7pm ET.

For more information on Toronto Rock tickets, please contact a Toronto Rock account executive by phone at 416-596-3075, by email at tickets@torontorock.com or visit torontorock.com.