American Indian Report - August 2008 - (Page 19)

weekends to play and practice and took homework on the road. Games held prior to the World Championship proved the Nationals’ talent and surprised many opponents not used to the Native style. “We were playing the top prep schools in Washington, D.C. They didn’t know the Indian style of play. It is totally different. The offense is completely different,” Cox said. They won the tournament against the prep schools by a landslide. At the tournament, boys aged 15 to 19 come together not only to play but also to share culture, Cox said. The different tribal members are able to learn from each other as well as from the international players. During the Nationals’ journey, they beat numerous teams, including England, Australia and Scotland. “A lot of people thought that we could get gold, but it just slipped through our fingers,” Cox said. However, the team is optimistic that their time is coming soon. The experience also motivates most players to continue with the game. Since the creation of the team in 1983, more than 95 percent of the players have gone on to play collegiate or professional lacrosse, according to the team. Cox hopes to play Lacrosse in college and be involved in the world tournament in the future. It had always been Cox’s dream to play on an allNative team, his mother, Nedra Darling, said. Not only did the dream come true, but also they were able show the world what young Native athletes are capable of accomplishing. “This is a great way for these young men to compete with their peers in the world and learn and have exchanges,” Darling said. “They are true ambas- sadors for Indian Country. So many attendees were complimentary of our boys, both their attitudes and playing. They made me proud, not only as a Mom, but as an Indian person.” “The Creator gave us this game, and it is great to Photo courtesy of Vancouver Sports Pictures share that with the world. The games are making people more aware internationally that Lacrosse has indigenous roots,” Darling said. The competition runs in cycles with adults and youth teams. The next youth championship will be held in four years in Manchester, England. n American Indian Report August 2008 19

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of American Indian Report - August 2008

American Indian Report - August 2008 Contents Notes from Indian Country Congress: Activity from the Hill Navajo Elder Recognized for Fighting for Voting Rights Water Rights — A Long, Hard Battle Well Worth Fighting Native Youth Share Creator’s Game with International Community Rancheria Restores Traditional Ecosystem on Purchased Land Grants: EDA — Investing in Tribal Economic Development Native Eyes Film Showcase Entices Youth into Media BlogRoll

American Indian Report - August 2008

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