Lacrosse is a team sport consisting of a lacrosse stick and ball. It is recognized as the oldest organized sport in North America, with origins dating back to the 12th Century, which started with the indigenous people. The indigenous people called it the “Creators Game” because they believed it was given to them by their Creator.
There was an exhibition Lacrosse game at Alliance City Park on July 14, where the community was welcomed to participate. The game had a ticket raffle drawing, where anyone could participate free of charge and have a shot at winning prizes that included cash and wristband tickets for the Alliance Heritage Days carnival.
“We do a Lacrosse exhibition annually to showcase the kids and their skills. Normally we would do it on family night, but we were in Minneapolis with a group of Native kids for the unity conference, so we couldn’t get it done. We do it for the kids. We do it for the people so they can watch. People can, socialize and win some stuff. When we do stuff like this and keep it going every single year, people expect it; people know about something positive happening. They bring their kids, and their kids see it. So, that’s how we start growing and rebuilding as Indian people by having even little things like this and inviting everybody,” said Coach of the Lacrosse team Edison Red Nest III on why the exhibition game is held annually.
Kids of all ages attended the game, and Angel Red Nest, a participant in the game and raffle ticket winner, talked about why he loved Lacrosse and how he felt after winning a wristband ticket.
“I love playing Lacrosse. My favorite thing is that it’s a contact sport, and excited about winning my ticket,” said Angel Red Nest.
Kids and families were in attendance, where kids fought for a win on the field while parents hung out in the shade and cheered them on.
“I think it’s an awesome thing Edison Red Nest does for the children. We go to it every year. I love what he does for the youth,” said Alisha Hernandez, one of the parents in attendance.
Edison Red Nest started the Lacrosse program and received funding through the DEA and APD earlier this year, where Edison Red Nest and APD Chief of Police Philip Lukens met and discussed how they could help benefit the native youth in the community.
“Edison and I met sometime back, and he expressed concern for lack of embracement from the community for our Native youth in some respects,” said Chief Lukens.
The chief contacted the DEA and got sponsors to help with new equipment. Lukens thought this idea of sponsoring the Lacrosse program could help benefit the youth in the community.
“In working on drug reduction and preventative programs, I heard the DEA had a prevention program. However, those programs were primarily for dance and baseball. Edison had invited officers to participate when the youth play Lacrosse. Sergeant Peterson made it a point to be involved continually. So I approached the DEA and asked if we could make a Lacrosse program instead.
“The DEA educational foundation agreed to sponsor a week-long camp after school. They provided coaches as well as equipment, which was ultimately donated to bolster what Edison has been fostering. Edison specifically spoke of concern between Native youth and the police. It is my ultimate goal to build trust for a healthy community. This program is some of the foundational steps we need to build trust. We also need to educate our youth on the drug crisis in our country without encouraging experimentation,” said Chief Lukens.
Chief Lukens hopes to make this an annual tradition, with the only barrier being funding.
“We hope to make this an annual tradition. The largest barrier, of course, is funding. Our thanks to the DEA for their help so this could be possible and to Edison, who tirelessly works with fostering our youth and, more specifically, our Native youth who are such a valuable asset to our community,” said Chief Lukens.
Edison Red Nest, who also serves on the Alliance School Board, had a message for people in attendance after the game. The school board gets a progress report on students at school, but Edison Red Nest would also like to see if administrators would include more criteria to find out what students are struggling in school to help those who are struggling.
“I want to ask the administrators of the schools to include things like tardiness, unexcused absences and suspensions so we can see what children are having a tough time,” said Red Nest to the crowd to help spread awareness.
Red Nest has the drive to help the youth in the community. He shares what inspires him and why he is compassionate about helping the youth.
“If I would consolidate the reason, I would say to honor the past and do my part in fulfilling the prayers of our people,” said Edison Red Nest.