ECJLL & IPLA action supports to indigenous athletes

The ECJLL has strived to support Indigenous athletes and bring awareness around Indigenous issues within Canada. “As we are all treaty people it is important that as stewards of the Creator’s game, we continue to listen, educate and support our Indigenous people as we support Truth & Reconciliation and build a stronger relationship with Indigenous people in Canada.” said Commissioner Brendon Smithson.

In the past six years, the ECJLL has increased supporting our Indigenous players within league operations while bringing awareness to Indigenous issues. The league commitment to Truth & Reconciliation increased with the addition of the league first Indigenous team, Mi’kmaq Warriors in 2015. The Warriors brought forward the importance of Indigenous awareness to the board table and the discussion has continued from that day. In 2017, the board approved as part of new game day standards, the playing of the Mi’kmaw honor song before all Mi’kmaq Warrior games (home and away), which previous was only played on their home floor. This was the first step in the ECJLL journey to creating a supportive environment for all Indigenous athletes, which all six ECJLL include Indigenous athletes. This journey continues today as the ECJLL has begun working with the Indigenous Players Lacrosse Association (IPLA) to understand from first voice our role in Truth & Reconciliation. In 2021, based on the recommendation of the IPLA, the ECJLL unanimously approved the following motions to continue supporting our Indigenous athletes:

• At least one staff member per team will be certified in the Aboriginal Coaching Module (ACM) (beginning in 2022, due to covid-19 restrictions).
• The Mi’kmaq Honour song to be played before all league games.
• All players’ helmets will display the Mi’kmaq Grand Council flag. These helmet decals will eventually be replaced with all league jerseys displaying the Mi’kmaq Grand Council flag.

“The Indigenous Players Lacrosse Association (IPLA) is pleased with the ECJLL’s dedication to supporting Indigenous athletes and their commitment to action by approving the following recommendations: The IPLA hopes that other leagues will follow the ECJLL’s lead to honour the traditional L’nuk game of lacrosse.” said Billie Julian, IPLA President and LNS Indigenous Liaison. Billie, along with four other Mi’kmaw leaders, are striving to become the voice for Indigenous Lacrosse within Nova Scotia. The organization has created a 5-year operation plan, to continue removing barriers for Mi’kmaw athletes to be part of the Creator’s game. Ayden Perrio, IPLA Vice President and ECJLL Indigenous Director presented the above-mentioned motions with Billie during recent board meetings as a start to this plan.

“It is a great honor to be a part of the journey with the board, and I am proud of the support the IPLA is receiving at our table,” says Smithson. “I truly want to thank the IPLA and their leaders for their support in guiding us through our journey of learning. The work this organization is taking on will positively impact seven generations and the ECJLL is honored have a continuing partnership with them.” 

The ECJLL plans to continue working with the IPLA and break ground on indigenous relations within the Canadian Lacrosse community and hope other lacrosse leagues within Nova Scotia and Canada build on creating a supportive environment for indigenous athletes. In light of recent tragic indigenous events, the ECJLL is updating graphics on their website and other social media to acknowledge these injustices and support our indigenous brothers and sisters.