Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe Supports Haudenosaunee National's Olympic Dream with $50k Donation

Apr 24, 2024

AKWESASNE — (Onerahto:kha/April 23, 2024)    

The Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe (SRMT) has pledged $50,000 to the Haudenosaunee Nationals Development Group, Inc. toward their dream of achieving Olympic success.

The last time lacrosse was featured as an Olympic sport was in 1908 at the London Summer Olympics. During this time, only men's teams participated, as lacrosse was not as well-known internationally.

Chief Ron Lafrance expressed the significance of this opportunity: "It has been a dream for our people to see our athletes playing under the Haudenosaunee flag. The reintroduction of Lacrosse into the Olympics is something we've advocated for years."

As funding continues to be a challenge, turning this dream into a reality hasn't come easy for the Haudenosaunee Nationals Lacrosse program. The $50,000 donation from the SRMT will assist with player development, coaching, equipment, travel, and accommodation expenses.

"The Haudenosaunee Nationals Lacrosse (HNL) program deeply appreciates the ongoing support from the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe. This assistance will equip us with the resources essential for our sustained success and expansion in international competitions, as well as our journey toward Olympic aspirations. The commitment reflects the true spirit of the Mohawk community." - Statement from the HNL.

Sparking even more excitement and determination among the Haudenosaunee Nationals was President Joe Biden's 2023 December endorsement of the team's participation in the 2028 Olympic Games.

"President Biden's support reinforces the deep-rooted connection our people have with lacrosse, endorsing our rightful place to represent on the global platform," expressed Tribal Council.

The HNL Men’s field lacrosse team currently sits at third in the world, closely behind Canada and the United States. With the continued support provided by the SRMT, the Creator's game and the true mission of peace, friendship, and healing, may be brought to the world stage.

In addition to the Tribe's support, the HNL team actively engages in community outreach and fundraising initiatives. For more information on how support the team’s Olympic dreams, please visit haudenosauneenationals.com