Tenth International Conference on Sport & Society

Abstract

Within Canada’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s ninety-three calls to action, a total of six identify sport as having a significant role in the ongoing process of reconciliation. The purpose of this paper is to explore the underlying element of catharsis within this dynamic of sport and reconciliation. This project focuses on the sport of lacrosse as played by indigenous populations in both Canada and the United States. Unlike examples such as CLR James’ narrative of cricket in the West Indies or rugby in post-Apartheid South Africa, lacrosse is not a sport that was imposed on indigenous peoples by the colonizing powers. It was appropriated away from them. Today, lacrosse provides a space in which indigenous athletes can relive their colonized history but are able to assert a form of agency against their former colonizers in a mutually agreeable fashion. Through previous analysis of indigenous discourse, it is found that athletes do not conceive of their participation in lacrosse as an act of resistance coming from a subservient position for it is their game, to begin with. Thus, by demonstrating the achievement of catharsis through lacrosse, the role of sport in the reconciliation process will be further exemplified. By surveying the contentious colonial history of lacrosse, and an analysis of the current discourse perpetuated by indigenous athletes through interviews, I argue that lacrosse provides a uniquely cathartic experience for indigenous athletes and communities within the reconciliation context.