The past and present of the indigenous sport lacrosse in Detroit

Long before this city was home to gator shoes, Ford Motor Company and Motown music, before it was colonized by the French and given the name Detroit, this land was called Waawiyatanong.

Waawiyatanong is the ancestral homelands to three of the Anishinaabe nations of the Council of Three Fires: the Ojibwe, Ottawa and Potawatomi. 

And before war dominated our understanding of conflict resolution, the Anishinaabe — like several indigenous nations — used lacrosse to settle conflicts. For Native people, it was also a pastime and a recreational activity. 

The game that many of us know today differs from its origins. European settlers modified it extensively and those changes define the current collegiate and professional forms. 

Access and popularity of lacrosse is growing across the country once more, including here in Detroit.

Detroit Youth Lacrosse League is an organization trying to expand the sport in the city. Founded by the Chandler Park Conservancy, the league offers opportunities for all kids from all experience levels to participate in Olympic-style lacrosse.

Liam McElroy is the head coach of Cass Technical High School’s boys lacrosse team and the Motown Lacrosse Club. He is also the program director at Clark Park. McElroy joined The Metro to discuss the origins of the game and the sport's growing popularity in Detroit.

More stories from The Metro on Monday, March 3, 2025.

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