This petition is to advocate to the International Olympics Committee for the inclusion of the Haudenosaunee Nationals Men’s Lacrosse Team in the 2028 Olympics.

The Haudenosaunee are credited with first playing lacrosse centuries ago. This sport was not just a game to them, but an integral part of their culture and spiritual practices. 

Despite the team's admission and commendable performance in the 2023 World Men’s Lacrosse Championship where the team earned third place of thirty national teams, they have yet to be extended an invitation to the 2028 Olympics to be held in Los Angeles.

Inclusion of their team would not only be an acknowledgment of their significant contribution to this sport, but also a step towards fostering diversity and inclusivity within international sports events. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has always promoted unity in diversity - what better way than by including teams that represent such rich cultural heritage?

To this goal, the Haudenosaunee Nationals Lacrosse team released a joint statement with World Lacrosse on December 6, 2023: "Recognition of the cultural significance of lacrosse to the Haudenosaunee people -- and the Haudenosaunee people to lacrosse -- is an important step in our Olympic journey," the statement read. 

Lacrosse legend Lyle Thompson, a member of the Hawk Clan of the Iroquois Confederacy, has been a vocal advocate for the inclusion of Native Americans in the Olympics. Mr. Thompson, with an impressive record in NCAA history and the only two-time recipient of the Tewaaraton Award, underscores that there is a deeper cultural meaning of the game that should be represented on the Olympic stage.

This is currently the only online petition in support of this team’s long overdue inclusion. Your support here is very valuable to recognize the cultural significance embedded in lacrosse. Together, let us make the 2028 Olympics a truly an inclusive and culturally rich event.

Additionally, we are holding a gofundme campaign to support 4 The Future Foundation which was founded by Lyle Thompson and his brothers. All funds directly support underserved Indigenous communities with lacrosse education and cultural exchange to support the roots of the game. 

Image: The Art of LaxTM by Vincent Ricasio. Used with permission of the artist.