The Buffalo Bandits celebrated the culture of local Indigenous communities while honoring the roots of the beautiful medicine game we’re grateful to play
February 24, 2024 | bandits.com/nahn/
The Buffalo Bandits proudly partnered with Seneca Resorts and Casinos to host Native American Heritage Night on Saturday, February 24th. The evening celebrated the culture of Native American groups in Western New York and Southern Ontario while honoring the indigenous history behind the game of lacrosse.
Highlights from the game:
Every Child Matters
The NLL and Buffalo Bandits proudly support the “Every Child Matters” campaign. This initiative brings awareness to the forcible placement of Indigenous children in residential and boarding schools by the Canadian and United States governments from the 19th century to as late as 1996 in Canada.
Players sported the NLL’s “Every Child Matters” logo on specially designed warmup shirts and helmet decals.
The “Every Child Matters” initiative is a part of the league’s ever-growing participation and awareness programs tied to Indigenous culture, which is at the core of the league’s values and the history of the sport of lacrosse. The work includes educational programs for athletes, coaches, staff, and fans, land acknowledgment ceremonies, and charitable and social responsibility programs to strengthen and enhance the ties between league stakeholders and the Indigenous community.
Franky Brown Shout-out
Frank Brown: Hawö’öh, meaning: He waits/is waiting for them (by water/boat) – Salamanca, New York, is a member of the Seneca Nation Turtle Clan. Raised on the Allegany Territory, known as Ohi:yo’ (Oh-Hee-Yoh) which means “Beautiful River,” in the southern tier of WNY.
Special-Edition Jerseys
Buffalo wore specialty Native American Heritage jerseys designed by Alyson Brown (Seneca, Allegany Territory), Bandits defenseman Frank Brown’s sister. Elements that she incorporated into the design were the dust fan, Canandaigua Treaty of 1794, a quote from Chief Red Jacket, our language and clans.
“With the display of the different jersey elements, I hope that it encourages those wanting to grow the game to dig a little deeper. To understand the people who are the roots of the game that is being honored. …To possibly have these jerseys facilitate a deeper discussion – beyond lacrosse – is the ultimate goal” says Alyson Brown.
A limited number of jerseys were available for purchase in the team store. Ja:göh, Alyson!
Beading Demonstration & Wooden Stick Sweepstakes
Native artist Jacky Snyder (Seneca, Cattaraugus Territory) held a beading demonstration ahead of the game to show how she constructs her custom-made bead creations, which have been worn by Bandits players in the past.
Fans had the opportunity to enter a sweepstakes to win one of her medallions as well as a team-signed wooden stick to celebrate the origins of the game.
“A huge thank you to Jacky Snyder for making the incredible ties for ours guys in honor of Native American Heritage Night! ~@NLLBandits.”
Native American Dancers
In celebration of the night, the Kantyohkwa dance group from the Haudenosaunee Confederacy performed before and throughout the game.
Ceremonial Faceoff
A ceremonial faceoff took place featuring President Rickey L. Armstrong, Sr. and Native players from both teams. “Thank you to Seneca Nation President, Rickey L. Armstrong, Sr. for taking part in tonight’s ceremonial face-off with Bandits alumni Rich Kilgour, Travis Kilgour and Cory Bomberry! ~@NLLBandits.”
Native American Heritage Scholarship
The winner of this year’s Native American Heritage Scholarship is Caitlyn Tiedemann! Caitlyn is currently enrolled in UB’s School of Nursing. Upon graduating, Caitlyn will continue to pursue her dream of becoming a nurse practitioner in hopes of providing culturally sensitive medical services to the Native American communities in Western New York.
