Pan American bronze medal adds boost to push for Haudenosaunee recognition for 2028 Olympics
By Stewart Huntington- Indian Country Today
SYRACUSE, New York – The Haudenosaunee Women’s Nationals are on a roll.
The women’s lacrosse team is getting noticed – around the world and locally.
The team won a bronze medal in June at the Pan American Lacrosse Association championships, qualifying them for the World Women’s Lacrosse Championships in Tokyo in July 2026, and providing a boost to efforts to win the Haudenosaunee Confederacy recognition for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics Games.
It was the first time the team had competed at the senior level in international competition, but it’s clear they belong on the international stage.
Haudenosaunee Nationals Women’s Lacrosse team member Bean Minerd, Onondaga Nation, offers a signal of strength as she talks about how her team is heading for the World Women’s Lacrosse Championships in Tokyo in July 2026. “It’s finally time. We’re here,” she said. “We’re not leaving. … We’re ready and we’re here and it’s just been amazing.”
Teammate Chloe Luther, Seneca Nation, agreed, noting the poise the women showed in the Bronze Medal match against Puerto Rico after falling behind by five goals.
“I was not shocked that we won. I was very confident in our team’s ability to make the comeback,” she said. “It was really awesome. I was just super proud of our team. We’re meant to be here. We are finally here.”
“Don’t let the critics get to you. You are meant to play this sport,” said Luther. “Our people created this sport. Don’t let anybody tell you that it’s a man’s sport. Because this is for all of us, and it’s truly a Medicine Game. Heals everyone. It can heal your vulnerabilities. It has helped me a lot during my life.”
To read the full article at ICT: https://ictnews.org/news/its-finally-time-haudenosaunee-womens-lacrosse-team-makes-statement-on-international-stage/
