We recently had the privilege of connecting with Rick Roy, the dynamic force behind Nadzitsaga Lacrosse in Burns, Oregon. This unique lacrosse club, deeply embedded in its local community, actively collaborates with the Burns Paiute Tribe. Nadzitsaga, meaning "ball and stick game" in Northern Paiute, was established to revive and honor the Indigenous roots of lacrosse.
The inception of Nadzitsaga Lacrosse is as inspiring as its mission. When a Burns Paiute tribal member approached Rick, who had experience playing lacrosse on the East Coast, with a request to "Teach us our game," it marked the beginning of an incredible journey. In 2007, Nadzitsaga Lacrosse was founded, blossoming into a program that offers lacrosse to every age group, from first graders to high schoolers, with Rick at the helm as the head coach for Burns High School.
Our conversations with Rick revealed a shared vision: connecting Native youth and the broader lacrosse community not only to the game's origins but also to its deeper, spiritual essence. Nadzitsaga Lacrosse embodies this connection in every aspect of its operation.
A beautiful tradition at Nadzitsaga is the "thanksgiving" performed before all games. This ceremony, conducted between both teams, signifies a mutual agreement to honor the game's spirit and play with integrity. Further bridging lacrosse with cultural practices, Nadzitsaga collaborates with the Burns Paiute Tribe to facilitate a medicine game during their Pow Wow, celebrating lacrosse's traditional role as a healing and unifying force.
Rick's perspective on lacrosse is profound. "We need to think of Lacrosse as a prayer," he shared, emphasizing that the game is not only a sport but also a means to "entertain the Creator," with the opponent as a partner in this sacred act.
Rick's dedication extends beyond the field as he serves on the Native American Advisory Council for USA Lacrosse. His commitment to the sport and its cultural significance is a beacon for all those involved in Nadzitsaga Lacrosse.
To discover more about Rick Roy's inspiring work and Nadzitsaga Lacrosse, visit the links below.
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