Haudenosaunee Pursue Olympic Recognition as Lacrosse Returns to 2028 Games
The Haudenosaunee, indigenous originators of lacrosse, are working to secure Olympic participation when the sport returns in 2028 after 120 years.
The Haudenosaunee confederacy is pursuing participation in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics as lacrosse makes its return to the Games after 120 years of absence. The indigenous peoples from northeast North America, credited as the sport's originators, have submitted joint statements with World Lacrosse to the International Olympic Committee seeking a breakthrough on Olympic eligibility.
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Recent Championship Performance
The Haudenosaunee women's lacrosse team delivered its strongest performance at the recent world championship held in Tokyo. The squad advanced to the quarterfinals, where it defeated England 10-9 before losing to Canada in the semifinals and falling to Israel in the bronze medal match, securing fourth place overall. This marked the team's fifth consecutive appearance at the world championship since its debut in 2009.
Historical Context and Olympic Return
Lacrosse, which originated with the Haudenosaunee and dates back to the 12th century, was featured in the Summer Olympics in St. Louis in 1904 and London in 1908. The sport appeared as a demonstration event in three additional Olympic Games through 1948 before disappearing from the program. The International Olympic Committee confirmed lacrosse's return to the Olympic schedule in 2023, with the sport set to be played with six players aside rather than the traditional 10.
The Olympic Charter Challenge
A significant obstacle remains: the Olympic Charter defines "country" as an independent state recognized by the international community with its own national or regional Olympic committee. The Haudenosaunee do not currently fit this definition, despite their distinct governance structure and sovereignty as a confederacy. Head coach Taylor Frink emphasized the importance of inclusion, stating that the best way to honor both the Olympics and the game is to recognize the Haudenosaunee as participants. Former U.S. President Joe Biden publicly supported the Haudenosaunee's Olympic participation upon the confirmation of lacrosse's return.
The Haudenosaunee men's team, formed in 1983, has competed at world championships since 1990 and has finished third in each of the past three editions. Team members view Olympic participation as an opportunity to share the sport globally and demonstrate lacrosse's inclusive nature to international audiences.
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