An Indigenous lacrosse team reclaims its native identity

https://www.npr.org/2023/06/26/ [login to see] /an-indigenous-lacrosse-team-reclaims-its-native-identity
At this year's World Lacrosse Championships happening now in San Diego, one team has a new name and a fresh dream: to be the best in the world and showcase its Indigenous excellence.

"The quest is gold medal," said Haudenosaunee Nationals Head Coach Lars Tiffany ahead of the World Lacrosse Championships. "The challenges will be real and large."

Tiffany grew up near the Onondaga Nation in New York. He was the team's assistant coach at the last World Lacrosse Championships in 2018 in Israel, where they placed third.

Then they were known as the "Iroquois Nationals," but that's changed now.

The origin of the word "Iroquois" is the subject of debate, but present-day Haudenosaunee connect it to a French variant of "snake" and "murderer."