top of page
WLC08358.jpg

The History of the Haudenosaunee
Nationals

The Iroquois Nationals Men's Lacrosse Team was formed and sanctioned by the Grand Council of the Haudenosaunee in 1983. We officially changed our name to Haudenosaunee Nationals in 2022.

The game of Lacrosse is one of the Haudenosaunee most revered traditions a celebration of health, strength, courage, leadership, and fair play, and spiritually as a “medicine” game. Over a century ago the Haudenosaunee were banned from international competition and the Haudenosaunee Nationals have fought to gain international respect and inclusion.

As the governing body for the entire confederacy, the Grand Council of Chiefs has sanctioned the Haudenosaunee Nationals Lacrosse to assemble teams (women's, men's and youth inclusive of indoor, field and sixes lacrosse ) that collectively and officially represent the Six Nations Haudenosaunee Confederacy in international lacrosse competition.

As we head toward possible competition in the 2028 Olympics our organization needs to grow to meet the new challenges.

Why We Changed Our Name

haudenosaunee-72.jpg

The name "Iroquois" is a French variant on a term for "snake" given to us by the Huron. It is actually a derogatory term. As many of our people lost our language through forced assimilation via government policies and residential boarding schools, the English name "Iroquois" stuck. Many researchers over the years have used the term "Iroquois" when writing about us. So when we formed a National Lacrosse Team back in 1983, we used the name "Iroquois Nationals" since that is what most people knew us by. For 39 years we have referred to our team as the "Iroquois Nationals."

However, as our people have begun to revitalize our languages and culture, we felt it was time to change our name to what we collectively call ourselves: "Haudenosaunee" (ho-dee-no-show-nee) which translates to "People of the Longhouse." This name change is one of a series of actions we are taking as our people continue to regain what has been lost through colonialism.

Thus, we are now called the Haudenosaunee Nationals and have begun the process of changing all touchpoints affected by our name change, including our website, social media accounts, jerseys, business cards, etc. There are a number of places, items, and products that are affected by this and it will take time to get all of them changed. In the mean time, we say "nya:weh" for your patience and support through this effort!

Day 4 (June 21) - Opening Ceremonies -21 (2).jpg
Day 3 (June 20) - Gift Exchange 7.jpg
Day 4 (June 21) - Scrimmage vs Poland -18 (2).jpg
  • Instagram
  • Facebook
  • X

PO Box 125 • Nedrow, NY 13120

lisa.sacco@haudenosauneenationals.com

@hau_nationals

bottom of page