The Creator’s Game

Referred to as the “Creator’s Game,” lacrosse has deep Indigenous roots. As the ABLL prepares to launch its inaugural Barnstorming Showcase Tour in January 2027, growing the league must begin with understanding and respecting where the game came from.

“The ABLL understands that we are not just launching another professional sports league,” said George Manias, ABLL Co-Founder, President and Chief Operating Officer. “We are participating in the continuation of a game that was created by Indigenous peoples long before it became the sport we know today. We have an obligation to honor that history and the people who have protected, played, and passed this game from generation to generation.”

As part of its commitment, the ABLL will work to establish relationships with Indigenous leaders, players, coaches, educators, and communities to help guide how the league recognizes and celebrates the origins of lacrosse.

The league plans to explore opportunities including:

• Indigenous community engagement – Building relationships with Native nations and Indigenous lacrosse organizations throughout the regions where the ABLL operates.
• Indigenous player and coach opportunities – Creating pathways for Indigenous athletes and coaches to participate in ABLL programming and professional development opportunities.
• Educational programming – Helping players, coaches, officials, and fans understand the Indigenous origins and cultural significance of lacrosse.
• Recognition of Indigenous lacrosse leaders – Celebrating the contributions of Indigenous players, coaches, builders, educators, stick makers, and ambassadors who have helped preserve and advance the game.
• Youth clinics and community programs – Working with Indigenous communities to create opportunities for young people to learn and experience the game.
• Indigenous representation at ABLL events – Inviting Indigenous leaders, players, and community members to participate in appropriate league events and educational initiatives.
• Honoring the Creator’s Game – Incorporating respectful recognition of the Indigenous heritage of lacrosse into ABLL events, broadcasts and educational materials.

The league also invites Indigenous communities to provide guidance regarding appropriate ways to incorporate cultural traditions, ceremonies, storytelling, and recognition to include in ABLL events.

“We don’t want to simply tell the story of lacrosse,” said Steve Donner, ABLL Co-Founder and Commissioner. “We want to listen and learn from the people who have carried that story forward. Our goal is to build authentic relationships and create opportunities for Indigenous people to have a meaningful voice and presence within the continued growth of the game.”

For many Indigenous peoples, lacrosse represents far more than wins, losses, and statistics. The ABLL believes that understanding this history can make the game more meaningful for everyone who participates in it.

“Moving forward, we want every player that puts an ABLL jersey on to understand that when they step onto the floor, they are participating in a game with a history that stretches back centuries,” said Ron Cogan, ABLL Director of Lacrosse Operations, NE. “Our Indigenous communities that created and preserved lacrosse are due the respect, gratitude, and recognition they deserve. That will be part of how we honor and teach the game.”

Cogan, who has extensive experience as an Indigenous player, coach, and lacrosse leader, will help the ABLL develop its approach to honoring the game’s Indigenous heritage.

“Our vision is for the ABLL to be a league that respects the past while helping build the future,” Manias added. “We want Indigenous players and communities to see the ABLL as a league that understands whose game this is, respects what it represents, and welcomes their participation in its future.”

The ABLL’s commitment is simple:

Honor the creators.
Respect the culture.
Learn the history.
Create opportunities.
Build relationships.
And help carry the Creator’s Game forward.