Lacrosse is more than a game. It is an opportunity to celebrate unique origins, embrace differences, and improve communities. Our goal at the National Lacrosse League is to promote continuous learning, and support initiatives to make us a better league. We will accomplish this objective through our three pillars: Heritage, Inclusion and Service.
The NLL is proud to support the Every Child Matters initiative again for the 2022-23 season to raise awareness of the regretful operation of residential/boarding schools for the purpose of assimilating Indigenous children. It is a movement to bring truth and reconciliation to a People who gave us the game we love and part of the league’s ever-growing participation and awareness tied to Indigenous culture. To learn more about this initiative, click the button below.
The roots of our game must be celebrated. The founders of this great game believe that lacrosse is more than a game. The Creator’s Game was used for healing, settling disputes, spiritual development and training for battle. Lacrosse expects a culture of respect and integrity. We agree. We will share authentic stories and work with community partners to honor the sport’s heritage – it is our responsibility to ensure everyone who enjoys this game knows the rich culture and history.
It is our responsibility to do everything we can to promote a culture of inclusion and make our sport accessible to everyone. We are better when people with different backgrounds can show up as their authentic selves and enjoy this great game. We are committed to working tirelessly with community partners to reach marginalized and underrepresented individuals, and to create a community that is diverse, equitable and inclusive.
Our league’s footprint spans across North America in over 15 cities. Each community is unique and we will work on a national and hyperlocal basis to be community leaders. We will use our influence to teach values and life skills of sport. We will give back and make a difference. It is our responsibility to serve the communities in which we play through partnership and service.
The National Lacrosse League did not exist one thousand years ago, but that is precisely when the inspiration for the NLL Unites platform was established. It is built around honoring and respecting the gift of lacrosse, and celebrating the values of the people who founded the game one thousand years ago. We engaged and continue to engage with leaders and organizations from Indigenous communities to listen and learn. There are over 1,000 Nations recognized across North America, each with its own unique culture. We are inspired to seek to understand and identify authentic opportunities to engage.
Our journey also includes learning from our stakeholders and ecosystem. We collaborated with RISE to conduct a series of focus groups with NLL players, teams, and front office staff to explore topics around diversity and inclusion, heritage, and equality. Students from the University of Michigan School of Kinesiology conducted a CSR landscape analysis to recommend initiatives for NLL Unites. Our League connected with other leagues, consultants, and ongoing partners to best understand the unique needs of the sport and its growing fandom.
Our CSR journey is just beginning, and now you a part of that journey. Together, we can ensure that our histories are shared and honored, our differences are acknowledged and celebrated, and our communities are served and united.
The Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund (DWF) aims to build cultural understanding and create a path toward reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples. DWF provides education on the true history of Indigenous Peoples in Canada and the lasting impact of residential schools through their programming, partnerships and events that build awareness, education, and connection between all peoples in Canada.
The mission of the National Native American Boarding School Healing Coalition (NABS) is to lead in the pursuit of understanding and addressing the ongoing trauma created by the United States Indian boarding school policy. NABS’s work is centered around seeking truth, justice, and healing for survivors and descendants of Indian boarding schools
In over 70 Indigenous communities across Canada, Right To Play supports programs for Indigenous children and youth. With an emphasis on culturally relevant programming that builds life skills, including employability workshops, cooking programs, arts and more, these programs provide Indigenous youth with opportunities to practice leadership and build confidence, while connecting with their culture and community.
RISE is a national nonprofit that educates and empowers the sports community to eliminate racial discrimination, champion social justice and improve race relations. Through partnerships and programs, RISE inspires leaders in sports to create positive change on matters of race and equality.
The You Can Play Project works to ensure the safety and inclusion for all who participate in sports, including LGBTQ+ athletes, coaches and fans. We achieve this by creating a community of allies that is able to foster a true sense of belonging. This becomes possible when sports teams sharpen the focus on the person’s skills, work ethic, and competitive spirit, not their sexual orientation, gender identity or expression.
