Legacy game held at McGill
McGill University’s third annual Legacy Game took place on Monday evening, with players wearing orange jerseys to honour the victims and survivors of the residential school system.
“It was exciting to see so many great athletes, parents, family, friends, and supporters in an intimate and intense medicine game of lacrosse,” said community member Michael Rice, who made the game part of his activities for the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
“It brought back beautiful reminders of the healing powers of Tiohtià:ke, McGill, lacrosse, and Montreal, where many nations had fun.”
The McGill Redbirds - who changed their name from the McGill Redmen in 2020 after a campaign led by Indigenous students - defeated the Carleton Ravens 8-4 at the Percival Molson Stadium on Monday, bringing their so-far perfect record to 7-0.
A traditional hand-carved lacrosse stick and engraved plaque was accepted by Cylis Charlton on behalf of the Redbirds - Charlton is from the Shuswap Nation in British Columbia.
A special highlight was a lacrosse game played between a team of Kahnawake Minor Lacrosse players and West Island Minor Field Lacrosse players, as well as a speech from Mike Kanentakeron Mitchell before the game started.
Travis Gabriel was also in attendance to address the Redbirds, honouring the long tradition of lacrosse for Onkwehón:we.
Rice said the game was exciting, and a perfect tribute to the medicine of the sport.
“The people were winners as much as the McGill Redbirds, and there was spirited opposition from the Carleton Ravens’ never-say-die style of play,” he said. “It was a treat to be a part of the third annual Legacy Game.”
Before the game, a moment of silence was held for residential school victims, and after the final whistle, both teams came together in a large circle, taking a moment to recognize the meaning of the game and the purpose of the day.
