Akwesasne Indians Win Inaugural Survivors Cup

Last week the Akwesasne Indians defeated the Orangeville Northmen to win the inaugural Survivor's Cup – U19 Showcase lacrosse tournament. With lacrosse fans yearning to watch a game - this five-day tournament was one of the only chances people had to watch lacrosse this year. Almost all of lacrosse world had scrapped the lacrosse season for the second year in a row due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

In June, the regular season for both the Junior B and Junior A lacrosse leagues in Ontario were cancelled and teams were able to organize exhibition games under the Ontario Lacrosse Associations.

According to Perry Blanchard-Tournament Convener, "With help from the A'nowara'ko:wa Arena, Mohawk Council of Akwesasne EOC and the Ontario Lacrosse Association, a "Return to Play" policy had been created."

Before the games began, they held a powerful opening ceremonial tribute to the victims and survivors of the residential school system.

Blanchard stated, "The Survivors Cup wish to thank those who participated in all of our pre-game ceremonies including the Iroquoian Dancers, the Mohawk Nation Council of Chiefs, the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribal Council, the Salmon River Girls varsity lacrosse team and residential school survivor Dean Shakoia'ti:iostha George".

Teams included the Nepean Knights, the Mimico Mountaineers, the Northmen, Indians and the TriNation Hunters – a mixed team made up of Kahnawake Hunters and players from the First Nations Lacrosse Association.

Proceeds from the tournament will be donated to several community groups in Akwesasne focused on mental health and suicide prevention.

Following strict COVID-19 pandemic protocols there were only 500 tournament passes available and no individual game tickets were available, this helped to ensure physical distancing and other health measures. As well, attendees were required to submit a health check prior to being allowed into the A'nowara'kó:wa Arena and had to exit the arena after the game, where the entire facility was disinfected prior to the next game.

The Indians downed the Northmen 7-3 to win the tournament. The Knights downed the Hunters 8-6 to finish third and the Mountaineers finished fifth.

Photos are from the Indians vs Mimico game. All photographs are courtesy of Joe Francis.