Spirit Game: Pride Of A Nation

Spirit Game: Pride of a Nation is an engaging documentary film that unravels the deep history, cultural significance, and contemporary issues surrounding the game of lacrosse in Native American communities. This exceptional film, released in 2017, takes us to the heart of indigenous sports culture and showcases the passion and spirit of the Iroquois people.

From the onset, the film dives into the relationship between the Iroquois Confederacy, otherwise known as the Six Nations (Mohawk, Oneida, Onondaga, Cayuga, Seneca, and Tuscarora), and their ancestral game of lacrosse. The Iroquois believe that the game was given to them by the Creator, and it holds much more than just an ordinary pastime. It has spiritual significance and reflects the heartbeat of their people. The movie offers a fascinating perspective into this little-known aspect of the sport that distinguishes it from its mainstream adaptation.

To enhance the understanding of viewers, filmmakers Peter Spirer and Peter Baxter have interwoven the story with crosses between historical documentation, cultural elements, lacrosse gameplay, and the major issues confronting the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) people today, which include sovereignty and identity struggles. These contemporary issues are told against the backdrop of the World Lacrosse Championships that take place every four years.

The audiences get to see the Iroquois Nationals Lacrosse Team, one of the top-ranked teams in the world, in action. The team was formed to represent the Six Nations on an international stage, despite not being recognized by the United Nations. The main storyline is built around the collision of cultures as the Six Nations prepare to host the 2015 World Lacrosse Championships on Native soil for the first time. This significant event throws a spotlight on the often-undermined sovereignty rights and international recognition of indigenous tribes.

One of the most prominent figures in the film is Oren Lyons, a Faithkeeper of the Onondaga Nation, former lacrosse player, and active figure for Indigenous rights. His insights and narratives add depth and gravity to the movie, helping audiences understand the intricate link between the game of lacrosse and Iroquois pride, spiritual connection, and national identity. His stories serve as a reminder that the sport is more than just a game; it’s a sacred tradition connecting them to their ancestors and grounding them in their identity.

Interspersed with raw gameplay, the film also has profiles and interviews with various players of the Iroquois Nationals Lacrosse Team. Their personal stories are compelling and offer a glimpse into the role of lacrosse in their lives, the pride they feel in representing their people, and the challenges they face on a global stage. The blend of personal candid interviews, coupled with the match footages, adds depth to the narratives and keeps the audience engaged while providing a broader context to thelacrosse games.

The cinematography further compliments the narrative, portraying the Iroquois life and the beautiful sceneries of the land they call home. The slow-motion footage of lacrosse games captures the intensity and speed of lacrosse, highlighting the athletic skills intrinsic to the sport.

The film not only provides sports action but also serves as a deep dive into the Native American historical context, cultural identity, and their ongoing fight for sovereignty through lacrosse. Spirit Game: Pride of a Nation presents this narrative in an all-encompassing, illuminating, and respectful manner. It traces the trajectory of lacrosse from its origins as a sacred game central to the indigenous culture to its mainstream appropriation and back to its roots, underlining the spiritual and cultural significance of the game.

Overall, Spirit Game: Pride of a Nation is more than just a film about a sport; it's a portrayal of a nation's resilience, determination, and pride. It serves as a unique introduction to the Iroquois Confederacy and their struggle for sovereignty and recognition, using lacrosse as a powerful medium to tell this story.

Whether you are a sports enthusiast, a history buff, or just someone interested in understanding more about indigenous cultures, this film offers a captivating viewing experience, educating viewers on and stirring appreciation for the historical and cultural significance of lacrosse in the Iroquois community.