AKWESASNE — One of the first sporting events at Akwesasne’s ‘Turtle Dome’ since before the pandemic, became one in honour of the survivors of residential schools across the country.
What began as talks between the Junior B Indians and the Junior A Orangeville Northmen for an exhibition game turned into a 5-team event termed the Survivor’s Cup, with proceeds from the event donated to benefit programs for suicide prevention and mental health.
The U19 showcase was wrapped up on Sunday, August 22, at the Anowara’kowa Arena. In addition to the Indians and the Northmen, the Mimico Lacrosse Club, the Nepean Knights and TriNations, a team of players from the Kahnawake Mohawk Territory and the First Nations Lacrosse Association all participated over the week-end.
The junior teams capped the event with medal games that saw Nepean defeat TriNations 10-7 to win bronze and Akwesasne defeat Orangeville 7-3 to win gold.
In order, First Place went to the Akwesasne Indians, 2nd Place to the Orangeville Northmen, 3rd Place to the Nepean Knights, 4th Place to the TriNation and 5th Place to the Mimico Mountaineers.
