A sacred story passed down through generations about how the Creator's Game came to be
Long ago, before humans walked the earth, the animals gathered to settle their differences through a great game...
According to Haudenosaunee tradition, the animals of the forest once held a great council. The birds of the air and the animals of the land had long debated which group was superior. Their arguments grew heated, and it seemed they might resort to violence to settle the matter.
But the wise ones among them suggested a different path. Instead of fighting, they would compete in a game, a contest that would test speed, skill, strength, and cunning. This would be a way to resolve their conflict without bloodshed.
The animals agreed, and preparations began for the first lacrosse game ever played.
The birds believed their ability to fly gave them an unbeatable advantage. They could soar above the field, pass the ball through the air, and move with incredible speed.
The land animals had strength, endurance, and powerful legs to run. Bears, deer, wolves, and others were confident their ground game would dominate.
A tale of courage, compassion, and the power of inclusion
As the teams assembled, a small creature appeared, the bat. The bat wanted to play, but there was a problem. The bat had wings like a bird, but it also had teeth and fur like the land animals. Neither team wanted this small, peculiar creature.
The bat first approached the birds, who rejected it, saying it was not truly a bird. Then the bat went to the land animals. The land animals, seeing that the bat was small and seemingly weak, felt compassion. They welcomed the bat onto their team, despite its unusual appearance.
The land animals showed that true strength lies not in excluding others for being different, but in welcoming them with kindness and compassion. This decision would prove to be pivotal.
The game commenced with great intensity. The birds, confident in their aerial advantage, flew swiftly across the field, passing the ball through the air with ease. The land animals fought valiantly, but they struggled against the birds' speed and maneuverability.
As the match progressed, it seemed certain the birds would win. The land animals, despite their strength and determination, could not match the birds' ability to soar above the field and control the game from the sky.
Then, at the most crucial moment, something extraordinary happened.
The small bat, whom everyone had underestimated, took flight.
The bat possessed something unique, it could fly like the birds, but it could also see in the darkness and maneuver in ways the birds could not. Using these special abilities, the bat intercepted passes, scored crucial goals, and turned the tide of the game.
The creature that neither team initially wanted became the hero of the match. Thanks to the bat's contributions, the land animals won the game.
The land animals triumphed not through strength alone, but through their willingness to include and value all members of their team
The smallest and most unusual creature proved to be the most valuable player. True worth is not determined by size or appearance.
Each creature brings unique gifts and abilities. Teams that welcome and value differences are the strongest.
The land animals' decision to show kindness and accept the bat, despite its differences, led to their victory.
No one should be excluded based on being different. Everyone deserves a chance to contribute and belong.