Celebrating Indigenous Lacrosse

With Indigenous Leaders, The Community, Roncesvalles Village BIA & Plenty More!

Two days of honouring a sacred sport of healing & conflict resolution

For Information, interviews & story-sharing opportunities: please contact the RUC office
at roncesvallesuc@gmail.com or call 416-536-1755

Open to the public featuring indigenous Elder Stephen Winterhawk & renowned lacrosse stick carver Joe Valierre

Join us for a two-day celebration of indigenous lacrosse, a sacred sport of healing and conflict resolution. All culminating in the an indigenous lacrosse game played inside the RUC church sanctuary.

Drop-in programs for youth, demonstrations by renowned lacrosse stick carver Joe Valierre, Opening ceremonies & drum circle led by Stephen Winterhawk LaForme, historical teachings about lacrosse from Jim Calder as well as a free keychain made on the Tuscarora Reserve for every attendee!

This event is generously sponsored by the United Church of Canada Foundation as well as the Roncesvalles Village BIA: Accessibility, Inclusion and Multiculturalism Committee in partnership with Roncesvalles United Church

September 13th & 14th, 2025

(Occurring during the Roncesvalles Polish Festival)

Roncesvalles United Church,
240 Roncesvalles Avenue

Starting at 11AM both days

For more event details, please read on

What to Expect:

Saturday September 13th

11 AM - 2 PM

  • Lacrosse stick carving demonstration by renowned Indigenous artist, Joe Valierre

  • "Meet and Greet" with a Toronto Rock player

  • Let's play lacrosse! Fun skills sessions for kids with lacrosse experts.

  • Every participant receives a free keychain made on the Tuscarora Reserve

In the Roncesvalles United Church parking lot

Sunday September 14th

11 AM - 12:15 PM

  • Opening smudging, Indigenous drumming and introducing lacrosse as healing practice with Indigenous elder Stephen Winterhawk LaForte

  • Introduction to the history of Indigenous lacrosse with international expert, Jim Calder

  • Let's play lacrosse! Game played in our church sanctuary

  • 12:15 pm to 1:30 pm: "Meet and Greet" in our "Walls of Welcome" murals with Indigenous artist and jr. elder, Philip Cote

Inside of the Roncesvalles United Church

All events are free-of-charge and open to the public.

Roncesvalles United Church is a recognized leader in innovative Truth and Reconciliation programs.

For interview opportunities with Jim Calder, Joe Valierre, Stephen Winterhawk LaForme or Rev. Anne Hines please contact:

roncesvallesuc@gmail.com or 416-536-1755

This event is generously sponsored by the United Church of Canada Foundation as well as the Roncesvalles Village BIA: Accessibility, Inclusion and Multiculturalism Committee in partnership with Roncesvalles United Church

Media, Recaps & Stories from the event to be updated here after! We’ll see you there!

Join us every Sunday - in person or not - at 10:30AM for our weekly service with Rev. Anne Hines.