Native American Heritage Night
The Buffalo Bandits honor the indigenous history behind the game of lacrosse and celebrate the rich culture of our local native communities. Lacrosse has deep roots in Native American traditions, and we recognize and appreciate the contributions of Native players, fans, and communities across Western New York and Southern, Ontario.
Every Child Matters
The NLL and Buffalo Bandits proudly support the “Every Child Matters” campaign. This initiative brings awareness to the forcible placement of Indigenous children in residential and boarding schools by the Canadian and United States governments from the 19th century to as late as 1996 in Canada.
Players will sport the NLL’s “Every Child Matters” logo on a specially designed warmup shirt and helmet decals. The league will also produce audio and video messaging for broadcasts on TSN and ESPN. Additional content will be incorporated into NLL.com, league social channels, and game presentations.
The “Every Child Matters” initiative is a part of the league’s ever-growing participation and awareness programs tied to Indigenous culture, which is at the core of the league’s values and the history of the sport of lacrosse. The work includes educational programs for athletes, coaches, staff, and fans, land acknowledgment ceremonies, and charitable and social responsibility programs to strengthen and enhance the ties between league stakeholders and the Indigenous community.
With each purchase of Every Child Matters shirts, the NLL will donate all proceeds to our two non-profit partners in the Gord Downie and Chanie Wenjack Fund and the National Native American Boarding School Healing Coalition.
Did You Know
Tehoka (Day-ho-ga) Nanticoke
Six Nations, Ontario
Tehoka is a part of the Mohawk nation and a member of the Turtle clan which are all a part of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy.
Frank Brown
Hawö’öh, meaning: He waits/is waiting for them (by water/boat)
Salamanca, New York
Member of the Seneca Nation Turtle Clan. Raised on the Allegany Indian Territory, known to its people as Ohi:yo’ (Oh-Hee-Yoh) which means “Beautiful River,” in the southern tier of Western New York.
Native American Heritage Specialty Jerseys
The Buffalo Bandits will wear specialty Native American Heritage Jerseys designed by Frank Brown’s sister, Alyson Brown. These jerseys will be available to bid on at bandits.com/auction.
Jersey Elements
Keep the excitement going after the game for a Bandits meet and Greet at Seneca Buffalo Creek Casino!
Must be 21+ to attend.