5 modern sports invented or inspired by Indigenous Peoples

June is National Indigenous History Month in Canada. Many communities take this opportunity to hold events celebrating Indigenous cultures and contributions to Canada. Did you know that many of the sports played today were invented by First Nations Peoples? Here’s a look at five ancient pastimes that still persist today.

1. Tobogganing. Indigenous people invented the toboggan to transport people and goods across the tundra of Canada’s Far North. The word “toboggan” likely originates from the Mi’kmaq or Abenaki word for sled. Many modern winter sports have grown out of this invention, including luge and bobsledding.

2. Lawn darts. First Nations created the game of lawn darts using shucked green corn with the kernels removed. The corn cobs were adorned with feathers and tossed at targets on the ground.

3. Snowshoeing. Indigenous people made and used snowshoes to travel on foot during the winter. They made it possible to move across knee-deep snow and hunt without making noise. During the fur trade, the Voyageurs quickly adopted the snowshoe. Since then, snowshoeing has become a popular Canadian pastime.

4. Kayaking. Kayaking started thousands of years ago in the Arctic regions of what is now called Greenland, Siberia and North America. Inuit people used the kayak to travel, fish and hunt large sea mammals. Today, the sport of kayaking is loved worldwide.

5. Lacrosse. Lacrosse has been played by Indigenous Peoples since the 12th century. The game is considered a gift from the Creator so men could work out their aggression without violence. Today, lacrosse is recognized as Canada’s national summer sport.

Learn more about Indigenous culture this month by participating in educational and recreational activities, like those held on June 21 for National Indigenous Peoples Day.