In a speech at the “White House Tribal Nations Summit,” President Joe Biden shared a personal anecdote about lacrosse, emphasizing its role in preserving Native American cultural heritage. He highlighted the sport’s origin in Native American communities, dating back nearly a thousand years. Biden acknowledged the Six Nations Confederacy, emphasizing their significant contribution to lacrosse. He invited members of these tribes to stand up for recognition, praising their excellence in the sport.

The president sought relatability by connecting his family to lacrosse, mentioning his daughter’s success and his niece being an All-American lacrosse player. Biden shared a humorous moment about his own desire to play lacrosse in college but chose football instead, showcasing his athleticism as a flanker back. The president concluded with a lighthearted plea not to laugh at his youthful sports endeavors. This personal touch aimed to underscore the importance of preserving cultural elements like tribal languages and sports in Native American communities.