Outcome: IN 5.1 Demonstrate an understanding of the Aboriginal heritage of
Canada
Indicator:
f) Paraphrase a traditional narrative about the origins of the First
Nations or Inuit peoples, about the relationship with the natural
environment, and connections between spirituality and the natural
environment.
Objectives:
At the end of the lesson the students will:
 Examine a traditional narrative about the origin of lacrosse and the reason for
different seasons among First Nations people.
 Understand the spiritual connection First Nations people have with nature.
Goals:
Students will:
 Understand the importance of oral traditions for First Nations people.
 Learn about the origin of lacrosse and the different seasons.
Lesson Overview
1. With this lesson, first have the students listen to the following narrative called
“Lacrosse: The tale of Mong the loon and Kaikak the hawk.”
a. Here is a description of the narrative:
Lacrosse isn't just a rough and tumble sport. It's also an essential
part of Native culture. According to an Ojibway legend, lacrosse
also plays a role in nature. In this CBC Radio clip, Inside
Track's Robin Brown recites Why Birds go South in Winter, an old
story of Mong the loon and Kaikak the hawk, and how the
outcome of their lacrosse game resulted in the onset of winter.
"Long ago there was only summer. The days were always warm
and sunny. Winter and snow were unknown," begins the tale.
Mong the loon loved to play lacrosse, but after his team loses this
one match, he must suffer the consequences. "Every year after
that the north wind brought the cold winter and Mong and his
friends had to fly to the south," ends the story. "If Mong had not
been so eager to play lacrosse. winter would never have come.
b. The story can be found on CBC archives.
http://www.cbc.ca/archives/categories/sports/lacrosse/lacrosse-ahistory-of-canadas-game/the-tale-of-mong-the-loon-and-kaikakthe-hawk.html
2. After listening to the narrative, have the students individually, partners or small
groups discuss the questions on the “Lacrosse: The tale of Mong the loon and
Kaikak the hawk.”
Presented By:
Lacrosse: The tale of Mong the loon and Kaikak the hawk
Why Birds go South in the winter
1. What season was year round?
2. What kind of games did they play?
3. What sport did Mong the Loon like to play?
4. Name three (3) birds that were on Mong the Loon’s team.
5. Name three (3) the birds that were on Kaikak the Hawk’s team.
6. If Mong the Loon won the first game, what would Kaikak the Hawk have to do?
7. Who won the first game?
8. What was the penalty for losing the first game?
9. Why did they have to play a second game?
10. Who won the second game?
11. What was the penalty for losing the second game?
Lacrosse: The tale of Mong the loon and Kaikak the hawk
Why Birds go South in the winter
ANSWERS
1. What season was year round? Summer
2. What kind of games did they play? Hide’ n’ seek, blind man’s bluff, tag, lacrosse
3. What sport did Mong the Loon like to play? Lacrosse
4. Name three (3) birds that were on Mong the Loon’s team.
a. Canadian Goose, King Bird, Robin, Sparrow, Blue Bird, Orioles, Thrasher,
Scarlet Tanager, Plover, Swallow, Cat Bird and King Fisher
5. Name three (3) the birds that were on Kaikak the Hawk’s team.
a. Raven, Cardinal, Owl, Chickadee, Snow Bird, Wood Pecker, Grouse, Junco,
Pheasant, Partridge, Magpie and Ptarmigan
6. If Mong the Loon won the first game, what would Kaikak the Hawk have to do?
a. Kaikak would have to play Lacrosse whenever Mong wanted.
7. Who won the first game?
a. Kaikak
8. What was the penalty for losing the first game?
a. East wind would bring wind and rain
9. Why did they have to play a second game?
a. Because the Raven cheated
10. Who won the second game?
a. Kaikak
11. What was the penalty for losing the second game?
a. North wind will bring snow and bitter wind. Mong and his friends would have
to fly to the south.