Who I Am, and Why This Matters
I am an enrolled member of the St. Regis Mohawk Tribe. Native identity is not something I put on for special occasions—it's something I live every day.
When I show up for Native American Heritage Night, I show up as a Native person who understands what it can mean for our young people to feel disconnected—from culture, from purpose, or from community. Visibility matters. Consistency matters. And showing our kids that Native people belong everywhere—including professional sports arenas—matters.
Lacrosse Is the Creator's Game
A gift connected to healing
Lacrosse is often called The Creator's Game. Among many Native nations, including the Haudenosaunee, the game was played not only for competition, but also for healing, balance, and prayer.
- to heal the sick
- to bring communities together
- to resolve conflict
- to restore spiritual balance
- to give thanks
In that sense, lacrosse is medicine.
Medicine for Our People—and for All People
When I say "medicine," I don't just mean physical health. I mean the things that help a person live in a good way—physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually: purpose instead of numbness, belonging instead of isolation, discipline instead of chaos, community instead of despair.
While the game comes from Native nations, the gift was never meant to be kept behind closed doors. As Creator wishes, this medicine can be for all people.
When a Native kid picks up a lacrosse stick, they can reconnect with something ancient. When a non-Native kid picks up a lacrosse stick with good intentions, they can still receive the gift of discipline, teamwork, and healing. The game doesn't ask where you come from. It asks how you show up.
Why I Keep Showing Up
Three seasons of commitment
I've worked with the San Diego Seals on Native American Heritage Night for the past three seasons because consistency builds trust—and trust saves lives. If we want kids to believe the door is open, we don't open it once. We keep it open.
This night is about:
- visibility for Native families
- pride for Native youth
- education for the broader community
- honoring the roots of the game
Why a Wealth Management Firm Is Involved
Because wealth includes wellness
At Longhouse Wealth Management, we help families plan for the future—but futures don't begin with spreadsheets. They begin with healthy people.
When young people have cultural anchors, positive outlets, mentors, and places where they belong, it ripples outward: families do better, communities do better, and the next generation has more options.
An Invitation
If you're a parent, coach, educator, Native leader, or community partner who believes culture is medicine and young people deserve better options, I'd welcome the chance to connect.
Longhouse Wealth Management is an investment adviser. Community involvement and sponsorships are not endorsements and are not indicative of future investment results.