People of the Horse, Keepers of the Game (2026)

This lacrosse art story stick collaborative was designed by thought leader Dr. Rodney C. Haring (Seneca) and co-created with Dr. Eric Tippeconnic (Comanche) as relationship art grounded in respect, responsibility, and shared story. The hickory stave was steam-bent, hand-carved, sanded, and finished slowly, the way our teachings remind us to work: listen to the wood, brush with patience, and the honor Indigenous Knowledge. The painted story carries the Comanche snake—not a reptile, but representative of connection to river and homelands. A symbol painted on the arms of the Comanche Black Knife Warrior Society as they went into battle. It speaks to place, strategy, and connection to Shoshone ways of life. This stick also honors the Comanche relationship with horses reshaped travel, hunting, warfare, and nationhood. Horses were relatives cared for, bred with skill, and honored as livelihood and lifeline. Their strength and partnership allowed the Nation to expand and endure. In coalesced art with Haudenosaunee teachings, the story stick reflects the shared understanding of lacrosse as the Little Brother of War—where sport, ceremony, discipline, and survival meet. The braided horsehair tail as netting and horse rawhide sidewall bind function to spirit, story and strength. Final details by Brody D. Jimerson (Seneca) and Tara Haring (Seneca) braiding, weaving, and stringing to completion. A living history—held in hickory, painted in truth, and carried forward for future.