One of the oldest team sports on the American continent was invented by the Aboriginal people: lacrosse. Players were equipped with a bat that had a net on one end. The bat was used to handle and throw the wooden ball. Lacrosse games sometimes pitted different nations against each other and could last for several days. Before the games, rites similar to rites of war took place. Indeed, it is believed that this sport helped resolve conflicts.
Today, many Aboriginal people still play lacrosse, sometimes in organized leagues. Hockey is another popular sport in the communities. Hockey tournaments are opportunities to get together.