Fleming College Adds Lacrosse Sixes Program Blending Athletics and Indigenous Learning
/By Scott Arnold
A new chapter is opening for Fleming College athletics as the Phoenix introduce Lacrosse Sixes, pairing competitive sport with cultural learning and reconciliation.
lacrosse sixes is coming to fleming college, with their first home tournament set for October 25 (photo by scott arnold)
Fleming College has announced the launch of a Lacrosse Sixes program beginning this fall, expanding its athletics offerings while creating new opportunities for student-athletes to compete and learn about Indigenous cultures, traditions and history.
Fleming says the addition of the program reflects its ongoing commitment to reconciliation and Indigenous learning, while also recognizing lacrosse as one of Canada’s national sports.
Often referred to as the Creator’s Game, lacrosse was first created by the Haudenosaunee people and has long held cultural and spiritual significance, used in ceremony, thanksgiving and conflict resolution. Lacrosse Sixes is a fast-paced version of the sport focused on speed, skill and teamwork while maintaining connections to those traditions.
the addition of lacrosse sixes to fleming college marks a new chapter for phoenix athletics (photo by scott arnold)
Fleming Associate Vice-President of Student Experience Joanne Spicer said the program aligns with the region’s strong lacrosse heritage and provides another pathway for local athletes to continue playing at a competitive level while pursuing post-secondary education.
She said the College is looking forward to working with local lacrosse organizations to strengthen those community ties and expand opportunities for student development both on and off the field.
Indigenous Student Services Manager Clorise Taylor said the program will also help students gain a deeper understanding of Indigenous perspectives and experiences in Canada through sport and education.
Leading the new Phoenix Lacrosse Sixes team will be head coach Dustin Dunn, who brings experience as National Development Program Coordinator for Lacrosse Canada, along with coaching roles in the Ontario Lacrosse Association and at Brock University. He is the current assistant coach for the Peterborough Jr A Lakers of the Ontario Junior Lacrosse League.
Dustin dunn has been name head coach of fleming college’s new lacrosse sixes program (photo supplied by fleming college)
Dunn is also a former standout player, earning CULFA All-Canadian honours three times and MVP recognition at Brock University before helping capture a national title in 2009. He also played professionally with both the Toronto Rock and Buffalo Bandits.
Director of Student Experience and Athletics Greg Jefford said Dunn’s leadership, experience and passion make him an ideal fit to build the program from the ground up.
the fleming phoenix lacrosse sixes program will host their first tournament in peterborough on october 25 (photo by scott arnold)
In its inaugural season, the Phoenix will compete in tournaments across Ontario. Fleming will also be one of four schools taking part in the Ontario Colleges Athletic Association's new Lacrosse Sixes exhibition season this fall.
The OCAA recently announced it will evaluate the sport as a potential future varsity offering, with Fleming joining Durham College, Humber Polytechnic and Mohawk College in a series of showcase events across the province.
The discipline continues to gain momentum internationally and is set to make its Olympic debut at the 2028 Summer Games in Los Angeles.
The program launch was supported by Fleming’s Student Administrative Council and was highlighted during Fleming’s Second Annual Lacrosse Day: The Creator’s Game, where the College also unveiled a new Indigenous-designed digital Phoenix logo created by artist Jared Tait.
new Indigenous-designed digital Phoenix logo created by artist Jared Tait
