How Native American Lacrosse Sticks Are Carved From Hickory Wood | Still Standing | Insider Business
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- Опубліковано 7 сер 2024
- Native Americans began playing lacrosse as a spiritual and social activity more than 1,000 years ago. Their lacrosse sticks were made of wood and had sacred meaning. But many Indigenous stick artisans went out of business when plastic and aluminum replaced wood in the 1970s. Alfie Jacques, however, managed to stay afloat. He's crafted more than 80,000 sticks by hand, and he's one of the last people who knows how to make them this way. He is Onondaga, one of the Haudenosaunee nations that invented the game. We went to the Onondaga Nation to see how, with Alfie's help, this tradition is still standing.
Intro: (0:00)
Preparing the Wood (01:37)
Steaming and Bending (03:21)
Alfie’s Backstory (04:13)
History of Lacrosse (05:27)
Shaping the Sticks (06:24)
Weaving the pocket (09:53)
Tournament For Alfie (11:04)
Final Touches (14:22)
Goodbye Alfie (15:05)
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How Native American Lacrosse Sticks Are Carved From Hickory Wood | Still Standing | Insider Business
“…working on the last stick he would ever make…” That was a hit right in the feels.
When they suddenly started using past tense lesding up to that I got incredibly nervous and that still hit hard for a man i just learned sbout 15 minites ago.
yes... the "gut punch"
Amazing editing tbh but it sorta seemed like it was meant to be right? Alfie held on long to enough to pass on his knowledge through this video 😢. It should survive forever
I got chills when I heard that line
Then they came in with that complementary blow that "He was buried at Onondaga, with his lacrosse stick in hand". What a fitting traditional burial for a man who dedicated his life to the sport.
The world would be a better place if people would be more like Alfie. Rest in peace.
Maybe but you don't actually know anything about him
@@Sandlin22 Except he does. You can judge a man based off his actions and from this video you can see he was a great man respected by his community.
RIP legend
@@Sandlin22someone clearly has trust issues
@@Sandlin22whatever 😊
That was a beautiful piece that made me cry. I'm not Native American/Indigenous but I'm so happy that your team shared his story and displayed his craftsmanship. These are the historical facts/stories I rarely hear about or see in history books. It feels amazing to see this beautiful community represented. May his legacy continue long after he's gone. Those are irreplaceable works of art.
I was so thankful to see he had an appetence myself.
@@therealgoody Nobody said it was. You must be fun at parties. Oh no, wait you probably don't get invited to them.
@@therealgoodywould you mind enlightening us on how indigenous people DID make sticks? We're all waiting.
@@danfarkas5375nah fr he needs to shut up unless he knows the exact methods they used
well neither was the people in the video but they seemd to appreciate it
What a special tribute to this craftsman. Filming him making his final stick is just so special. I’m so glad he had an apprentice learning his methods before he passed away.
@NathanTomago I’m sorry that you feel your bow making skills aren’t recognized.
@NathanTomagoI would love for you to 0:01 build a lacrosse stick. Maybe you could post a video of you making one that can show us how simple it really is.
@NathanTomago Man just typed a page of text talking about "care bear liberal society" ahahaha. Why're you so triggered snowflake
@NathanTomagomake it yourself and show proof.
@NathanTomagoyou're pathetic
I played lacrosse for many years and I can't remember a single time we were taught about the origins of lacrosse. Alfie seems to have been an amazing person, it's comforting to know that he loved his work so much. What a legend.
Really? That's like the first thing we were taught when I played in middle school and high school. This was a really interesting piece and really makes me want to buy a wooden stick from his sons to support them.
A lot of the current rules of football come from indigenous. There's an NPR podcast on it that is fascinating.
lacross, stickball, and hockey are just for europeans now, as long as the natives keep being eradicated the europeans can claim all the sports as their own.
There are no "Native Americans" in the way this term is being used, nor any "indigenous Americans."
Native American = anyone born in America.
American Indian = descendant of prehistoric Asian immigrants
@@docsavage8640 who are the people of maize then, dont they have beliefs they come from Maize in certain parts of the Americas?
I wasn't expecting the ending for some reason and it literally wrecked me. Thank you for telling Alfie's story
Same, when he said he got weak again I knew it was coming. I let out an audible “noo”
Same!
I thought when they said "his final stick" they maybe meant he was retiring.
This is the best episode Insider has ever made. Thank you for honoring this man and his culture!
What are the chances you have pro nouns to describe yourself? I’ll put my house up you do. Why do they all look the same…
@@LouBettino You came across a wholesome comment on a video celebrating a great mans life and this is what you chose to write?
@@LouBettinoplease find a hobby outside of arguing about politics in the comments sections of wholesome UA-cam videos
@@LouBettinou r garbage
@@LouBettino you just used 5 pronouns to describe yourself and others in that comment. Would that you had stayed in school, you might not come across as such a dumbass
"He was buried with his lacrosse stick in hand."
I can't think of anything more fitting. RIP.
idolator
@@Gerbs964 jesus christ was a charlatan
@@IlIlllIIIllIIlIIlII Every knee will bow buddy. We will see how much you have to say at your judgment
Man, that ending hurt. What a beautiful life he lived. May he rest easy amongst his forefathers
It makes me glad he has an apprentice, I wish this was the history that was taught in classes. There are so many beautiful crafts that are tied to equally as great people who share a rich history and this work, although tough, should be preserved protected and promoted. It's great to see it here. I really enjoyed the episode :)
One of my old coaches had one of Alfies sticks. It was such a cool thing to see in person. I'm glad he continued to support the historical roots of the game and I hope the tradition can continue.
It's such a massive relief to see such respectfully told tributes about wonderful craftspeople, culture, heritage, and life. Thank you! I think we could use a lot more of this these days.
I agree. We need to teach the real history of these people j clueing the fact they had war crime slaves murder and alcohol. I'm so sick of people lying about factual and known history. Also Indians did NOT invent beads or beadwork that's a recent one I have keep correcting people on
Watching him lean on the stick he made, fingers woven, telling his story...it's a beautiful image.
RIP Alfie. You made the stick and carried it till your last day. You preserved your culture and shared it with the world. I salute you master craftsman for keeping the tradition going.
That's so cool. I love learning about native American traditions. There's a college near me where all the native American students got together and built a traditional kayak using their grandparents knowledge and trial and error. Nobody thought they could do it but they paddled that thing all the way across the lake. It was absolutely amazing.
I am a huge supporter of native american culture
@@sebaschan-uwu Indians, only white woke people call them natives. Show some respect
This was a beautiful story of an honorable man. I literally got chills because you could feel his passion for the sport and the meaning behind it. Rest in peace.
What a great story dude!!!
Craftsmanship and his passion to work was undefeated
Rest in peace 🕊️
Started carving at 4 ended up making it his career filled with passion and had an nobble end with something he held close.. what a legend ❤️
I started playing in the early 70s when we came to America and all we had were wooden sticks. I still have mine and treasure it as we all treasure the spirit that Alfie - my fellow forward - brought to our beloved game. It will be burried with me...
This right here is what business insider should concentrate on. The hidden historical things that still exist. I hope his legacy lives on and the pros all start using his sticks
While I love this story and think his sticks are beautiful and the story behind them is amazing, they would not really work for a modern day lacrosse player
@@PoopfartofficialSo?
@@Sphagetti__ the guy said he hopes the pros use his sticks, but the sticks would not be good in pro lacrosse
The quality of your story telling never ceases to impress me - far beyond what I feel like I should be able to expect from Insider. Incredible tribute to Alfie.
I was not prepared for that ending. Thank you. One of the most gorgeous stories you've ever done. Alfie was great man.
I am DEVASTATED by this loss. Alfie had the qualities of a Kung-fu Master. He had this Zen air about him that complimented his expertise in a way only the master of an ancient craft can.
Be at Peace Alfie! Great on ya for pushing through the throws of cancer and holding on long enough to ensure such an important piece of our history is kept alive!! They're beautiful works of art that will carry on your (and our peoples') legacy, so thank you. Also grateful to his students, who are now well equipped and capable of making their own history, thanks to the tutelage of one of history's great Masters.
🙄 did you know him? If not then "devastated" isn't the word
@@Sandlin22 Don't tell other people how to talk and how to describe their feelings... troll.
@@BoyProdigyX Nah man, Im with @sandlin22. You write as if you knew him personally but at the same time, the voice of a stranger. If you did know him personally, now you know why that comment was made. If you didn't know him personally, it's disrespectful to put on airs like that.
@@johnfry Well, MAN, it's also way too familiar the way trolls like you and your friend think they can tell other people what they can or can't say or how to feel. Nobody is "putting on airs", either. Black and brown people have a higher respect for one another and our cultures', and that's something y'all will never understand. And if you don't like something, there's nothing wrong with saying nothing at all. You're turning a few kind words into something nasty, so take advice from a grown up, and if you have nothing nice you say, then keep your troll mouth shut!
@@BoyProdigyXlmao wtf
As white male in the US at lacrosse practice we would always talk about how the native americans invented one of the best sports in the world, we really did admire it.
We will always support this channel. We learn a lot of significant information from all this.
A good man and a legendary artisan. May he rest in peace.
Wow that was so beautiful and sad. A true legend was lost, but his passion for the sport and his amazing craftsmanship and artistry should never be forgotten. Rest in peace, Alfie.
A true legend has passed. I hope dearly that his sons and others are continuing his craft. Native American traditions like this must celebrated and kept alive. Rest in Peace
Happy to hear he has an apprentice
He had an apprentice.
The poor man died.
Looked to me that he had a great life, one he could be proud of. Not many are that fortunite. Wouldn't call him poor at all. He'll be missed. R.I.P
@@messagegoeshere741 True, but I meant poor as in challenges he faced. He was a great man and an inspiration no doubt.
What a fantastic way to honor this man. Darn it, I have some dust in my eyes. :(
literally insane how they banned indigenous players from playing their OWN game that they themselves invented... so wild to me how people could be so arrogant, selfish, and prejudiced. I struggle to comprehend it
When two sides fight a war the side that doesn't win is often discriminated aganist assuming the side that lost wasn't just wiped off the earth completely
When you lose a war, stuff like that happens.
It is the same mentality that infects MAGA today.
@@skipfluck4299Funny, the Germans are doing pretty for having lost 2 wars, so are the Japanese. I'm really tired of this assinine argument that what the first nations are suffering is just normal because they lost a war.
Do you also think the Ukrainians suffering is justified.
@@skipfluck4299 They didn't lose a war in Canada.
Thank you so much for this video. Having one of his sticks has been a great honor for me. He was a gift to the game and a great loss to us all. The day he passed I had the kids in my clinic play a medicine game for him. The kids said it was the most fun all week. Thank you Alfie it was and please meeting you.
This man did something I think we all could learn from. He thoroughly enjoyed his life. The simple pleasures of hanging out with your old man, then your son. Listening to some old blues music in a warm workshop on a cold day, enjoying a good meal with good people. This man made all his money without working a day in his life because he truly enjoyed making these sticks. When I would play with the stick he made me other players would be a lot more gentle, not because they didn't want to hurt me, because they didn't want to break an Alfie Jaques original. His name carries a legendary prominence in the lacrosse world. His sticks are considered works of art no different than a Rembrandt. The world lost a good man, but The Creator gained one! Rest in Peace, Alfie. You did a great job!
Certainly didn't come here on the premise of watching a beautiful biopic on an amazing master but here I am. Probably the best video this channel has ever put out.
I never knew that Lacrosse was an Indigenous sport. Thanks for sharing!
Most things come from the 5 cradles of civilization and everyone else just adopted those ways of living and eating.
There is a lot of erasure involved in colonization...people also don't realize that tennis and bowling are not European, but African sports.
@@Pou1gie1bowling and tennis come from Africa? Can you provide any reference for that claim?
Egypt is in Africa and around for a long time.
@@gabbar51ngh lmfao this is so false tennis came from "Most historians believe that tennis originated in the monastic cloisters in northern France in the 12th century, but the ball was then struck with the palm of the hand, hence the name jeu de paume ("game of the palm").[1] It was not until the 16th century that rackets came into use and the game began to be called 'tennis'. It was popular in England and France, and Henry VIII of England was an enthusiast of the game, now referred to as real tennis.[2]"
The earliest known forms of bowling date back to ancient Egypt,[5] with wall drawings depicting bowling being found in a royal Egyptian tomb dated to 3200 BC and miniature pins and balls in an Egyptian child's grave about 3200 BC. Remnants of bowling balls were found among artifacts in ancient Egypt going back to the Egyptian protodynastic period in 3200 BC.[6] What is thought to be a child's game involving porphyry (stone) balls, a miniature trilithon, and nine breccia-veined alabaster vase-shaped figures-thought to resemble the more modern game of skittles-was found in Naqada, Egypt, in 1895.[4]
many would argue egypt is not african in any shape or form. Many would argue that eygptians are not africans.
I played lacrosse for the first time my second year of college and, while I was really bad, I loved it. It's a special sport. I'll always cherish my time in the game. RIP, legend...
The genuine smile this man carried when he spoke about his craft... It had me tear up near the end. I hope he watches over all the games from his place in the afterlife, knowing he gave so much to a sport that will never forget him!
Have loved lacrosse since I was very small. This was an excellent video all around and it pains me to know Alfie passed away. This video made my day. Thank you.
Thank you for sharing his story. A man who loved, not only the sport or craft, but his people well.
RIP Alfie
I have a traditional Mohawk stick. As an ex-player, it's one of my prized posessions.
This was beautiful. Thank you for telling his story and sharing his craft and culture with us. He lived a rich life.
I live in the Fingerlakes Region in Upstate NY....I'm American/Italian by ethnicity, but my father gave me his wooden Box Lacrosse stick way before I ever got my first baseball glove (age 5). Since that time, I've had a number of wooden sticks, but never one made by Alfie. I've played and loved this sport my entire life. God Bless you Alfie and RIP.
Requiescat in pace
I didn't know him, but I knew the history of the LaCrosse game. Thanks for sharing his story, his passion. I'm glad to know he had apprentice to keep the tradition alive, but his passing hurt me more than I would ever imagine.
As I said, I didn't know him, but seeing this video show me a man of passion, a man with a love for the simple joy of the day to day life. May his soul rest in peace, and his work stay alive for the next generation.
Requiescat in pace Mr Jacques
RIP Alfie. Learned a lot about lacrosse because of this
One of the most humble men that loved the game more than anything. Rest easy Alfie
From a fellow wood worker with a dream of being half as remembered as he was for his work and passion, my deepest condolences and may he rest in peace. Beautiful work and beautiful film.
Played lacrosse for four years and always appreciated the Native American origins. Love to see this amazing sport/tradition highlighted like this.
I have utmost respect for people who keep any traditional craftsmanship alive. Hope his legacy live through others. Thanks for honoring him with this video and may his spirit rest in eternal peace!
What a beautiful video to show off his legacy and the love all around him and the craft amongst the community
Beautiful. No idea how this came into my feed but I am glad it did. RIP Alfie. Champion.
ive been waiting for a native american Still Standing since ive watched the series. This makes me really happy :)
This was beautiful. Other comments have expressed how amazing this was better than I could’ve ever. May Alfie’s legacy live on with this beautiful video and even more beautiful craftsmanship.
Sad when old artist/craftsmen die. Because all the knowledge and wisdom goes along with them RIP Alfie. You are with the ancestors now.
Wow this gave me chills and tears! This was a quality level human that are a dying breed... we must look to ppl like him, regardless of ethnic history, to be able to sustain this world.
Alfie is a golden example of what to aspire to in many ways. RIP dear Alfie.
I believe we're all better people than we were bedore watching this. We certainly know an amazing man that we wouldn't have. I'm extremely grateful for this magnificent piece.
Such a wonderful memorial for such a wonderful person.
The world would be way better off if people were more like Alfie. Rest in peace 🙏
Man didnt know I was gonna cry watching this ;_;
This was amazingly beautiful. A tribute to the mans unique art and skill. Thank you for immortalising this in his memory.
This was a beautiful video and perhaps the best Still Standing yet. What a beautiful way to honor a clearly amazing man.
God I wasn’t expecting to cry…this was a really beautiful story. Thank you for this
Great story and an apparently great man, a leader among people, a true craftsman that can never be replaced, someone who should be honored each time one of his sticks is picked up to play a heritage sport created by his people. A marvelous tribute, thank you for sharing.
unfortunately there is nothing more europeans arriving in the Americas the last 400 years hate more than the godless heathens that are the Indigenous Americans. the only constant these last few hundred years is the destruction of everything native to the Americas including the land and water.
I appreciate you posting such an inspirational video. We are sharing it with all students in 7th grade in our school. It has completely changed their views on lacrosse, and gotten more than a few involved in the sport. Thank you Alfie Jacques.
Alfie seems like a cool cat to hang out with. I love how he described his ideal day perfecting these sticks with the blues seranading him while the snow falls. Purely beautiful. This man deserves a come back movie about him. I nominate James Edward Elmo's to play this gentle soul.
Wow didn't think this was gonna make me so sad. This man was a legend. Rest in peace
What a beautiful man. Simple , content and humble. We should all be so lucky . Having that inner peace is not easy to come by . Thank you for sharing this story .
That ending was the unexpected ending ever for a still standing vid. May his teachings live on.
What a phenomenal man , This was a beautiful story and educating history of Lacrosse . The fact that Alfie spent his whole life doing what he loved until the day he passed is a solid message for us all, Thank you for this piece honoring this artisan . Rest in peace Alfie.
Rest in paradise legend. You left an incredible mark on the game and set a precedence for those to come.
Rest in peace Alfie. Thank you for sharing your art with us.
I always hope that these Still Standing videos lead to more interest in keeping the traditions across the world alive.
Played lacrosse for three years in high school and man it was probably the most fun I've ever had on any field or court. Watching him create the sticks was wonderful! It reminded me of Katsuhiro Miura making golf clubs. They both just have the perfect touch to make wonderful equipment for their respective sports.
This was a wonderful homage to this honourable man. We should continue to sing the praises of the old-fathers and -mothers who have left such an imprint on our society. Our past should be celebrated, not buried. We can change with the times but keep the living memory alive.
RIP Alfie Jaques.
Really great piece. It's good to see indigenous work given the respect it deserves.
Thanks for sharing this touching story.
Chemo beats you up but he kept digging as deep as he could for as long as he could. A true warrior.
Thanks Again.
Thank you to your team for letting you make this video memorial of something this man loved with his whole life. Incredible doc.
God bless this man and his memory. May he rest in peace.
Welp, ya learn something new everyday. I never knew the natives invented lacrosse. That's really cool.
They didn't. If you watched the video you'd have learned that the name, rules, and current concept is European. Natives played a completely different game with different rules by a different name. Your statement would be like someone saying the first person to stand on a board in water invented the sport of surfing 😂
@@Sandlin22 wow. Ur an angry person
@@Sandlin22 They did invent it, yes the game has changed, but so has every other sport. Every source out there credits Native Americans with inventing the game.
That is a lovely tribute. I'm glad I was brought this. Thank you for sharing!
Rejoice in the afterlife Alfie! I'm not a Lacrosse player or have any connection to this story at all. But, this was a wonderful video memorial of this man's life.... and I feel blessed having watched it.
Rest in peace brother. I am so sorry for his family's and communities loss.
Amazing. R.I.P if I knew about him sooner I definitely would’ve bought one of his hand made masterpieces even though I don’t play but to have a piece of history from this master
Wow. Nothing hurts more than when a craftsman passes on and we are left wanting for the knowledge of our elder. Good luck taking what he taught and keeping the traditions alive. Great work capturing a legend on film.
Quite a few things hurt more than that I would say. Mainly because it doesn't hurt at all.
This was absolutely fantastic! I so enjoyed watching this and learning about this incredible man! I grew up on L.I. and started playing lacrosse when I was 16. My first stick was wood. I still have it hanging in my garage, and it is one of my prized possessions. I will turn 69 years old next week.
As a former lacrosse player, this is no longer just a piece of sports equipment, this is a work of art and a piece of history. I know a lot of lacrosse enthusiasts who would love to claim one of these as their own but the manufacturers are far in between resulting in very large backlogs. Even if you’ve managed to get your name down for an order, the expected arrival date is TBD. It’s a shame that the talent to make a traditional lacrosse stick is slowly diminishing and I hope the process can be passed down. Upholding the process is for sure a way to provide an important connection to the roots of the game and its history. RIP Alfie.
Great story great guy RIP Alfie
Good lord; this channel has some of the BEST social content. I feel as if I know the people on your documentaries.
This makes me so happy. Such a relief this legend beat cancer. It also warms my heart to see he has an apprentice to keep this alive. Much love and respect.
damn... what a beautiful tribute. I'm actually moved beyond words. may he rest in peace and continue to inspire!
Amazing story
Thank you for documenting Alfie's work and life and telling this history
I really hope he taught his apprentices enough to keep that legacy alive. I can’t claim to have roots that deep, but I can appreciate them when I see them.
Rest in peace Alfie. Thank you for everything you did for the game.
Please consider doing a video on how hospitals feed their patients and staff!
The best and most touching piece this series has produced. Thank you for sharing his story, and may he a rest in peace.
I met Alfie close to a decade ago now at a youth lacrosse camp I attended, such an honor to speak with a man so dedicated to his craft and back then he mentioned needing to find an apprentice to pass his knowledge down to. So warmed to see a video about him and his work on a large platform
Tbh I’m part Native American and I didn’t know lacrosse was a sport we invented till saw this video. Hope this mans doing well and I hope his business prospers.
So much effort for 350$ a stick? I was totally expecting over a thousand for the level of craftsmanship!
Rest in peace Alfie
I agree. Some people are working for what they love and not how much they can make.
Wooden sticks are a tough market for that reason. You need old trees for the strength (raising cost of materials). You need a quality build for the precision required. But it also needs to be cheap enough that a player can afford to buy one and actually use it.
The feel of a good worked in wooden stick is something special. The power they have on defence is impressive because they are so rigid.
But you can buy a molded plastic one with synthetic netting for half the price and it will preform much better.
If you break your wooden stick it can take a while to get a new one worked in right. If you break a plastic stick you can replace it in minutes.
I love the craft and what they can do but it’s hard for players to commit to a woodie. Both performance and financial.
RIP Alfie even in ur toughest times u kept on doing what u loved thats all a man can ask for. May ur sticks continue to live on in ur name.
This is a beautiful video. I clicked on it just interested in seeing the bending of the wood but stayed for the whole thing for this amazing man
Rest In peace Alfie. Have Fun playing lacrosse in the sky!❤