Blood Tribe Lacrosse – A Game of Heritage, Passion, and Rising Stars

Lacrosse, a sacred game gifted by the Creator, has started to gain momentum and flourish on the Blood Reserve in recent years, becoming a powerful force for youth development and cultural pride. Known as The Creator’s Game, it embodies tradition, resilience, and community connection.

The sport’s rapid growth on the Blood Reserve can be credited largely to the dedication and vision of Chad Bare Shin Bone. In 2019, Chad took the first step in establishing Kainai Lacrosse by bringing eight young athletes to compete at the Alberta Indigenous Games in Edmonton. Later that same year, he invited Jeff Shattler—former Calgary Roughnecks player and MVP—to Standoff to teach essential lacrosse fundamentals.

Today, Kainai Lacrosse has grown to include over 20 youth players, Jr B and collegiate players, proudly representing Blood Tribe Lacrosse across U7 to Jr A divisions. With each practice, game, and mentorship session, the program continues to strengthen Indigenous athleticism, community spirit, and the deep-rooted traditions of lacrosse—ensuring future generations will carry its legacy forward.

The rise of Blood Tribe lacrosse players in Junior B Tier 1 and 2 teams across Alberta and Ontario is a testament to the talent and dedication emerging from the community, largely thanks to Chad’s efforts in promoting the sport. These athletes, part of the original Blood Tribe youth who first embraced lacrosse, have not only excelled at the provincial level but have also earned opportunities to compete internationally.

Kainai Lacrosse players have proudly represented both Canada and the Blood Tribe in elite competitions across Australia and Europe, showcasing their skill, resilience, and dedication to The Creator’s Game. From the Team Canada Development Team to collegiate and Jr. B squads, their presence highlights the growing impact of Indigenous athletes in high-level lacrosse. Their achievements not only celebrate their talent but also inspire future generations of Blood Tribe youth to embrace the sport with passion and perseverance.

Taeson Knife (16 yrs)

Taeson “Tazer” Knife is a rising star in lacrosse, embodying dedication, leadership, and a passion for mentoring the next generation. At just 16 years old, standing 6 feet tall and weighing 150 lbs. he has already built an impressive athletic resume while proudly representing his Kainai roots.

His lacrosse journey began in grade 6 with the Crowsnest Pass Ravens, now known as Chief Mountain Lacrosse, before transitioning to the Lethbridge Cuda’s. In 2024, he played a pivotal role in his team’s undefeated season, securing the Provincial Championship—a testament to his skill and perseverance. Each year, he continues to compete at the Alberta Indigenous Games with Kainai Lacrosse and plays field lacrosse with Pacific Northwest Native Lacrosse, further sharpening his abilities.

Taeson’s lacrosse journey reached a monumental milestone in 2025 when he was invited to represent Team Canada at the IIJL Commonwealth Cup in Melbourne, Australia. Competing against top international talent, Taeson played a crucial role in helping Canada secure the gold medal, an achievement that solidifies his place among the rising stars of Indigenous lacrosse.

He’s passionate about growing the sport and mentoring younger players — including his younger sister. Over the past couple of years, he has coached the CNP Ravens U11, CML Chiefs U13, and Kainai Lax U14 teams. Taeson’s goal is to inspire the next generation to love lacrosse as much as he does.

Bauer Day Rider (19 yrs)

Bauer Day Rider’s lacrosse journey is a testament to dedication, perseverance, and rapid growth in sport. Beginning in 2022 with the Lethbridge Cuda’s U16 team at the age of 16, he quickly established himself as a promising player.

In 2023, Bauer continued to push forward, joining the Taber Chaos Tier 2, where he gained valuable experience at a competitive level. Now entering his third year with Chaos in 2025, he has solidified his role as a 3^rd year player within the team.

His dedication extends beyond club competition—he has proudly represented Kainai U20 Lacrosse at the Alberta Indigenous Games in both 2022 and 2023, securing silver medals in back-to-back tournaments.

Bauer’s journey reached new heights in 2025 when he had the honor of representing Canada at the 2025 CLL European Challenge Cup where they competed against both Jr B teams as well as Men’s teams. Competing on the international stage, he carried both the spirit of his Blood Tribe heritage and the pride of Team Canada.

Wearing the Team Canada jersey was a defining moment, representing not only his country but his Blood Tribe heritage. Facing top competitors from around the world, Bauer showcased his skill, resilience, and dedication to the sport.

Brady Weasel Fat (18 yrs)

Brady first picked up the game at 11 years old, honing his skills while playing his minor years with the Lethbridge Cuda’s. By the age of 15, his abilities earned him a spot as an affiliated player with the Southern Alberta Chaos Junior Tier 2 club, marking an important step in his competitive lacrosse career.

Throughout the years, Brady has proudly competed in the Alberta Indigenous Games.  In 2023, he was selected to represent Team Alberta at the North American Indigenous Games (NAIG), bringing home a bronze medal—a testament to his hard work and dedication. His talent also led him to an opportunity with the University of Montana’s Griz men’s lacrosse team in 2024, an exciting achievement that reflected his potential at the collegiate level.

Brady Weasel Fat reached a major milestone in his lacrosse career in 2024 when he was invited to represent Team Canada at the IIJL Commonwealth Cup in Melbourne, Australia. Competing at an elite level, he played a key role in Canada’s championship-winning performance, helping secure a gold medal on the international stage. 

This has led to another opportunity to play for Team Canada as he has earned a spot on Team Canada for the 2025 IIJL World Junior Lacrosse Championship which will take place from June 29 to July 4 in Kingston, Ontario

Brady’s journey reflects the resilience and passion of Blood Tribe athletes, and his commitment to the game continues to inspire younger players in his community.

Zane Chief Moon (20 yrs)

Zane’s lacrosse journey is a story of dedication, growth, and leadership. Having started playing at just seven years old, he has steadily built an impressive career, making his mark at both the provincial and national levels. As he enters his final Junior season, he is set to play for the Kahnawake Hunters of the Ontario Junior Lacrosse League, a team based on the Kahnawake Reserve in Quebec—an exciting opportunity to compete at a high level and further develop his game.

Throughout his minor lacrosse years, Zane played with the Lethbridge Lacrosse Association and Lethbridge Cuda’s, refining his skills in a competitive environment. His junior lacrosse career includes: Three with the Lethbridge Cuda’s Jr B Tier 1 team, one season with the Calgary Jr A Mounties and this year with the Kahnawake Hunters Jr B in the Ontario Junior Lacrosse League (OJLL).  Zane was invited to represent Team Canada at

Beyond club play, Zane has proudly represented Team Alberta in major Indigenous competitions. He competed at the 2020 North American Indigenous Games (NAIG) in the U16 division and later contributed to Team Alberta’s bronze medal victory in the 19U division at the 2023 NAIG—a testament to his skill and commitment to the sport.

Zane’s dedication to mentorship and community leadership speaks volumes about his passion for lacrosse and his commitment to empowering Indigenous youth. His role as a player development coach for Chief Mountain Lacrosse ensures young athletes receive valuable guidance to grow in the sport.

Beyond his athletic achievements, his work with Spirit North is making a meaningful impact—helping Indigenous youth build confidence, strengthen connections, and embrace their cultural identity through school-based lacrosse programs.

Jaklyn Mistaken Chief (19 yrs) – Daliis Mistaken Chief (17 yrs)

Sisters Jaklyn and Daliis Mistaken Chief have built outstanding lacrosse careers, showcasing skill, resilience, and a commitment to excellence. Their journey in the sport began early—Jaklyn started at age 6 after watching her brother play, and Dallis soon followed at age 4. After exploring other sports, they ultimately returned to lacrosse, thanks in large part to Chad Bare Shin Bone’s efforts to bring a team to the Alberta Indigenous Games (AIG).

Jaklyn has developed a strong background in both field and box lacrosse, competing at the IWLCA Presidents Cup in Dallas, Texas for two consecutive years with Elev8 Club Lacrosse. She has also played for the Okotoks Junior Ladies Lacrosse team for three seasons, gaining valuable experience in high-level competition. 

Dallis, meanwhile, has thrived in box lacrosse, excelling in the Fury Girls Box Lacrosse League for four years. Her skill was evident when she helped her team win gold at the Canada Day Tournament in Calgary in 2022. In 2023, the sisters joined forces to represent Team Alberta at the North American Indigenous Games (NAIG) in Halifax, securing bronze medals together in the U19 division—a special milestone in their shared journey.

Their international success continued into 2025 when they competed at the Western Box Regionals in Phoenix, Arizona, capturing gold with Team CaliLax.  By capturing gold at the Weston Box Regionals, the team has officially punched their ticket—joining CaliLax at the 2025 USBOXLA Western Box Lacrosse Championship in San Jose, California, from August 1st to 3rd.

 Determined to push their boundaries, they also took part in tryouts for the first-ever Team Canada women’s box lacrosse team in January 2024, further proving their dedication to the sport.

As Dallis prepares to enter her Junior season and Jaklyn heads into her final year, both remain focused on competing at the highest levels. Their passion extends beyond personal success—they hope to inspire a new generation of young Blackfoot women to take up lacrosse, paving the way for future Indigenous athletes in the sport.