M. Lacrosse

Marty Ward to Serve as Keynote Speaker at Opening Ceremonies for Native American Heritage Month

Marty Ward is only Native American head lacrosse coach in the country.

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Florida Southern Men’s Lacrosse Coach Marty Ward has been selected to serve as the keynote speaker at the opening ceremonies here at the Great Hall in the Humphrey Building Nov. 2 to mark the beginning of American Indian and Alaska Native Heritage Month.

American Indian and Alaska Native Heritage Month runs the entire duration of November and to commemorate the month, the Department of Health and Human Services will hold opening ceremonies from 9:50 a.m. to noon in the Great Hall, which is located at 200 Independence Ave., S.W.

At the opening ceremonies, HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius, George Sheldon, who is the acting Assistant Secretary for Administration for Children and Families (ACF) and Dr. Yvette Roubideaux, Director of Indian Health Services will provide opening remarks prior to Ward speaking the assembled crowd.  

Along with Ward’s keynote speech, the event will also feature traditional Native entertainment, exhibits showcasing HHS Operating Divisions (OPDIVs) and Staff Divisions (STAFFDIVs) and inspirational remarks.

The theme for this year’s American Indian and Alaska Native Heritage Month is “Native Families Moving Ahead – Together We Strengthen Our Nations.”

“It is a great honor to be asked to speak in Washington D.C. as a part of Native American Heritage month,” Ward said. “The opportunity to speak about lacrosse and the intergenerational connection between families and the sport is something I take pride in. 

“This will be a great experience.”

Besides being the current head coach of the FSC men’s lacrosse program and currently the only Native American head lacrosse coach in the country, Ward also has served an assistant coach for the U-19 Iroquois National Lacrosse Team. This past summer the U-19 Iroquois program won a bronze medal at the 2012 Federation of International Lacrosse U19 World Championships in Turku, Finland. During the tournament the Iroquois National Team beat the United States team for the first time ever. It was only Team USA’s second loss on the year in 40 matches.

Ward was a starting goalkeeper for the Iroquois National Team in 2006 and 2010, as well as, a four-year player for NCAA Division II lacrosse powerhouse Limestone College. He earned Honorable Mention All-American honors in 2005 and 2007 as goalkeeper and during his playing career, the Saints compiled a 55-9 record.

For more information about this event or Native American Heritage Month, please visit Indian Health Services online at http://www.ihs.gov/heritageMonth/.