In September 2024, we embarked on an unforgettable journey to Turtle Island. Our first destination was the World Championships, where a chapter of herstory was written. The Dutch women’s team came together, not just as players, but as one—representing unity, strength, and the spirit of competition. They stood on Haudenosaunee land, and after a powerful traditional welcoming by the Haudenosaunee Confederacy, they played a historic game against the Haudenosaunee women's team. It was more than just a game; it was a celebration of cultures, histories, and the mutual respect that transcends time. After the championships, I (Arttu) had the immense honor of being invited to the Onondaga Longhouse. There, I was welcomed by the highest leader of the Haudenosaunee, Tadodaho, alongside the clan mothers and faithkeepers. The moment was humbling and deeply symbolic as I presented a flag signed by all teams and staff from the World Championships—a gift that will now find its place in the heart of Haudenosaunee territory. It was a gesture of unity, one that transcends borders and brings people together through shared respect and friendship. In this sacred space, I didn’t stand alone. I brought with me my brothers from the Alifuru, the proud people of the Moluccas. Together, we shared stories—ancient stories that belong to the time before time, stories that tied us together as brothers. Two nations, once separated by vast oceans, now stood side by side in brotherhood. This historic meeting between the Alifuru and the Haudenosaunee marked the beginning of a profound relationship that reaches far into the past and promises a brighter future. Our journey didn’t end there. We traveled south to meet with the Hopi elders in Arizona. In the vast and sacred desert, we gathered once again to exchange stories and ideas. The Hopi, guardians of ancient wisdom, shared their vision for how we can correct the course we are on—how we can heal what is broken in our world today. These conversations laid the groundwork for a deeper, more meaningful connection between our communities, as we take great first steps towards repairing our relationship with the Earth. This journey has been nothing short of transformative. The bonds formed between the Dutch team, the Haudenosaunee, the Alifuru, and the Hopi are only the beginning of what we can achieve together. But this work, this mission to build bridges across cultures and heal the world, comes at a cost. For the past two years, I have worked tirelessly to capture these stories, to bring the voices of these incredible nations to the world. Yet, all of this has been funded out of my own pocket, without any external financial support. To continue this work, I need your help. Your donation—whether one-time or structural—will allow me to publish what I have captured, to share these journeys and stories with the world. Your support will help us preserve the wisdom of the past and inspire future generations to work towards a future based on unity, respect, and peace. Together, we can ensure these stories are heard, and these connections continue to grow. Thank you for standing with us on this journey.

I had the privilege of being a guest on the LAX Show LCA during the World Championship. It wasn’t just an opportunity to promote Nederland Lacrosse. It was a chance to promote something bigger—something that transcends the boundaries of the sport itself. This was about sharing the values of the Two Row Wampum, a 400-year-old covenant that symbolizes unity, peace, and mutual respect. The power of this historic connection between the Dutch and the Haudenosaunee isn't just a story from the past. It is alive and relevant today, and it continues to inspire how we move through the world—not just in lacrosse, but in how we live our lives. Thank you, Rob, for offering this platform to share a vision—a vision where peace, friendship, and respect guide us in all that we do. Through lacrosse, we continue to honor this tradition, building bridges across cultures and fostering the hope for world peace. PEACE, FRIENDSHIP, FOREVER 🤍💜🤍💜🤍

As I prepare for the upcoming World Championships of Box Lacrosse in Utica, NY, I find myself reflecting on the incredible journey that has led me here. Lacrosse, a game with deep indigenous roots, has always been more than just a sport to me—it represents connection, tradition, and the shared purpose of communities coming together. But this moment in Utica is only the beginning of another chapter in the broader story. After the championships, I’ve been invited to visit the Hopi Indians in Arizona with a special friend—an opportunity that represents yet another meander in the river of what we call the “We Shall Know Each Other As Brothers” journey. Why this Journey Matters At its heart, this project isn’t about me; it’s about us. It's about deepening our understanding of the sacred connections that bind us all. The Hopi people, much like the origins of lacrosse, carry with them wisdom that speaks to the human spirit, community, and our relationship with the land. Their stories, like our own, are ones of survival, resistance, and renewal. This journey isn’t just about visiting the Hopi; it’s about walking together, learning together, and deepening the bonds of brotherhood that connect all of us. How You Can Be Part of This Journey This isn’t a solo journey—it’s one meant to be shared. And while I may be physically traveling to the Hopi lands, the lessons I gather will ripple far beyond the Arizona desert. You can be a part of this story—not just as a supporter, but as a brother or sister in this shared mission. We’re seeking donations to support this trip and to continue the important work of the “We Shall Know Each Other As Brothers” project. Your contributions will cover the logistics of the visit, but more importantly, they will support the broader effort to bring indigenous wisdom and values into the communities that need them most. The Bigger Picture Simon Sinek often speaks about starting with "Why." The Why behind this journey is clear: we believe in the power of connection. We believe that the wisdom of indigenous cultures can guide us toward a future that values community over competition, sustainability over exploitation, and brotherhood over division. By supporting this project, you are helping to build bridges between cultures, generations, and hearts. You are helping to ensure that the wisdom of the Hopi and other indigenous peoples continues to inspire new generations. You are, in essence, saying, "Yes, I believe in this journey. I believe in us." Join Us on This Path This is not just my story—it’s our story. A story that begins on the lacrosse fields of Utica and continues through the sacred lands of the Hopi, and beyond. Whether you contribute financially, share this message, or follow along with us, you are part of this journey of brotherhood. Let’s continue to walk this path together, knowing that the river will always lead us to new places of understanding and connection. We shall know each other as brothers. Together, we can make this journey possible. Will you join us? Thank you for your support and for believing in the power of connection. Donate here to support the journey and the We Shall Know Each Other As Brothers project. NL 79 INGB 0703 3981 72 (AA Sesselaar)

In just a few days, we will be boarding a plane to Utica, New York, for an event that will go down in history—the first-ever Women's World Box Lacrosse Championships. This moment is the culmination of over two years of intense preparation, dedication, and belief. Our team has pushed ourselves to the limit, and now, we are as ready as we can be. But this isn’t just about lacrosse. It’s about something much bigger. A Journey Rooted in Tradition and Connection Before our first game, we will spend a week preparing and engaging in cultural exchanges with several Haudenosaunee communities. The Haudenosaunee, the original creators of lacrosse, have carried the spirit of the game for generations. Their stories, their wisdom, and their connection to the game are as essential as the skills we bring to the field. Lacrosse isn’t just a sport—it’s a gift. It’s a way of life that teaches us about community, respect, and our connection to the land. For us, this week is about grounding ourselves in the origins of the game, honoring those who came before us, and learning from the very people who have protected this tradition for centuries. The First Game: A Moment to Remember Our first match is against Team USA, in the main arena, just before the opening ceremonies. The stakes couldn’t be higher, and the excitement couldn’t be more real. This isn’t just a game; it’s the first step in a journey that will change the future of women’s lacrosse. We are writing history, and I’m proud beyond words to be part of this team. Every player, every coach, every person who has been with us on this journey understands the magnitude of what we’re doing. We are not just playing for ourselves; we are playing for the generations of women who will come after us, for those who have always believed in the power of this game, and for the communities that have supported us along the way. Documenting the Journey: The Vlogumentary As many of you know, this journey won’t just live on the field. I will be documenting every step of this experience for the ongoing vlogumentary series. Through these stories, I hope to share not only the triumphs and challenges of the tournament but also the rich cultural exchanges, the personal growth, and the deep sense of community that comes from being part of something this meaningful. It’s a story of resilience, dedication, and breaking new ground. It’s a story of brotherhood and sisterhood, of standing on the shoulders of giants, and of carving out a new path for the future of women’s sports. How You Can Be Part of This Journey This entire project is self-funded, and that’s where you come in. Your support will help us cover the costs of this historic journey—from travel and logistics to production for the vlogumentary. Every donation, no matter the size, helps us take another step toward making history. Simon Sinek often speaks about finding your Why—the purpose that drives everything you do. For me, this journey is driven by a deep belief in the power of connection, tradition, and community. It’s about showing the world that the game of lacrosse, born from indigenous wisdom, is not just about competition—it’s about coming together, learning from one another, and growing as people. By supporting this project, you’re not just helping us get to the championship—you’re becoming part of a larger story. A story of cultural exchange, of breaking barriers, and of showing the world what’s possible when we work together. Join Us in Making History This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity—not just for us as players but for everyone who believes in the power of sport to bring people together. Whether you follow our journey, share our story, or contribute to our cause, you’re a vital part of this movement. Let’s walk this path together, knowing that what we’re doing in Utica will ripple far beyond the lacrosse field. We’re writing history, and I couldn’t be more proud and grateful to be part of it. We’re ready. Let’s make history. 

We are thrilled to announce that Arttu and Neal, both key figures at TwoRow, were invited to an exclusive reception in honor of the Dutch royal couple’s visit to Albany, New York. The reception took place at the prestigious Governor's House, a fitting venue for such a diplomatic event.  Celebrating Historical Ties Albany, the capital of New York State, holds deep historical connections with the Netherlands, dating back to the 17th century when it was a Dutch colony. The royal visit highlighted these long-standing ties, and the reception served as a momentous occasion to celebrate the ongoing cultural and economic relationships between the two nations. Arttu and Neal’s invitation to this event is a testament to their dedication to fostering international partnerships, especially between the U.S. and the Netherlands. It was an evening filled with conversations about shared values, cooperation, and the future of transatlantic relations. An Evening with Royalty and Diplomats At the Governor's House, Arttu and Neal had the unique opportunity to meet and engage with a diverse group of influential diplomats, business leaders, and cultural figures. The royal couple’s presence added a special significance to the event, as they shared their vision for continued collaboration between the Netherlands and the United States. The evening was not only a celebration of historical ties but also an exploration of future opportunities for cooperation in various sectors, from trade and innovation to education and sustainability. Arttu and Neal proudly represented TwoRow, showcasing our commitment to global outreach and partnerships. Looking Forward This royal reception marks another important milestone for TwoRow’s mission to build bridges across borders. The relationships and ideas exchanged during the evening have opened new doors for collaboration and growth, both for our team and for the broader international community. We extend our congratulations to Arttu and Neal for being part of this prestigious event, and we are excited to see the opportunities that will emerge from this memorable experience. Curious to know more about Arttu and Neal’s experience at the royal reception? Feel free to reach out to us for more details!