Mackenzie Shigwadja is breaking new ground.

The Brock University student is representing the Haudenosaunee Nation at the first-ever World Lacrosse Women’s Box Championships in Utica, N.Y., this week.

This journey holds special significance for Shigwadja, who balances her academic life with her athletic career and the responsibilities of honouring her Indigenous roots, which stem from the Wikwemikong Unceded Territory on Manitoulin Island.

She has been deeply connected to her heritage and lacrosse since a young age.

“Lacrosse has always been a part of my life,” Shigwadja said. “I’ve been playing since I was four. It’s more than a sport; it’s part of our culture and history.”

Growing up, Shigwadja moved from her birthplace on Manitoulin Island to Sudbury and eventually to St. Catharines when her mother was accepted into medical school. Inspired by her mother’s path in health care, Shigwadja is currently studying Nursing at Brock, with hopes of one day becoming a physician. She is driven by a desire to serve her own people, much like her mother, who works in Indigenous communities.

Shigwadja’s nursing education, however, is not just a professional path but a calling that connects her with others.

“Nursing teaches you how to be with people, how to care for them on a deeper level,” she said. “I’ve always wanted to help, whether it’s through coaching my sister’s team or caring for patients.”

Her deep sense of responsibility to her community also extends to her role as an athlete.

Representing the Haudenosaunee in the world championship is both an honour and a privilege for her and her family.

“My sister and I are representing not just our community, but all Indigenous people,” Shigwadja said. “It’s hard to describe; it’s a huge honour.”

On Thursday, Sept. 26, Shigwadja ignited the scoring with the opening goal, leading the Haudenosaunee to a commanding 7-2 victory over Germany and securing the team’s spot in the semifinals against Canada on Friday, Sept. 27 at 8:15 p.m.

The journey to this stage reflects the broader movement of reconciliation and the power of representation. For Shigwadja, playing lacrosse on the world stage goes hand in hand with raising awareness of Indigenous contributions.

“Lacrosse originated from Turtle Island’s First Nations. It’s a game of healing,” she said. “People often see lacrosse as violent, but it was gifted to us by the Creator for positive reasons.”

The National Day of Truth and Reconciliation, held annually on Sept. 30, holds special significance for Shigwadja. It’s a day to remember and honour the survivors of the residential school system, but also to celebrate the resilience of Indigenous Peoples.

“This day reminds me of the strength of my grandparents and all the survivors,” she said. “Despite everything our people have endured, we’ve achieved so much.”

For Shigwadja, reconciliation is not just about looking back on trauma but moving forward with strength.

“It’s about focusing on our contributions,” she said. “The game of lacrosse reminds people of what we’ve given to the world, not just the hardships we’ve faced.”

Balancing academics, athletics and her cultural heritage hasn’t been easy, but Shigwadja is grateful for the support she has received at Brock.

“My teammates with Brock women’s lacrosse, coaches and professors have been incredibly supportive, especially knowing that I’ll be missing 10 days of clinicals for the tournament,” Shigwadja said. “It’s not common, but they understand how important this opportunity is.”

Looking forward, Shigwadja hopes to continue growing in both her athletic and professional career, while always staying connected to her roots.

“I want to take care of my people, whether it’s on the field or in the hospital,” she said. “It’s who I am and what I stand for.”