Mackenzie Shigwadja is breaking new ground.<\/p>\n
The Brock University student is representing the Haudenosaunee Nation at the first-ever World Lacrosse Women\u2019s Box Championships in Utica, N.Y., this week.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
She has been deeply connected to her heritage and lacrosse since a young age.<\/p>\n
“Lacrosse has always been a part of my life,” Shigwadja said. “I\u2019ve been playing since I was four. It\u2019s more than a sport; it’s part of our culture and history.”<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Shigwadja’s nursing education, however, is not just a professional path but a calling that connects her with others.<\/p>\n
“Nursing teaches you how to be with people, how to care for them on a deeper level,\u201d she said. \u201cI\u2019ve always wanted to help, whether it\u2019s through coaching my sister\u2019s team or caring for patients.”<\/p>\n
Her deep sense of responsibility to her community also extends to her role as an athlete.<\/p>\n
Representing the Haudenosaunee in the world championship is both an honour and a privilege for her and her family.<\/p>\n
“My sister and I are representing not just our community, but all Indigenous people,\u201d Shigwadja said. \u201cIt\u2019s hard to describe; it’s a huge honour.”<\/p>\n
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\u2019s spot in the semifinals against Canada on Friday, Sept. 27 at 8:15 p.m.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
“Lacrosse originated from Turtle Island\u2019s First Nations. It\u2019s a game of healing,\u201d she said. \u201cPeople often see lacrosse as violent, but it was gifted to us by the Creator for positive reasons.”<\/p>\n
The National Day of Truth and Reconciliation, held annually on Sept. 30, holds special significance for Shigwadja. It\u2019s a day to remember and honour the survivors of the residential school system, but also to celebrate the resilience of Indigenous Peoples.<\/p>\n
“This day reminds me of the strength of my grandparents and all the survivors,\u201d she said. \u201cDespite everything our people have endured, we\u2019ve achieved so much.”<\/p>\n
For Shigwadja, reconciliation is not just about looking back on trauma but moving forward with strength.<\/p>\n
“It\u2019s about focusing on our contributions,\u201d she said. \u201cThe game of lacrosse reminds people of what we\u2019ve given to the world, not just the hardships we\u2019ve faced.”<\/p>\n
Balancing academics, athletics and her cultural heritage hasn\u2019t been easy, but Shigwadja is grateful for the support she has received at Brock.<\/p>\n
“My teammates with Brock women\u2019s lacrosse, coaches and professors have been incredibly supportive, especially knowing that I\u2019ll be missing 10 days of clinicals for the tournament,\u201d Shigwadja said. \u201cIt\u2019s not common, but they understand how important this opportunity is.”<\/p>\n
Looking forward, Shigwadja hopes to continue growing in both her athletic and professional career, while always staying connected to her roots.<\/p>\n
“I want to take care of my people, whether it’s on the field or in the hospital,\u201d she said. \u201cIt\u2019s who I am and what I stand for.”<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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