Justin Shakell grew up appreciating things, learning, and understanding, that he could always do a better job – especially if he was one who cared a great deal about what he did.
 
So true - and so it happened.
 
Not sure what Shakell's idea of the perfect life might be, but there is one thing that is clear and very evident. The difference of his concept of an impeccable life and a life that he really lives, is oh so slight.
 
Shakell is proud of his heritage, a rich history of Mohawk culture and language. It's one that prides itself on strength, agility, honesty, and endurance.
 
Sport, too, has held an important place in his world and throughout Canada's Indigenous communities. It's a teaching tool that promotes traditional values.
 
There is quite a bit more to learn about Shakell, including his devotion to education as well as helping others, while enhancing a variety of personal preferences like respect, confidence, and the positive understanding of success.
 
When you get a few moments to speak with him, and comprehend what he stands for, there is a great deal to like about Shakell – especially seeing him as a vibrant role model for many. It also becomes quite clear as to why he chose a career of teaching, a profession of educating young people in a place he refers to as his home – the Tyendinaga Mohawk Reserve near Belleville.
 
Shakell lives there with his family, wife Erin and three children, Evelyn, Tess and Sullivan. He teaches as well – grade 7 at the Quinte Mohawk School. When he's not in the academic classroom, or attending to family, you'll find Shakell on the gridiron, coaching the Quinte (Varsity) SkyHawks football team.
 
Once a 6-foot-2, 250-pound tackle at Wilfrid Laurier University football, a school program heralded for years of success in that sport, Shakell is now a former player having been decorated with an assortment of well-earned gridiron awards.
 
A three-time Laurier team Most Valuable Player, chosen twice as a First Team all-star in the Ontario University Athletics (OUA) league, Shakell would also gain the spotlight as an All-Canadian premier player in 2003. Six years later, his name would be enshrined. Shakell was inducted to the Laurier Sports Hall of Fame.
 
Shakell may not have been the marquee player who received all the glamour that went with scoring points. From his defensive line position, his job was to prevent the other team from defeating him and his Laurier teammates. Opposing quarterbacks knew all about Shakell, who wore jersey No. 91, and certainly didn't take the hospitality route when they were anywhere
near him, fearing his tenacity and athleticism.
 
With an academic Degree from Laurier, gaining friends for life and everlasting experiences, Shakell knew it was time to move on. While he was chosen in the sixth round of the 2004 Canadian Football League draft by the Hamilton Tiger Cats, he would instead end up in the Aboriginal Program at Queen's University in Kingston.
 
Admiring education and coaching, he found a way to make the best of both worlds.
 
Focused, committed and dedicated, Shakell's biggest honor would come long after his football playing days. It would be in the form of a prestigious award to be presented by the Canadian Football League Alumni Association (CFLAA) set to take place during the 2021 Grey Cup festivities in Hamilton. The Legends luncheon is the primary fundraiser for the CFLAA Support Fund, which exists to provide financial assistance for former CFL players in need.
 
Shakell will receive the "Indigenous Champion Award". It will be shared, posthumously, with Jim Styres, who passed away in 2018. Styres, from the Cayuga Nation, played on the Hamilton Panthers (now the Junior Tiger Cats) that won a National championship. He also had a short period with the Ottawa Rough Riders and coached the Hagersville High School football team.
 
Eight people were nominated, and the Selection Committee of the CFLAA had determined Shakell and Styres best fit the criteria for the inaugural award.
 
The criteria focussed on the winner being a former CFL player or alumnus of Indigenous ancestry, who made a significant contribution to football and to the community. Also considered was a coach making a positive impact on Indigenous football players at any level.
 
Shakell and Styres will have their names portrayed on a beautifully designed eagle head, carved in stone by an Indigenous artist. A smaller version will be a family keepsake.
 
The award embraces every background, religion and ethnicity focussing on the importance of equality and respect for everyone.
 
"I remember getting a telephone call and a voice mail message was left by Jason Riley (Chair of the CFLAA Awards Committee)," said Shakell. "I was getting ready to teach and he had called again. I initially thought that maybe he was looking for a donation for the alumni association.
 
"Boy, was I wrong. (Riley) said he had some exciting news and that I was going to be presented with a special award. For a minute, I was at a loss for words. It then hit me. I had been finding myself, my roots, my language, and culture. Now I was being honored for all of that and more.
 
"I am so proud. This is very special. I called my wife right away, then my parents, friends – and everyone was so excited and supportive. I still don't know how to put words together to express my feelings. It's such a great honor as an Indigenous athlete and coach, to receive such an honorable award."
 
Shakell, who has also coached in Belleville, Guelph and Kingston, said he hopes this award, and the support of the Canadian football community, will help send a message to others.
 
"There are lots of Indigenous kids who struggle," said Shakell. "Football will help them, like it helped me and others. There is potential for growth and opportunities. I learned that if you work hard, good things do happen. I tell my athletes, always do the best you can in whatever you do."
 
The special recognition given to Shakell and Styres drew high praise from Darren Thomas, Associate Vice President of Indigenous Initiatives at Wilfrid Laurier University.
 
"This is a tremendous honor bestowed upon both of these individuals as well as the acceptance and appreciation of their efforts to give back to their communities," said Thomas, who is also a member of the Seneca Nation. "I am delighted for them, their families and those who will follow. It's incredible."
 
Riley indicated the Indigenous Champion Award was an important start for the CFLAA to pursue a reconciliation program, across the country, for Indigenous players, coaches, volunteers and builders of the sport
 
"There is a history of excellence that should not be forgotten," said Riley. "The CFLAA is celebrating football players from our Indigenous communities."
 
David Grossman is a multi, award-winning communicator and storyteller with a distinguished career in Broadcasting, Journalism and Public Relations in Sport and Government Relations. He is the recipient of two major university award: the USports "Fred Sgambati Media Award" and the Ontario University Athletics (OUA) "Media Member of Distinction".