The game of lacrosse, the oldest in the nation's history, was born on lands in what today is New York state. In the 1100s, Native Americans designed the game, not for competition, but spirituality.

Fields could span miles with players in the hundreds or more.

The game we know today, of course, is much different, but the meaning for Native Americans is very much the same.

“I think it's amazing that there's this kind of world attention to this incredible game of lacrosse, which originally was a gift from the creator to the Haudenosaunee people," said Ray Halbritter, CEO of Turning Stone Enterprises. "So we're glad we can share this with the world.”

Every four years, the best box lacrosse players in the world play for their home country in the World Lacrosse Box Championships. 

“These are the best players in the world," said World Lacrosse CEO Jim Scherr. "This is an incredible tournament, the very best lacrosse athletes that U.S, Canada, Haudenosaunee and other nations have to offer.” 

This year’s event is being held in upstate New York, with most games taking place in Utica. On Tuesday, however, four pool games were being played on Oneida Indian Nation land at the Mary C. Winder Community Center.

It’s a special day for Native Americans in Oneida as the highest level of box lacrosse is back on the land where it originated.  

“This is what it's all about, it's for the community, not just holding the show to people, but the community as a whole, is something the united legacy has been historically to work together as allies and in a community together to make the world a better place," Halbritter said. 

This is the sixth iteration of the World Lacrosse Championship Games, which started in 2003. Each of the first five events has seen the same exact top three. Canada are five-time gold medalists with Haudenosaunee taking silver and the United States getting bronze.

This year, however, there will be two world champions crowned as the first women’s box championship is taking place.

“Women play a very physical game," he said. "There's a lot of action, a lot of contact and a lot of excitement.” 

In total, 133 games will be played. The four games at the center on Tuesday could be a little taste of what’s to come. 

“If we have the opportunity, we're going to bring more events like this to the center," Halbritter said. 

The playoffs begin Wednesday with the gold medal games taking place Sunday.