Nature Games: Traditional Indigenous Games and Environmental Stewardship in Oceania

Introduction and Context My project was about understanding the development of environmental stewardship through gameplay in Indigenous societies. The South Pacific has many similarities to Canada in terms of Indigenous-settler relations, colonial histories and a resurgence in reconciliation efforts, and an onus on climate action via grassroots engagement. Indigenous traditional games – played in nature, with…

Settler colonial sport venues: An Edmonton/Amiskwaciy history

‘Settler Colonial Sport Venues’ explores the settler histories of sporting places, and the role settler athletic venues have played in colonization and carcerality. It aims to challenge the idea that building sports facilities is always positive, showing instead how these places have often contributed to the ongoing dispossession and erasure of Indigenous peoples. For this…

Today is the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

“When my sister and I were competing for Canada, it felt like the whole Indigenous population was on our shoulders,” says Dr. Sharon Anne Firth, a residential school and Indian Day School survivor who went on to compete in 4 Olympic Games. Dr. Firth discusses the topic of mental health, her experience as an Indigenous…

Northern sport development

In Canada’s North, sport development opportunities for youth can be few and far between. Small population sizes, large distances between communities, and limited resources create barriers to sport programming. But partnerships between different sports offer a unique opportunity for youth to reap the benefits of participation in multiple sports. They can also increase participant pools…

Inclusive approaches to mental health

There are 3 things on mental performance consultant Dr. Chantale Lussier’s radar when she thinks about inclusive approaches to mental health: the cultural (individualistic vs. collectivistic), the relational (intrapersonal vs. interpersonal), and the philosophical (secular vs. spiritual). “Mental health is the stuff that happens between us, not just the stuff that happens in us,” says…

Blossom where you’re planted: Mental health considerations for Indigenous sport participants

Highlights: The first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation took place on September 30, 2021. This day honours the survivors of the residential school system, their families and their communities. Reflecting on truth and reconciliation in Canadian sport, this article explores mental health considerations for Indigenous sport participants. SIRC sat down with Sharon Anne Firth,…

Addressing racism in hockey

After an Indigenous teen was the target of racist comments at a minor hockey game in 2019, Hockey Nova Scotia acted quickly. Sixteen months later, Hockey Nova Scotia released its final report and recommendations from the Diversity & Inclusion Task Force. The report outlines 12 recommendations for making minor hockey more accessible and inclusive.

Indigenous youth

Parents and families play an important role in Indigenous youths’ sport and physical activity participation. Involving parents and families in the development and implementation of sport and physical activity programs may be particularly important for increasing the participation of Indigenous youth.

Programs for urban Indigenous youth

Urban Indigenous youth face several barriers when accessing sport and physical activity programs, including experiences of racism and a lack of supportive networks. All-Indigenous programs that prioritize the needs of Indigenous youth and offer opportunities for coaching and mentorship from trained, culturally sensitive leaders may help to reduce these barriers.

Traditional games

Traditional games, which incorporate traditional ways and Indigenous values, provide a unique opportunity to enhance the sport experiences of Indigenous youth. In fact, research shows that engaging Indigenous youth in traditional games can promote cultural pride, interaction with elders and connection to the land, as well as physical literacy and fundamental movement skills.