National Indigenous Peoples Day 2021

June 21st is National Indigenous Peoples Day. Strategies to reduce barriers to physical activity and build capacity in the Canadian sport system are just one part of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s Calls to Action. Common barriers to physical activity in rural, remote, and Indigenous communities include limited access to recreational facilities, wildlife and…

The relocation experiences of aboriginal athletes pursuing sport in Euro-Canadian contexts

View the summary of this research here. Project summary Researchers have documented the importance of sport in the lives of Aboriginal people, emphasizing how it can improve health and wellness. However, there is a lack of knowledge about the cultural issues that affect Aboriginal peoples’ sport participation. This project explored the relocation experiences of Aboriginal…

Barriers to participation in physical activity for Shibogama First Nations

Project summary This research examined the barriers to participation in sport and physical activity for Shibogama First Nations communities in northwestern Ontario. Aboriginal peoples face significant barriers to participation in physical activity in comparison to Euro-Canadians or other minority populations. This collaborative research project qualitatively investigated how sport and physical activity are connected to both…

Building meaningful programs for indigenous youth

Project summary The main purpose of this research program was to help build more meaningful and relevant sport and recreation-based programs for Indigenous youth through the examination of a series of multidisciplinary analyses and case studies (mainly the Promoting Life-skills in Aboriginal Youth [PLAY] program from Right To Play, Project George, and Milo Pimatisiwin from…

Winter drowning risk

Warmer winters contribute to thinner, weaker, and less stable ice. This puts Indigenous communities in northern Canada at increased risk for winter drowning because of their dependence on ice cover for subsistence and travel. Water safety programs that use local cultural and traditional knowledge in dialogue with community stakeholders can empower communities with the capacity…

Corporatizing sport for aboriginal girls: Connecting corporate social responsibility, the ‘Girl Effect’ and aboriginal-focused sport, gender and development programs

Project Summary This study explored how urban Aboriginal young women understand and experience their participation in a sport for development (SFD) program administered by the Vancouver Aboriginal Friendship Society Centre (VAFCS); and investigated how corporate funding and involvement in the VAFCS SFD program impacted targeted beneficiaries. The three specific objectives of the research were: To…

The (re)making of the Hobbema Community Cadet Corps Program

Project Summary In 2005, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) helped launch a unique afterschool program among the four Cree Nations of Maskwacis (formerly Hobbema), Alberta. The program, known as the Hobbema Community Cadet Corps Program (HCCCP), was widely celebrated among politicians, segments of the community, and especially in the mainstream media as an effective…

Engaging First Nation, Metis, and Inuit Communities

For sport and physical activity organizations, creating successful partnerships with First Nations, Métis and Inuit communities requires an intentional approach. This includes understanding individual communities and cultures, recruiting volunteers and coaches from these communities, and recognizing that building meaningful relationships based on trust will take years and genuine commitment.

Barriers to Physical Activity for Rural Communities

Common barriers to physical activity in rural, remote and Indigenous communities include limited access to recreational facilities, lack of sidewalks, uneven road surfaces, wildlife, and inclement weather. Learn more about evidence-based strategies for promoting physical activity in these communities.

Cultural Context

Understanding the cultural context of a community is critical when designing and implementing physical activity and sport programs. For example, integrating Indigenous values, beliefs, and practices (e.g. smudging, berry picking, hunting) into programs can greatly enhance their value among Indigenous groups. Engage stakeholders in the process, and ensure that their needs and priorities are taken…