An exploration of the physical activity experiences of Northern Aboriginal youth: a community-based participatory research project

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this community-based participatory research was to explore the physical activity experiences of Northern Aboriginal youth in Canada. Fourteen Aboriginal youth from the ages of 13–19 years participated in interviews (one-on-one or sharing circles), and participant-generated photo-elicitation sharing circles. Five themes representing their physical activity experiences were identified: (a) encompassing meanings, (b) ‘makes me feel awesome’, (c) connected to the land, (d) better with friends and family, and (e) need for physical activity spaces. Findings suggest that the youth have a broad and encompassing definition of physical activity, and that participation in such activity can have various holistic benefits. Youth shared in-depth insights into the various spaces and community supports that facilitate their physical activity. As well, participants explained how physical activity programming that takes place in the natural environment can support youth in feeling connected to their culture and identities. Findings from this research outline important considerations for enhancing physical activity opportunities among Aboriginal youth. Provided that the voices of Aboriginal youth are relatively absent in the vast physical activity literature, this research makes a significant contribution by sharing their unique experiences.

KEYWORDS:

• Indigenous
• Aboriginal
• youth
• physical activity
• sport
• photo-elicitation
• interviews

Acknowledgments

We would like to thank all of the participants for contributing their knowledge to this research.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Notes

1. For many Aboriginal peoples the terms physical activity, sport, and recreation are interconnected (Canadian Heritage 2005). Therefore, within the context of this paper, the term physical activity should be considered an encompassing term.

2. The term ‘Aboriginal’ is used primarily throughout this paper based on the preference of the participants. Participants were youth who self-identified as Aboriginal, a term in Canada that encompasses status/non-status First Nations, Métis, and Inuit populations.

3. Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada (2017) recognise a total of 618 distinct First Nations groups in Canada.

4. Details included in brackets are clarifications that were provided by participants.

Additional information

Funding

This research was supported by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada and the Government of the Northwest Territories.

Notes on contributors

Beth Warner Hudson

Beth Warner Hudson, M.A., is a graduate student in the Faculty of Kinesiology, Sport, and Recreation at the University of Alberta. Her research is focused on better understanding the physical activity experiences of Indigenous youth, specifically in Northern Canada, and the unique perspectives of those living in Northern communities.

John C. Spence

John C. Spence, PhD, FCAHS, is a professor in the Faculty of Kinesiology, Sport, and Recreation at the University of Alberta. His research examines the determinants of physical activity, inactivity, and sedentary behaviour. He has a range of expertise in quantitative methods, systematic reviews, and program evaluation.

Tara-Leigh F. McHugh

Tara-Leigh F. McHugh, Ph.D, is an associate professor in the Faculty of Kinesiology, Sport, and Recreation at the University of Alberta. Her programme of research is focused on better understanding and enhancing the sport experiences of youth. She has extensive experience engaging in community-based participatory research with Indigenous youth.