Native Americans and Leisure: State of the Research and Future Directions

Abstract

Though leisure researchers have in recent years established a growing interest in cross-cultural leisure research, they have paid little attention to Native American communities. This evaluative review of literature examines Native American leisure beliefs and behaviors through related concepts such as play, games and parks. The article is also an examination of Native American value systems in general, with their relationships to leisure beliefs, attitudes and behaviors. Specific recommended guidelines for conducting research in Native American communities are given, as well as a number of recommendations for future research directions.

KEYWORDS:

• Native Americans
• leisure values
• leisure behavior
• cultural diversity
• first nations