Enhancing the sport experiences of Indigenous youth through participation in traditional games
A well documented need exists for sport policies, programs, and initiatives that are inclusive of Indigenous peoples in Canada. Though little published research has focused on traditional sporting activities (i.e. traditional games) they may play a particularly unique role in supporting positive sport experiences among Indigenous youth. The purpose of this community based participatory research was to better understand how participation in traditional games can enhance the sport experiences of Indigenous youth. The integrated Indigenous ecological model, as described by Lavallee and Levesque (2013) is a contextually and culturally relevant model that provided a theoretical framework for this research. Eighteen Indigenous youth (Y 8; ages 14 18 years) and adults (A 10) living in various communities in the Northwest Territories, Canada participated in this research. Data was generated via one on one interviews or talking circles, and was analyzed using the three step process of content analysis as described by Elo and Kyngas (2008) The words of participants suggest that participating in traditional games can enhance the sport experiences of Indigenous youth by: (1) promoting cultural pride, (2) interacting with Elders, (3) supporting connection to the land, (4) developing personal characteristics, and (5) developing a foundation for movement. Findings from this research contribute to a necessary knowledge base that can serve as a foundation for beginning to address Sport Canada's stated goals to enhance the participation of Indigenous peoples in sport.Acknowledgments: Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada