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Introduction
Physical activity has been an integral part of all aspects of daily traditional practice, from berry-picking to hunting and fishing, and from canoe paddling to sacred dances and long-distance running. Physical activity is key to well-being, mental health, and the health of communities. Read here to learn about physical activity programs and research relevant to Aboriginal communities, find out about the health issues at stake, and access related resources.
Traditional Lifestyles
Traditionally, Aboriginal people led healthy, active lifestyles by hunting, fishing, gathering, cooking, preparing, and participating in traditional games and competitions such as lacrosse, wrestling, running, canoeing, archery, dancing, storytelling and singing (Hanna, 2008). Although these types of activities persisted for many generations, they have become less and less common which is evident in mounting social and health issues (Cochrane, 2008).
Health Issues
Active living is important to every aspect of our health: physical, mental, spiritual and emotional. Regular physical activity contributes to the prevention and control of several chronic diseases including cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, obesity, bone and joint diseases (osteoporosis and osteoarthritis), depression, some cancers (breast and colon cancer), and premature death(Warburton, Nicol, & Bredin, 2006). Other benefits include feeling more energetic, sleeping better, stronger muscles and bones, increased self-esteem, reduced anxiety and stress, and an overall improvement in mental well-being (Fox, 1999). For children and youth specifically, these benefits also include opportunities for peer interaction (Bailey,1999), increased social status (Chase & Drummer, 1992), and decreased loneliness (Page et al, 1992).
What are the facts?
Canada’s Physical Activity Guide to Healthy Active Living recommends 30 to 60 minutes of moderate exercise a day to maintain and improve health (Health Canada, 2003). According to the First Nations Regional Longitudinal Health Survey, only 21% of First Nations adults and 45% of youth get sufficient physical activity (at least 30 minutes of moderate or vigorous physical activity) for health benefits (First Nations Centre, 2005).
For information on how to Get Active! designed specifically for First Nations, Inuit and Metis people, visit the National Aboriginal Health Organization's new Be Summer Active website. This section features facts, tips, and information about healthy living specifically for First Nations, Inuit and Métis.
Click here for a fact sheet on Physical Activity.
For more information
References
Bailey, R.P. (1999). “Play, health and physical development.” In: T. David, ed., Young Children Learning. London: Paul Chapman Publishers
Chase, M.A. and G.M. Drummer (1992). The Role of Sports as a Social Status Determinant for Children. Research for Exercise and Sport 63: 418-424
Cochrane, Nancy (2008). BCAAFC: Aboriginal Sport, Recreation, and Physical Activity, Phase 1: Environmental Scan. Report prepared for the BC Association of Aboriginal Friendship Centres.
First Nations Centre, NAHO (2005). First Nations Regional Longitudinal Health Survey (RHS) 2002/03. Ottawa: First Nations Centre, NAHO.
Fox, Kenneth. (1999). The Influence of Physical Activity on Mental Well-Being. Public Health Nutrition 2(3a): 411-418
Hanna, Rosalin (2008). Sports in Aboriginal Communities in British Columbia. BC Initiatives for Aboriginal Health.
Health Canada (2003). Canada’s Physical Activity Guide to Healthy Active Living
National Indian & Inuit Community Health Representatives Organization(2006). Come Meet the Challenge: Physical Activity & Nutrition Initiatives in Aboriginal Communities, Resource Guide 2006. NIICHRO.
Page, R.M., J. Frey, R. Talbert & C. Falk (1992). Children’s Feelings of Loneliness and Social Dissatisfaction: Relationship to Measures of Physical Fitness and Activity. Journal of Teaching and Physical Education 11: 211-219
Warburton, Darren E.R., Crystal Whitney Nicol, & Shannon S.D. Bredin (2006). Healthy Benefits of Physical Activity: the Evidence. Canadian Medical Association
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