Title: “Indigenous perspectives and experiences with active play”
Supervisor: Dr. Shannon Bredin
Committee members: Dr. Margaret Kovach, Dr. Moss Norman
Abstract: The United Nations recognizes that all children have a right to play and that Indigenous peoples have the right to self-determination. Unfortunately, colonization and Western perspectives have significantly impacted both play experiences for Indigenous peoples, and accessible Indigenous knowledge surrounding play. Literature on play research is based on Western perspectives and methodologies, which have set the tone for how play is typically defined and understood. The purpose of this research will be to create space for Indigenous knowledge in play research and to generate recommendations for reflection on ways to design culturally appropriate play programs that honours Indigenous ways of knowing and doing for play specifically, and physical activity more broadly. This research will use a Two-Eyed Seeing epistemology centred within an Indigenous conceptual framework. This project includes two phases. In the first phase, a survey will be delivered to all participants and families who participate in Red Fox Healthy Living Society programs. Red Fox is the only active play-based organization in Metro Vancouver, and they have a high-engagement rate with Indigenous families. The purpose of the survey will be to a) determine how often families engage in physical activity, including active play, and b) examine what contributes to a positive experience in active play. In the second phase, Indigenous families will participate in an interview to understand how they define play, how play influences their wellbeing, and to discuss their play experiences. The interviews will follow the principles and practices of conversational method and Indigenous storywork methodology. Participants will also participate in the creation of visual arts in response to interviewer questions. The interviews will involve active games as a method to breaking down barriers and promoting physical activity. Data collected will undergo a thematic analysis with thoughtful consideration through the lens of my own knowledge, Tribal Critical theory, and the First Nations Perspective on Health and Wellness model.