The Influence of Canada’s Indigenous Peoples on the Development of Canadian Physical Activity

Posted: April 4th, 2019

Sport and Canada’s Indigenous People

The essay must have a thesis and present an argument or analysis of the issues based upon primary and/or secondary scholarly research. As a thesis statement is included in the list of topics, students may incorporate the statement anywhere in the essay or create their own to address a smaller issue within the topic or broadly as it is stated. Each paper is to represent original and independent work; students may not use any material from an essay previously handed in for this course or for another course. The final essay should include: • 5 pages of text (excluding title page and reference page) typed, double spaced with one-inch margins, in American Psychological Association (APA) format. Font: Times New Roman, 12-point size. • A minimum of 4 academic sources (peer reviewed; not newspapers or magazines such as Sports Illustrated) must be included in the essay. • Academic literature (citing direct or indirect quotes) and the student’s own words to support a particular premise or thesis. • A title page (see sample on Sakai) • A reference list on a separate page. Electronic references must state a document title or description, a date (either the date of publication or date of retrieval) and address (URL). Exemplars (excellent examples) of referencing formats and reference page will be posted on Sakai to assist students. See ‘Electronic Media’ APA Publication manual, 6th edition. Canada’s indigenous peoples have experienced overt and covert forms of racism in their sport participation but nevertheless have had a significant influence upon the development of Canadian sport. Discuss the influence of Canada’s Indigenous peoples upon the development of Canadian physical activity, considering both their cultural games as well as sports in which they were excluded. Thesis: An expanding network of exchange relationships between Indigenous peoples and European colonists in the economic domain or cultural sphere also included shared experiences in contests of physicality, tests of strength, races, and games that would influence the development of Canadian physical activity. (Agree/disagree) Forsyth, J. & Giles, A. (Eds.) (2013). Aboriginal peoples and sport in Canada: historical foundations and contemporary issues. Vancouver, BC: UBC Press. (in library E 78 C2 A1485 2013) Downey, A. & Neylan, S. (2015). Raven plays ball: Situating “Indian Sports Days” within Indigenous colonial spaces in twentieth-century coastal British Columbia. Canadian Journal of History, 50(3), 442-468. http://dx.doi.org/10.3138/CJH.ACH.50.3.003 Hurl, C. (2016). Governing Indigenous sports and recreation, 1972-2008: Citizenship regimes, nation-building, and the politics of ambivalence. Journal of Canadian Studies, 50(3), 727-755. https://doi.org/10.3138/jcs.50.3.727 Morrow, D., & Wamsley, K. B. (2013). Sport in Canada: A history (3rd ed.). Don Mills, ON: Oxford University Press Canada.

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The Influence of Canada’s Indigenous Peoples on the Development of Canadian Physical Activity
Canada’s Indigenous peoples have faced various forms of racism in their participation in sports, yet their contributions have significantly influenced the development of Canadian physical activity. This essay aims to discuss the influence of Canada’s Indigenous peoples on the development of physical activity, encompassing both their cultural games and the sports from which they were excluded. By examining the expanding network of exchange relationships between Indigenous peoples and European colonists in the realm of physical contests and games, we can gain insight into the historical foundations and contemporary issues surrounding Indigenous participation in Canadian sports.

Thesis: An expanding network of exchange relationships between Indigenous peoples and European colonists in the economic domain or cultural sphere also included shared experiences in contests of physicality, tests of strength, races, and games that would influence the development of Canadian physical activity.

Body:

I. Historical Foundations of Indigenous Physical Activity in Canada
A. Cultural games and their significance to Indigenous communities
B. The interconnectedness of physical activity with spiritual, social, and cultural aspects
C. The role of physical contests and games in fostering community cohesion and identity

II. European Colonization and the Influence on Indigenous Physical Activity
A. Introduction of European sports and their impact on Indigenous communities
B. Cultural exchange and adaptation of traditional games to incorporate European elements
C. Coexistence of Indigenous and European sports in certain regions

III. Exclusion of Indigenous Peoples from Canadian Sports
A. Systemic barriers and discriminatory practices
B. The impact of residential schools on Indigenous participation in sports
C. Efforts to reclaim Indigenous sports and address exclusionary practices

IV. Contemporary Indigenous Influence on Canadian Physical Activity
A. Revitalization and resurgence of traditional Indigenous sports and games
B. Cultural exchange and integration of Indigenous elements into mainstream sports
C. The role of Indigenous athletes as ambassadors for change and representation

Conclusion:
Canada’s Indigenous peoples have faced racism and exclusion in their participation in sports, yet they have left an indelible mark on the development of Canadian physical activity. Through the examination of historical foundations and contemporary influences, it is evident that Indigenous cultural games and adaptations, as well as the efforts to reclaim traditional sports, have contributed significantly to the diverse landscape of Canadian sports. It is essential to acknowledge and celebrate the Indigenous influence on Canadian physical activity, while also addressing and rectifying the historical and ongoing injustices faced by Indigenous athletes. By embracing inclusivity and fostering cultural exchange, Canada can continue to develop a more equitable and diverse sports environment for all its citizens.

References:

Forsyth, J. & Giles, A. (Eds.) (2013). Aboriginal peoples and sport in Canada: historical foundations and contemporary issues. Vancouver, BC: UBC Press.
Downey, A. & Neylan, S. (2015). Raven plays ball: Situating “Indian Sports Days” within Indigenous colonial spaces in twentieth-century coastal British Columbia. Canadian Journal of History, 50(3), 442-468.
Hurl, C. (2016). Governing Indigenous sports and recreation, 1972-2008: Citizenship regimes, nation-building, and the politics of ambivalence. Journal of Canadian Studies, 50(3), 727-755.
Morrow, D., & Wamsley, K. B. (2013). Sport in Canada: A history (3rd ed.). Don Mills, ON: Oxford University Press Canada.