SD42 Indigenous Education

Indigenous Education
20905 Wicklund Avenue, Maple Ridge, BC
T. 604.466.6265

Physical Education

When looking at incorporating Indigenous perspectives into your Physical Education page, it is important to recognize First Nations, Metis, and Inuit contributions to the sporting world. A number of traditional games and activities are still an important part of contemporary Indigenous society and athletes compete at a national level. Indigenous culture has also influenced the development of sporting events that are part of our daily lives.

Culturally relevant physical education is rooted in the need to ensure high quality education grounded in Indigenous culture, history, and language. Please remember that these games go beyond physical activity. They are holistic. Teachers need to use curriculum to connect traditional cultural activities with contemporary practices. Snowshoeing is a great aerobic exercise, but it was also integral to collecting food and travel. Canoeing was used to move from location to location and was embedded in story, song, and traditions. Movements that were once an important part of life are now considered recreation and sport.

Finally, physical education teachers must be mindful to engage with their students, their families, and communities in ways that celebrate their cultural identities and their community-based knowledge.When possible, please invite knowledgeable community members in to lead the class in traditional games and sports. Please connect with your Aboriginal Resource Teacher for more information. We are happy to help.

Information on the First Peoples Principles of Learning

Map of Indigenous Communities Across BC

Traditional Games and Activities: The following are examples of traditional sports or activities that exist within Indigenous communities and reflect historical gatherings. In addition to the games themselves, it is important to explore the responsibilities involved in participating in or hosting these events.

Winter Activities: 

Lacrosse:

Canoe Races: 

Hockey: 

Indigenous Games:

Indigenous games were designed to keep the body healthy and strong, to develop skill and agility, and for entertainment. These games were an important part of history and culture. They were played at community gatherings and fostered connection, cultural pride, and competition as they continue to do today. In order to authentically incorporate these games, students must understand where each game originated, the traditional uses, and contemporary representations.

Beyond the Game: 

  • Ayouwin: Ways of Life – This 29-minute video presents fur trapping as a traditional activity. It starts with footage of animal activists in Toronto at a fashion event, then moves to the land in the James Bay area. A father who has learned his ways from his father is in turn passing them down to his son.
  • Qatuwas – This 59-minute video follows the preparation for and journey to the Qatuwas: People Gathering Together in Bella Bella, BC. Features a number of the 30 First Nations participants as well as the host Heiltsuk Nation. Includes dancing, canoe preparations, art, regalia and protocol.
  • Diary of an Innu Child – This 45-minute documentary features 7 years in the life of an Innu boy with his grandfather from the ages 4 to 11. The boy’s narration highlights his strong relationship with his grandfather as he learns the skills of hunting, snowshoeing, trapping, going to school, ice-fishing. The grandparents’ supportive role helps Messenak deal with the loneliness of missing his mother and the grief caused by the suicide of his cousin. Messenak’s growing maturity is evident. Topics include mother leaving, suicide, and hunting scenes are dealt with in a sensitive and appropriate way for elementary students
  • First Salmon Ceremony: Kwantlen Guide Teaches through Salish Stories
  • Book: P’ésk’a and the First Salmon Ceremony
  • Article: 3D archery: it’s not archery with fancy glasses
  • Video: More than 300 paddlers take B.C. journey of healing and reconciliation

Connecting to the land: 

Celebration of Indigenous Athletes:

Appreciation vs. appropriation:

  • Explore reasons for the use of Aboriginal images in sports (e.g., stereotypes of Aboriginal peoples as wild, strong, and/or fast). Provide examples and ask students to discuss whether these images are respectful and appropriate. Ask students to find examples of logos used by various sports teams (e.g., UBC Thunderbirds, Cleveland Indians, Washington Redskins, Chicago Blackhawks, Kansas City Chiefs, and Atlanta Braves) and discuss the positive and negative impacts.