Considering culturally relevant practices and knowledge-sharing when creating an activity-promoting community research agenda

Abstract

The purpose of the article is to discuss and reflect upon a process of building relationships and conducting community consultations to co-create a relevant community-based participatory research agenda exploring Indigenous youth activity-promoting programming. Four consultations were conducted with approximately 30 community members in Edmonton, Alberta to relevantly and respectfully engage Indigenous Peoples and community members in discussions about Indigenous youth activity-promoting programming. A research question was created from the community consultations to inform relevant knowledge generation. A research agenda was also created with community members to inform future community engagement in the research. We reflect upon our process and discuss the strengths, challenges, and recommendations of incorporating culturally-relevant practices and sharing knowledge within and outside of the community group. This work contributes to literature enhancing relevant and respectful methodological and relational research practices with Indigenous Peoples and communities. INDIGENOUS YOUTH ACTIVITY-PROMOTING PROGRAMMING 3Considering Culturally-Relevant Practices and Knowledge-Sharing when Creating an Activity- Promoting Community Research AgendaThe role of sport in affirming Indigenous cultures and identities has been documented in the sport literature, and research has demonstrated the role of sport for the holistic development and overall health of Indigenous 1 youth (Forsyth & Wamsley, 2006;Hanna, 2009). Specifically, scholars have indicated that sport may be one of the "most salient mediums for recapturing spirits" among Aboriginal 2 Canadians (Forsyth & Wamsley, 2006, p. 294) and may positively impact the physical, mental, and emotional health of Aboriginal youth (Hanna, 2009). Sport is just one of the many forms of physical activity that can contribute to health. For instance, the Alberta Indigenous Games Resource Manual for Walking in Balance (2013) reports Indigenous community members' support of a holistic approach to youth development and leadership in areas such as sport and activity. Several Indigenous athletes, such as Olympic medalists Billy Mills and Waneek Horn-Miller, and high-school scholar athlete Sheridan Fox-Many Grey Horses, were featured in the Alberta Indigenous Games Resource Manual, and shared sport and activity experiences in their lives. These athletes discussed the role of others, as well as culture and traditions, in holistic development and activity promotion. For instance, Fox-Many Grey Horses competes nationally in rodeo, barrel racing, and breakaway roping and has excelled in both high school academics and athletics. She discussed the inspiration of her aunties, parents, and grandparents who supported and encouraged her to achieve her full potential. Waneek Horn-Miller discussed the role of traditions and culture in enhancing her sport experience. She said:1 The term "Indigenous" is capitalized when referring to Indigenous Peoples, who are native to a land (NAHO, 2012) and r...

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