WÎCIHITOWIN: WORKING TOGETHER TO SUSTAIN WELLNESS PROGRAMMERS IN NORTHERN INDIGENOUS COMMUNITIES
Date
2024-09-25
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
ORCID
Type
Thesis
Degree Level
Masters
Abstract
Physical activity and wellness programs are vital for overall health. This is also the case in Canadian Northern Indigenous communities where programming can aid in addressing health disparities, foster cohesion, and preserve cultural practices. However, these programs often face sustainability challenges due to geographic isolation, economic constraints, and social barriers. This study explores the factors contributing to the long-term engagement and effectiveness of wellness and physical activity programmers in Montreal Lake Cree Nation. Rooted in my experience as a teacher and Health and Wellness Consultant within the community, I leverage my ongoing relationships and insider perspective to add additional context and comparisons to the research. The study aims to answer the key questions of: What factors contribute to the programmers long-term engagement and effectiveness? What barriers and facilitators sustain these individuals?
Using a descriptive qualitative study design, I worked with seven long-term programmers at the Montreal Lake Cree Nation Wellness Hub in Northern Saskatchewan. Through semi-structured interviews, participant observation, using the method of thematic analysis, the results provide an in-depth understanding of their experiences working in a Northern Indigenous Community, building relationships, and exploring their passions for physical activity and working with youth. Findings highlight the factors that sustain programmers and offer strategies for their retention and well-being. The overarching themes we identified showed us that a high level of personal passion and commitment is crucial to achieve long-term engagement and effectiveness in this setting. This passion was supported through consistent relationships and a feasible role which helped the programmers navigate, and ultimately overcome, many of the challenges and barriers that they faced. While focused on one specific community, the implications of this study are significant for other Northern Indigenous communities seeking sustainable wellness programs. This research contributes to the growing body of literature surrounding Indigenous wellness programs, workforce sustainability, and health promotion.
Description
Keywords
Indigenous
Wellness
Physical Activity
Education
Retention
Teacher
Programmer
First Nation
Reserve
Northern
Citation
Degree
Master of Science (M.Sc.)
Department
Kinesiology
Program
Kinesiology