Indigenous perspectives of leisure and recreation

Leisure and recreation (LR) are Western constructs developed primarily by Western cultures (Dieser, 2012; Fox, 2006). The Calls to Action developed by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada are inclusive of recreation, however, current gaps exist in the Therapeutic Recreation (TR) profession in understanding Indigenous perspectives on LR (Dieser, 2014). This qualitative exploratory research study investigated Indigenous peoples and knowledge-holders’ perspectives on LR. Research methods included six one-on-one, semi-structured interviews with Indigenous and non-Indigenous participants. Descriptive analysis resulted in three dominant themes: 1) differing purposes for participating in LR; 2) the importance of understanding individual and community contexts; and, 3) the role of the non-Indigenous person in addressing Indigenous issues. These findings are significant to the TR profession in understanding Indigenous views of LR, the recreation therapist’s role in using LR in order to become an ally to Indigenous communities, and their contribution to reconciliation efforts in Canada.