Research summary
Indigenous people have traditionally participated in a variety of physical activities, such as dancing and hunting. Dr. Heather-Jean Foulds believes these activities represent untapped avenues for preventive health initiatives. As Canada Research Chair in Wholistic Health and Well-Being Through Physical Activity for Indigenous Peoples, she is exploring the benefits of incorporating culture, community, language and spirituality with exercise to improve the health and well-being of Indigenous people.
She and her research team are conducting Indigenous-led, community-engaged research to identify health and well-being improvements that are based on traditional Indigenous and on-the-land physical activities. By using Indigenous methodologies—such as kitchen table talks and symbol-based reflection—alongside quantitative assessments, they aim to understand how integrating culture and physical activity can enhance health and well-being for Indigenous Peoples.