Abstract
There is a current focus on the "obesity epidemic" among Canada's Aboriginal peoples, particularly Aboriginal youth. Physical activity is often promoted in an effort to address obesity, yet the voices of Aboriginal youth in the physical activity literature is limited. Thus, the purpose of this research was to explore the physical activity experiences of Aboriginal youth. Eight Aboriginal youth (ages 15-18 years) participated in one-on-one interviews and follow-up focus group discussions; five themes emerged. Participants explained how physical activity: (1) is collective, (2) is part of me, (3) builds bonds, (4) takes money, and (5) makes you better, faster, stronger, smarter. This research is unique in that it fills a significant gap in the physical activity research literature by employing qualitative methods that support and highlight the voices of Aboriginal youth. The participants were very explicit in their hopes for the development of culturally specific programs that can support Aboriginal youth to be more physically active. Specifically, they argued that funding is needed if youth are to overcome the financial barriers that often prevent them from being physically active. This research has important implications in that it serves as a first step in better understanding the physical activity experiences of Aboriginal youth. Such understanding is needed as it could serve as the foundation for the development of more effective and appropriate physical activity programs and interventions for Aboriginal youth.Acknowledgments: Thank you to the participants for taking the time to participate and share their knowledge, and to the University of Alberta for providing funding to complete this research.