An exploration of the meanings of sport to urban Aboriginal youth: a photovoice approach

The meaning of sport to Aboriginal youth is not well understood, and this lack of understanding limits the potential to enhance their sport opportunities. Thus, the purpose of this study was to explore the meanings of sport to Aboriginal youth living in Edmonton, Alberta. Photovoice was employed as it is recognised as a decolonising and participatory research approach. Fifteen Aboriginal youth, between 12 and 15 years, participated in a sport sampler event, whereby they were provided with disposable cameras and asked to photograph objects, events, places, or people that represent their meaning of sport. Participants spoke about their photographs in talking circles, which took place two weeks after the sport sampler event. Two talking circles (one with eight and one with seven participants) were facilitated. Cultural practices (e.g. offering of tobacco to traditional knowledge keeper) were integrated into the talking circles. Talking circles were audio recorded, transcribed verbatim, and transcripts were analysed using a general 6-step qualitative analysis approach described by Creswell Four themes were developed; participants described sport as: (1) activities I've grown up playing, (2) having fun, (3) being with nature and others, and (4) believing in yourself. The information-rich pictures and related stories shared by participants provide insight into their meanings of sport. This research is a practical example of how Aboriginal youth can be actively engaged in sport research through participatory approaches.