After reading The Skate and reading about the experiences of Indigenous children in residential schools, I realize the freedom I had was luxury that was not afforded to everybody. Those in residential schools were deprived of the simple joys of play. Harsh discipline, forced labor and strict schedules were implemented in place of the carefree nature of childhood. Even when sport was introduced in residential schools, it was typically used as a measure of control instead of an outlet for self-expression and joy.

Play should be a universal right. It fosters creativity, growth and emotional well-being. Reading about these experiences that the Indigenous children in residential schools faced serves as a invaluable reminder that freedom in childhood is not only about physical space, but feeling valued, safe and encouraged to express oneself.

Having an understanding of these histories is vital. It challenges us to make certain that all children, especially those within marginalized communities, have the same opportunity that I had. To play freely, develop their own identities and experience sport as something that is empowering, not restrictive.

One important aspect is of the role of sport in creating a sense of community and belonging. Aidan, William and Robert talked about how playing with others builds trust, strengthens relationships and reinforces cultural identity. This is especially important for the Indigenous youth, who typically face marginalization and systemic barriers. Sport is able to create a safe space where individuals can connect with others who have had similar experiences.

Another major point is mental health and resilience. Aidan, William and Robert explained that participating in sport helped to manage mental health problems, stress and any trauma they were feeling. Movement can be viewed as a way to find balance and process emotions, this point of view aligns with traditional healing practices.

Sport is also a form of empowerment and resistance. For a number of Indigenous athletes, taking part in sport is a way to challenge stereotypes and reclaim space. It allows for the celebration of their culture, strength and history in a positive way.

Lastly, the video emphasizes the connection between traditional Indigenous values and sport, like respect, perseverance and discipline. All types of Indigenous teachings highlight the importance of taking good care of one’s body, and sport has a similar holistic approach to well-being.

This video shows how sport can be a valuable tool for growth, healing and cultural revitalization within Indigenous communities.

A colonial approach to the development of sport means imposing Western priorities, structures and decision making processes rather than allowing Indigenous communities to shape and lead their own sport development. For instance, policies and funding could be dictated by government agencies without any proper consultation with Indigenous leaders or athletes. This could lead to programs that fail to reflect Indigenous ways of learning and competing, worldviews,  and traditions.

Horn-Miller also talks about the systemic and bureaucratic barriers indigenous athletes often face. Many Indigenous communities do not have access to proper resources, facilities and geographic isolation, making access to competitive opportunities more difficult. Rather than addressing these inequalities, government driven solutions typically focus on Western-style elite competition.

Indigenous sport typically involves spirituality, healing an culture, which Western sport models could overlook. Proper Indigenous sport development should put cultural practices, self-determination and holistic well-being first, instead of just integrating Indigenous athletes into mainstream systems

Horn-Miller’s statement highlights the need for Indigenous-led initiatives, where communities have dominion over how the sport is developed, funded and implemented to make certain it properly serves Indigenous peoples.

Canadian hockey is deeply connected to national identity, with a number of cultural symbols shaping its discourse. The maple leaf is one of Canada’s strongest symbols, typically seen on team logos, jerseys and fan merchandise, reinforcing hockey’s role in Canadian pride. This is just one of the many symbols Canada has. But the image I chose was the outdoor rink. Usually portrayed in the winter, the outdoor rink represents the grassroot beginnings of a number of players and the notion of hockey as a unifying community tradition