In Decolonizing sport, the authors explain that colonialism didn’t just try to erase Indigenous cultures, but, it appropriated physical Indigenous practices to create this sort of settler identity. This effort to “make settlers Indigenous” looks like settlers adopting Indigenous sports and games (like lacrosse or snowshoe racing), but repacking them through a colonial lens. For example, lacrosse was transformed from a sacred Indigenous practice, into a regulated, Westernized competitive sport. This became disconnected from its original cultural and spiritual meanings.

By appropriating Indigenous movement practices, settlers sought out naturalizing their presence on Indigenous lands by claiming a kind of “authentic” Canadian identity, but without acknowledging the violence and dispossession that made settlement possible. The authors show the readers that this wasn’t a respectful borrowing but rather a political tool that reinforced colonial domination while masking it as a “cultural celebration”.

It highlights how sport, which is often seen as neutral or positive, has been deeply involved in the colonial project. The authors argue that true decolonization of sport involves returning control and authority over Indigenous sporting practices back to Indigenous peoples themselves, and not just including Indigenous elements in settler-dominated systems.

First, sport helps with healing from trauma. It serves as a therapeutic outlet for intergenerational trauma that stems from colonization and residential schools. Sport offers indigenous youth a constructive means to process pain, build resilience, and foster hope.

Second, sports help with cultural reconnection. By engaging in traditional Indigenous sports, like lacrosse, individuals can reconnect to their heritage. This helps reinforce cultural pride and identity.

Third, is community building. Sports create communal spaces where Indigenous people can gather, support one another, and strengthen social bonds. This enhances a collective well-being.

Fourth, is that sport helps support mental health. Participating in sport contributes to improved mental health by providing a new sense of purpose, belonging, and achievement; which are all vital for combating issues like depression and anxiety.

Finally, sport helps with spiritual wellness. For many, sport is intertwined with spiritual practices, aligning with the holistic approach to health that encompasses mind, body, and spirit.

These perspectives align with the concept of the medicine wheel, which emphasizes balance across physical, emotional, mental and spiritual dimensions.

I think going forward with Canadian history and sport, it should be mandatory to include the Indigenous history behind hockey, seeing as everyone associates hockey with Canada.