Indigenous Sport and Recreation Graduate Certificate

This introductory course will cover an outline of historical and contemporary issues relevant to Indigenous peoples in settler/colonial states. Students will critically understand political, social and historical relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples in settler/colonial States. Engagement with Indigenous knowledge and belief frameworks will be central to the course materials. (4 credits)

Students who successfully complete the course will be able to:

• Engage with Indigenous epistemological frameworks in order to analyze issues from an Indigenous approach.
• Outline historical and contemporary issues relevant to Indigenous peoples in settler/colonial states.
• Identify the political, social and historical relationships and intergenerational impacts between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples in settler/colonial states.
• Explain the ways in which contemporary Indigenous peoples decolonize themselves from the effects of colonialism through sport and recreation.

Course Instructor: Dr. Tara-Leigh McHugh

Dr. McHugh's research is broadly focused on enhancing the sport, physical activity, and body image experiences of youth. Through qualitative and collaborative research approaches her research provides an in-depth exploration of the psychological aspects of such experiences. Dr. McHugh has extensive experience working with women and girls, as well as Indigenous youth. Her commitment to community-based participatory research has supported the success of her nationally funded program of research

The second course will describe the historical and contemporary roles of physical activity and sport (sport, recreation and leisure practices) in the lives of Indigenous people. Course content will include the potential role of physical activity in the promotion of Indigenous peoples' holistic health as well as critique the conceptual and theoretical frameworks used to understand and promote physical activity. (4 credits)

Students who successfully complete the course will be able to:

• Describe the historical and contemporary roles of physical activity, including sport and recreation, in the lives of Indigenous peoples
• Examine the potential positive role of physical activity in the promotion of Indigenous peoples' health
• Critique and apply conceptual and theoretical frameworks used to understand and promote the physical activity of Indigenous peoples

Course Instructor: Dr. Tara-Leigh McHugh

Dr. McHugh's research is broadly focused on enhancing the sport, physical activity, and body image experiences of youth. Through qualitative and collaborative research approaches her research provides an in-depth exploration of the psychosocial aspects of such experiences. Dr. McHugh has extensive experience working with women and girls, as well as Indigenous youth. Her commitment to community-based participatory research has supported the success of her nationally funded program of research.

In this third course, students will acquire a strong knowledge of management concepts in sport, recreation, and physical activity. Students will gain an understanding of the application of management knowledge in Indigenous communities as well the development of funding models germane to delivering programs in Indigenous communities.
(4 credits)

Students who successfully complete the course will be able to:

• To gain an understanding of sport management concepts;
• Foster critical thinking about mainstream approaches to Indigenous sport, recreation, and physical activity;
• To advance knowledge of Indigenous approaches to sport, recreation, and physical activity programs;
• To gain an awareness of Indigenous ethical considerations regarding the development of programs and research;
• To develop practical knowledge and skills regarding community-based partnership development;
• To develop practical knowledge and skills regarding funding opportunities as they apply to Indigenous sport, recreation, and physical activity; and,
• To engage in graduate level thinking and theorizing about Indigenous concepts as they apply to sport, recreation, and physical activity.

Course Instructor: Dr. Tricia McGuire-Adams 

Applications are currently being accepted. Space is limited, secure your spot today. Click here to apply.

Application Deadline: August 5, 2022

Tuition and fees for this Graduate Certificate is approx $5,100 and excludes conference fees, accommodations, meals and transportation for the one week learning experience that students are responsible for.

This program will be of interest to:

• Recreation professionals, kinesiologists, exercise specialists
• Educators, Elementary & Secondary
• Allied health professionals
• Physicians, Nurses
• Law Enforcement Officials
• Programmers/Program Directors
• Non-profit sport organizations

Courses will provide an in-depth study on historical and contemporary issues in the areas of health and wellness, recreation management and physical activities as it relates to Indigenous communities. Students will be able to identify and discuss key policies that influence recreation, sport and physical activity programs in Indigenous communities and engage communities. Students will examine potential role of physical activity in the promotion of Indigenous peoples' holistic health.

The one week face-to-face learning experience will provide an opportunity for students to meet, connect, and learn with others in the cohort and share experiences and knowledge. This component is extremely valuable in an online learning environment.

• Eligible students will have an Undergraduate Degree (if you do not meet this requirement, please contact the Manager, Community Education at KSRCertificates@ualberta.ca)
• For those students whose first language is not English, please refer to FGSR's English Language proficiency found here.
• A minimum of 2 years related work experience.
• A current curriculum vitae/resume.
• A letter of intent.
• 1 professional letter of reference

The next cohort will begin in September 2021. Applications are now being accepted until August 6th, 2021. Space is limited, be sure to secure your sport today.

The certificate is offered using a cohort model; students who enroll in the program will complete all three courses and face to face learning experience together and will take the courses in the prescribed order over a 10 month period.

Please contact the Manager of International and Community Education at KSRCertificates@ualberta.ca if you have any questions about the courses or program.

The Indigenous Sport and Recreation Certificate can be laddered into a course-based Master of Arts degree program in the Faculty of Kinesiology, Sport, and Recreation. Completion of one or more Graduate Certificates does not guarantee admission into a Master of Arts or Master of Arts in Recreation and Leisure or other graduate programs. Prospective students will be required to apply and meet admission requirements of the specific Masters program to which they are applying.

Th​is​ proposed certificate support​s​ the recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Report which speaks directly to sport, education, and leadership. The relevant recommendations are below.

87. We call upon all levels of government, in collaboration with Aboriginal peoples, sports halls of fame, and other relevant organizations, to provide public education that tells the national story of Aboriginal athletes in history.

88. We call upon all levels of government to take action to ensure long-term Aboriginal athlete development and growth, and continued support for the North American Indigenous Games, including funding to host the games and for provincial and territorial team preparation and travel.

89. We call upon the federal government to amend the Physical Activity and Sport Act to support reconciliation by ensuring that policies to promote physical activity as a fundamental element of health and well-being, reduce barriers to sports participation, increase the pursuit of excellence in sport, and build capacity in the Canadian sport system, are inclusive of Aboriginal peoples.

90. We call upon the federal government to ensure that national sports policies, programs, and initiatives are inclusive of Aboriginal peoples, including, but not limited to, establishing:

• In collaboration with provincial and territorial governments, stable funding for, and access to, community sports programs that reflect the diverse cultures and traditional sporting activities of Aboriginal peoples.
• An elite athlete development program for Aboriginal athletes.
• Programs for coaches, trainers, and sports officials that are culturally relevant for Aboriginal peoples.
• Anti-racism awareness and training programs.