Project Niska - collaborative experiments in which sport acts as an intermediary between Indigenous and Colons

• In Event: Learning from Indigenous knowledge(s) and pedagogies: toward equity in education

Proposal

The project "Niska" represents a collaborative initiative between the DesÉquilibres Institute and the Indigenous community of Opiticiwan, part of the Atikamekw Nation in Quebec. It aims to explore how sport, physical activity, and outdoor engagement can contribute to sustainable development and human growth, particularly in areas like health, education, social cohesion, and employability. The project focuses on mutual enrichment, both culturally and personally, through a partnership between an external practitioner-researcher and members of the Atikamekw community.
The primary framework for "Niska" is the integration of culturally relevant sports activities to foster human and social development. The initiative is built around a series of physical training sessions, leading to a major sporting challenge involving three components: canoeing, cycling, and running. These activities were carefully chosen in alignment with the cultural realities and values of the Atikamekw people. By embedding these sports into a culturally respectful framework, the project not only promotes physical fitness but also strengthens cultural identity and community bonds.
Objectives and Scope
The key objective of "Niska" is to document the experiences and outcomes for participants, particularly focusing on the personal, social, and cultural impacts of the project. By studying the effects of the sporting challenge, the project seeks to understand how sport can serve as a medium for sustainable development within an Indigenous context. Specifically, the study examines how these activities promote cultural exchange, learning, and personal growth among participants, including the Indigenous youth who were involved in the project.
Furthermore, the project aims to explore how collaboration between Indigenous and non-Indigenous actors can foster understanding and shared knowledge. It also examines the specific competencies and approaches necessary for successfully implementing sports programs in Indigenous communities. One of the project’s primary interests is how sports can be leveraged to bridge cultural gaps while respecting the sovereignty and identity of Indigenous communities.
Methodology
The research methodology for "Niska" is qualitative, employing semi-structured individual interviews and a focus group to gather data. The sample includes seven individual interviews, conducted with the external practitioner-researcher, two Atikamekw coaches-in-training, and six Indigenous youth who participated in the project. Additionally, a focus group was held with five key community leaders, referred to as the "band council," to gain insights into the broader community perspective on the initiative. A reflective journal kept by the practitioner-researcher also forms a significant part of the data collection, offering personal insights into the dynamics of cross-cultural collaboration.
The interviews and focus groups provide an in-depth understanding of the participants' experiences and the project’s impacts. By involving both the local community and external actors, the research captures a multifaceted view of the initiative, highlighting how the project was received, adapted, and implemented in the specific cultural context of the Atikamekw Nation.
Key Findings and Results
The findings of the research emphasize several core mechanisms that contributed to the project's success. One of the central themes is the importance of collaborative efforts in developing a culturally sensitive sports program. The active participation of Atikamekw coaches and youth in shaping the initiative ensured that the project resonated deeply with the community’s cultural values, thereby fostering greater engagement.
The study also reveals a significant shift in the attitudes and awareness of the practitioner-researcher. Engaging with the Atikamekw community through sport provided the researcher with a deeper understanding of the cultural nuances and the importance of trust and respect in such collaborative projects. This mutual exchange facilitated a change in the researcher's approach, moving from a more structured, external view to a flexible, community-centered mindset that embraced the specific needs and values of the Indigenous participants.
For the Indigenous youth, the project was particularly meaningful as it emphasized the integration of cultural elements into the sporting activities. The participants expressed a strong sense of pride and attachment to the Atikamekw traditions highlighted during the challenge. By engaging in physical activities that were closely aligned with their cultural identity, the youth not only improved their physical skills but also deepened their connection to their heritage.
One of the critical aspects that emerged from the study was the role of the "eductraineur" (educator-trainer) model in the project. This approach, where members of the Indigenous community acted as the primary coaches and facilitators, was key to the project's success. The participants emphasized that having community members in these leadership roles made the initiative more relatable and accessible, fostering greater trust and engagement among the youth.
Challenges and Considerations
While the project saw significant success, it also highlighted several challenges in implementing collaborative sports initiatives in Indigenous communities. One of the main challenges identified was the need for continuous dialogue and flexibility when working across cultural boundaries. The project required ongoing adjustments to ensure that it remained culturally appropriate and aligned with the values and priorities of the Atikamekw community.
Another challenge was related to resource allocation and sustainability. Collaborative projects of this nature require adequate support, both in terms of funding and human resources. The research underscores the importance of long-term commitment from both external partners and community members to ensure the lasting impact of such initiatives.
Conclusion and Implications
The "Niska" project underscores the potential of sport as a tool for fostering cultural exchange, personal development, and social cohesion in Indigenous communities. By integrating physical activity with cultural relevance, the project succeeded in creating a platform for mutual learning and growth between the Atikamekw participants and the external practitioner-researcher. The findings highlight the importance of collaboration, cultural sensitivity, and community involvement in developing successful sports programs in Indigenous settings.
Moreover, the study provides valuable insights into the competencies and approaches required for practitioners working in cross-cultural contexts. These lessons have broader implications for how sport can be used as a vehicle for sustainable development and human growth in diverse cultural contexts.

Authors

• Tegwen Gadais, UQAM

• Laurie Décarpentrie, Université du Québec à Montréal