The University of British Columbia (Faculty of Education), the Indigenous Physical Activity and Cultural Circle, the Health & Fitness Federation of Canada, the Health & Fitness Society of BC, and the Indigenous Health & Physical Activity Program (UBC) are proud to announce that Vancouver hosted the 8th International Society for Physical Activity and Health (ISPAH) Congress, October 12 to 14, 2021.
The ISPAH Congress represents the world’s largest forum related to physical activity and public health. ISPAH is recognized as the leading global society focusing on promoting physical activity across the lifespan.
Conducted in a virtual manner owing to the COVID-19 pandemic, the 8th ISPAH Congress brought together thought-leaders, policy makers, community leaders, Indigenous elders, and researchers from countries from all over the world for conversation, debate, and innovation based on the theme of “The Wholistic Approach to Health and Wellness through Physical Activity: Body, Spirit, and Mind.” A key objective of the conference was on promoting wholistic health and wellness within Indigenous communities.
Indigenous Studies in Kinesiology aspires to create an inter-disciplinary research space where under-/graduate students, faculty and community scholars can work collaboratively in exploring the relationship between Indigenous physical cultures, physical activity, health and wellbeing. Projects emerging from this stream use a community-based approach that builds on community strengths in producing knowledge that is both culturally responsive and relevant.
We proudly support the National Indigenous Peoples Day. This day is for all Canadians to recognize, support, and celebrate the unique heritage, diverse cultures and traditions, and remarkable contributions of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples.
We are extremely proud of the accomplishments of Dr. Rosalin Miles. Here is an important and powerful discussion that she recently had related to the importance of physical fitness for health and wholistic wellness in First Nations peoples. This video also highlights the RainForest Trail Run organized by Dr. Doug Clement, Diane Clement, the Achilles International Track and Field Society, Dr. Miles, and partners (including the Indigenous Studies in Kinesiology program at the University of British Columbia).
The Indigenous Studies in Kinesiology program is designed to introduce students, faculty, and staff to Indigenous understandings of health and well-being providing comprehensive insight into the complex social, cultural, historical, and economic factors that shape healthy living within Indigenous communities.
We are honoured to announce that Dr. Rosalin Miles, Research Associate and Community Leader, in the Indigenous Studies in Kinesiology program and member of the Lytton First Nation has been awarded the 2019 Hidden Heroes award. We are very proud of all of work that Dr. Miles has done and continues to do for Indigenous peoples throughout Canada.
For more information on this award, please see the Special Announcement created by the School of Kinesiology
For over 50 years, UBC’s Faculty of Education has served the international education community through leadership in research, service, and advocacy. One of the leading faculties of education in the world, we prepare professionals for practice in a wide range of education-related fields, from preschool through adulthood.
A sincere congratulations to Henry Lai who successfully defended his MSc thesis entitled “CO-CREATION OF A STRENGTHS-BASED APPROACH TO IMPROVE CARDIOMETABOLIC HEALTH: A COMMUNITY-BASED AND INDIGENOUS LED HEALTHY LIFESTYLE INTERVENTION.” We are proud of you!
We are proud to closely partner with the Indigenous Physical Activity and Cultural Circle (IPACC) (www.iactive.ca). IPACC is a network for Indigenous people who are involved in Sports, Recreation, Fitness and Traditional Activities. The IPACC mission is to create a community of mentors, leaders, participants, and supporters who promote physical activity as a way to health and wellness. Check out our site for news and updates posted below.
National Indigenous Physical Activity and Wellness Conference
We are proud to collaborate annually with IPACC to host the National Indigenous Physical Activity and Wellness Conference. This is the nation’s largest conference on Physical Activity & Wellness for First Nations, Métis and Inuit people, created for all of those with an interest in sports, recreation, fitness, and traditional activity who may be band council members; health directors, representatives, or health practitioners; counsellors or social workers; federal, provincial, or municipal health employees; academics; researchers; recreation workers; coaches; fitness instructors; cultural leaders; community members, and all others interested in the promotion of health and wellness through physical activity. In addition there will is a trade show for Indigenous organizations and mainstream businesses to share their services and products.
