The Impact of Land-Based Physical Activity Interventions on Self-Reported Health and Well-Being of Indigenous Adults: A Systematic Review

Abstract

For many Indigenous communities, decreased participation in traditional land-based activities has led to higher rates of chronic disease and a decrease in well-being. This systematic review explores how traditional land-based activities impact self-reported health and well-being of Indigenous adults, using Indigenous and Western perspectives. A search of three electronic databases (PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science) identified nine studies which explored the experiences and perspectives of Indigenous adults taking part in land-based subsistence and ceremonial activities. A thematic analysis of these studies identified many interconnected physical, spiritual, mental, emotional, and community benefits. Community engagement throughout all stages of the interventions was an important factor in effectively addressing challenges and barriers stemming from colonization, decreased knowledge transfer, and increased use of technology. Participants reported developing more effective stress management techniques, a greater awareness of modifiable risk factors along with increased engagement with Elders. Ultimately, land-based subsistence and ceremonial activities were identified as playing an influential role in the lives of Indigenous adults. The involvement of community members allowed for the development of more culturally relevant interventions. Future community-specific research is needed to increase engagement in traditional physical-activities, improve well-being and overall reduce the risk of chronic disease.

Indigenous Land-Based Approaches to Well-Being: The Amisk (Beaver) Harvesting Program in Subarctic Ontario, Canada

“…On an individual level, the participants discussed the need for cultural engagement through activities, such as trapping, to provide them with access to traditional food, to obtain and share traditional knowledge, and to improve community supports. Our results were similar to a systematic review assessing the impacts of traditional ceremonial activities on Indigenous adults, where benefits at the physical, spiritual, mental, emotional, and community level were reported [ 76 ]. In the present study, when participants were on the land, many of the participants stated they felt they were who they were actually supposed to be, or experienced feelings of calmness, freedom, and relaxation.…”

Green Energy—Green for Whom? A Case Study of the Kabinakagami River Waterpower Project in Northern Canada

“…This has been reported for American Natives [127,128], the Maori people of New Zealand [129], and other First Nations people of Canada [130]. Recently published systematic reviews on the health-and-wellness impacts of traditional activities in Indigenous youth [131] and Indigenous adults [132] highlight the importance of land-based activities with respect to positive benefits for Indigenous peoples worldwide.…”

Predictors of Land-Based Activity Participation in a National Representative Sample of Indigenous Individuals Living Off-Reserve

“…Recent research has explored how land-based activities can promote wellbeing, resilience, and health outcomes among Indigenous adults [14][15][16]. Culture-as-treatment models are viewed as integral to Indigenous-specific interventions for mental health and wellbeing, and one way to address current disparities between Indigenous and non-Indigenous mental and physical health indicators [17][18][19][20].…”