Grant: Travel Awards - Institute Community Support

This study explored the determinants that influence physical activity and nutrition among Anishinaabe children. Eight focus groups were conducted with a total of 33 caregivers in six First Nation communities in northeastern Ontario. Participants reported that the patterns of physical activity among children in their communities are different from previous generations who were active through walking, outside play and physically demanding chores. Four themes emerged as influences on physical activity: lifestyle changes, technology, safety concerns, and the impact of the colonial legacy on community programs. Food systems in these First Nation communities have been influenced by colonialism. Food systems are the way in which food is procured, distributed, processed, the nutritional consequences, and the sociocultural meanings. Food used to be mainly from the land but is now mainly from the market although traditional foods remain important both nutritionally and culturally. Colonialism continues to impact on the health and well-being of Indigenous peoples in these six First Nation communities. Addressing obesity among children in First Nation communities requires the recognition of the effects of historical and contemporary colonialism on health behaviours. Healing from intergenerational trauma can take place through the continued revitalization of practices that connect Indigenous peoples to their culture and land through activities like hunting and fishing.