Arts & Recreation

We know that being involved in arts activities can improve people's mental and physical health and help build healthier communities. In particular, involvement in the arts has been shown to increase people's:

• self-esteem, pride and cultural identity
• sense of self-determination, control and belonging
• academic outcomes, skill development and employment pathways

These factors are linked with improvements in both mental and physical health. At the community level, involvement in the arts can:

• increase social cohesion and connections
• build a sense of community pride
• create a vibrant, creative and innovative community
• promote economic development
• decrease rates of crime, discrimination and violence, and reduce drug and alcohol consumption

Young people are saying that the lack of positive recreation options in their communities, the unhealthy living conditions, overcrowding in their homes and the amount of addiction and violence in many homes is isolating. Many spend much of their time gaming and online. This is not so different from what kids do in the south, but it becomes a problem when these isolating activities replace visiting friends or being on the land with family and elders.

We recognize that sport and recreation programs are not just about being healthy. They link us to our peers, communities and, perhaps most importantly, act as a tool for us combat the internal, personal and family-based struggles that are playing out in other parts of our lives. They contribute to our well-being and increase the likelihood we will have stronger and more positive relationships with our peers and the adults and elders in our communities.

First Nations youth need opportunities to be physically active in the community. This increased isolation from community has a negative impact on the physical and mental health of young people and is something that was mentioned constantly.

We need to work with our communities to create outdoor education activities. These activities will not need government funding. Volunteers with any kind of knowledge such as skills in sport, arts or living on the land can provide the training and skills we need.

Participation in creative activity is integral to Aboriginal culture and heritage. Music, dance, drawing and storytelling are used by Aboriginal people for celebrations and personal expression, to pass on knowledge and to record history. Involvement in the arts can also build and enforce cultural identity, connection to country and community pride.

We know that being involved in arts activities can improve people's mental and physical health and help build healthier communities. In particular, involvement in the arts has been shown to increase people's:

• self-esteem, pride and cultural identity
• sense of self-determination, control and belonging
• academic outcomes, skill development and employment pathways

These factors are linked with improvements in both mental and physical health. At the community level, involvement in the arts can:

• increase social cohesion and connections
• build a sense of community pride
• create a vibrant, creative and innovative community
• promote economic development
• decrease rates of crime, discrimination and violence, and reduce drug and alcohol consumption