(April 15, 2021) – A unique project to educate Indigenous children and youth about cultural activities, while also encouraging physical activity, has launched through a photography contest.
Open to photographers of all ages and abilities, the Indigenous Sport, Physical Activity & Recreation Council’s (I·SPARC) Healthy Living team will hand out grand prizes of $25 gift certificates to the winners whose photos will be featured on a set of activity cards linking Indigenous cultural sports and activities to physical literacy. The grand prize winners will also receive a set of the cards. Every photo submitted will also be entered into a draw for three prizes of $100 gift cards – the more photos you submit, the more entries you receive for a chances to win.
The activity cards will be used to educate school-age children and youth by encouraging active lifestyles by featuring examples of fundamental movements such as non-locomotor skills (balance, twist, reach, squat, crunch), locomotor skills (jump, swim) and manipulative skills (row, throw) and on the other side a learning experience that is relative to Indigenous cultural sports and activities. The cards are a way to start discussions with young people about their Nations, family histories, language, cultural practices and how each movement is needed for the cultural activities. The cards also include a suggested fun and creative activity for children and youth that utilizes that movement.
Photo submissions must feature children (from Kindergarten to Grade 7) doing one of the 27 activities found below. There is no limit to the number of photographs one person can submit and all photos shortlisted are candidates to be used by I·SPARC in other promotional functions (social media, reports, posters, banners, website etc.) Entries are accepted through email by sending them to kpatton@isparc.ca, with consent forms, or through the Wufoo form (preferred) found below.
