From Practice to Praxis

Abstract

Through research grounded in praxis, sport psychologists can seek to understand and then help meet the motivational needs of sport participants from marginalized cultures. The present report unveils the recommendations of 23 elite Canadian Aboriginal athletes and subsequent community meetings with an Aboriginal community regarding how to enhance sport programming and increase enrollment of youth within a First Nations reserve. Data were analyzed inductively with the coding of themes developed by community consensus, reflecting barriers to sport participation and recommendations regarding how programming can be refined through training strategies with youth participants, parents, and sport and recreation staff. Recommendations include educating youth about the value of persistence and success, encouraging coaches to foster positive beliefs, and integrating Aboriginal role models.