Older Métis Adults’ Experiences of Physical Activity and Implications to Health Providers

Physical activity supports health and wellness, and specifically supports healthy aging. Little is known about the experiences of older Métis adults with physical activity through their lifespan and how this has impacted wellness. This study was co-constructed with 12 older Métis adults in Sakitawak (Île-à-la-Crosse) Saskatchewan using a participatory action approach, two-eyed seeing and the ontology of Breath of Life Theory, as described by Cindy Blackstock. Older Métis adults described physical activity within three themes, Wahkotowin (Related to Everything), Ahkameyimowin (Never Give up), and E ti Meyo Matshohot (Becoming/Living a Better Life). The results of this study have implications for health care professions which are founded within biomedical and biopsychosocial models. We consider the context and experiences of physical activity among Indigenous populations in Canada to better address the gaps and identify practices that aim to support population health.