Ultimate as a tool in promoting active, healthy living in First Nation communities

Context and background Aboriginal Cancer Control Unit at CCO Engagement and health promotion in cancer prevention (commercial tobacco) Emphasis on school-aged kids 95 of 133 First Nations in Ontario are rural or remote Why Ultimate? Inexpensive (gear, fees, etc.) Fun Healthy (physical activity & chronic disease) Spirit of the game …

Like-minded principles Spirit of the Game Respect of others Self-officiated Play hard Respect rules Discussion (unity) Fair-minded Know the rules 7 Sacred Teachings Love Respect Courage Honesty Wisdom Humility Truth

The trial effort M’Chigeen First Nation, Manitoulin Island Grades 5,6 (day 1); Grades 7,8 (day 2) At school, involved teachers, supportive principal Collaboration with ACCU/CCO and the Union of Ontario Indians Thank you to Art Hawkins fund, Danny and Danielle, Tony Jocko, CCO

Observations Kids loved it – most participated School embraced it (curriculum) Great publicity Word of mouth

Big Trout Lake FN Constance Lake FN Thessalon FN M’Chigeeng FN Tungasuvvingat Inuit

Different every time – real need to be flexible Venues: small gym, community rink, school field, local park … Can have broad age ranges (ages ) Context

Often “just showing up” is success Our job to make it fun and engaging Ebb and flow can affect any planning Nutrition breaks – importance of balance Context

Introductions and explanation of ultimate Warm-up Throwing 101 Throwing fun (long shots, cuts, target practice) Games (circle throw - kids made up the rules) Scrimmage What we do

Important to be realistic with goals Our goals: Teach joy of sport / spirit of game Get kids passionate about throwing discs Learnings

What has worked? Engaging with FNIM community leaders for their support Link with existing resources where available Work with an established structure (schools) Grouped by ages Female coach / role models

Learnings No legacy of failure Not a gendered sport Throwing is an equal opportunity skill Spirit (in context of SOTG) already completely present – but important to remind during play

Learnings Kids are kids everywhere Quick to warm up Generous in spirit Cultural sensitivity Important to understand the context – which is unique in each community Caution with “hand-offs” to other local groups

Getting organized Looking for resources (or to help develop resources) for training and sustaining ultimate in rural and remote communities Volunteer-driven enterprise Sustainability Partnerships with schools and leagues Investing in local champions within community