How community sport and recreation affect the health and wellbeing of Indigenous people: A qualitative systematic review and meta-aggregation

Background: Organised sport and recreation have the potential to promote physical, psychological and social health and wellbeing for individuals and communities. However, for Indigenous people, experiences of sport and recreation may be tempered by a lack of cultural safety and racism. This systematic review sought to synthesise qualitative findings on experiences of sport and recreation amongst Indigenous peoples in Australia, Aotearoa New Zealand, the United States, and Canada. Method: Following the Johanna Briggs Institute (JBI) guidelines for systematic review and meta-aggregation, a three-phase search strategy was employed. Studies were reviewed against the inclusion criteria by three reviewers. Characteristics of included studies, including methods and theoretical approach were summarised; studies were critically appraised using two tools; and findings of all studies were synthesised to identify over-arching themes. Results: Following identification and screening, 27 articles met the inclusion criteria, including 11 from Canada, 10 from Australia, five from New Zealand and one from the United States. Methodological characteristics were summarised. Through meta-aggregation, five themes were described: barriers and facilitators to engagement; physical health benefits; racism and discrimination; social and emotional wellbeing; and community spirit. Conclusions: These findings may assist sport and recreation administrators and leaders to provide culturally safe sport and recreation environments for Indigenous people and communities participating in sport and recreation. Specifically, for Indigenous peoples to enjoy the holistic benefits of sport and recreation participation, racism and discrimination need to be addressed.