Physical activity-based, wholistic, wellness interventions for Indigenous women in Canada: An environmental scan to identify programs and promising practices.

objectivesThis environmental scan has two aims. The first is to identify wholistic, physical activity (PA)-based wellness interventions for Indigenous women in Canada through the completion of a scoping review of published and grey literature and key informant interviews. The second is to identify promising practices and potential barriers to intervention development and delivery.

methodsComponents of the environmental scan included (1) the creation of a logic model in collaboration with a community-based Advisory Group, (2) a scoping review of wholistic PA-based wellness interventions between January 1990 and March 2022, (3) key informant interviews of individuals involved in PA-based wellness programming, and (4) thematic analysis of promising practices, enablers, and barriers found in both the articles and interviews. SYNTHESIS: The scoping review identified 16 interventions. Through key informant interviews, 6 additional interventions were identified. Programs were largely community-based and culturally appropriate. Financial factors were the most common barrier. Walking as a form of PA was commonly employed and key informant interviews highlighted the importance of exploring on-the-land activities, group activities, and the incorporation of all elements of wholistic health (mental, physical, spiritual, and emotional). Only one study employed Indigenous research methods.

conclusionThere is limited published literature and a dearth of PA-based, wholistic health programs for Indigenous women in Canada. More programming and research are required to address the unique health needs of Indigenous women and mitigate the legacy impacts of colonization on health.