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Native sport course offered

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Submitted

A new, one-of-a-kind certificate program at the University of Alberta focuses on the vital and emerging field of building aboriginal health and wellness through sport and recreation.

Available to all U of A students beginning this fall, the Aboriginal Sport and Recreation certificate — unique in Canada — will teach relevant skills needed to work productively and respectfully with aboriginal communities to improve the lives of youth through organized sport and other physical activity.

“The skills taught in the certificate program focus on bringing a community-based approach to sport and recreation programming for Aboriginal people,” said Tara-Leigh McHugh, an assistant professor in the faculty of physical education and recreation who will help deliver the courses. “It is critical that aboriginal communities have a central voice in planning sports and physical activity for their youth.”

The certificate program was developed jointly by the faculty of native studies and the faculty of physical education and recreation. Embedded in a student’s degree program, the 30-credit certificate offers both core and optional courses touching on everything from traditional aboriginal recreational activities to sport management.