Evaluating the impacts of an outdoor adventure leadership experience program in a rural aboriginal community

Abstract

This research study stems from the findings and results of previous research conducted in collaboration with Laurentian University and Wikwemikong as it relates to youth and sport participation. An outdoor adventure leadership experience program was co-designed and implemented within the community of Wikwemikong for the youth between the ages of 12 – 18 years. The impacts of a 10-day outdoor adventure leadership experience program, five years after the initial intervention is the basis of this research study. The research findings suggest that the 10-day Outdoor Adventure Leadership Experience program has demonstrated mno-bimaadziwin (the good life) thereby having an impact on the overall health and well-being of the youth leaders and their families. The community of Wikwemikong has demonstrated the commitment to make use of the findings as a result of the research; the findings and recommendations are tangible products used for the betterment of community programs and services. Keywords Talking circle, medicine wheel, mno-bimaadziwin (the good life), indigenous research, participatory action research