Did you know that First Nations youth in New Brunswick are living healthy tobacco-free lifestyles thanks to sports and recreation?
One of the best examples of tobacco-free sports programs and initiatives is the North American Indigenous Games’ zero tolerance policy when it comes to recreational tobacco, alcohol, and drug use. The coaches, athletes and members from Team NB have reaped enormous benefits from following and ensuring compliance with this policy.
What Are the North American Indigenous Games?
The dream to hold Games for the Indigenous Peoples began in the 1970’s. The North American Indigenous Games (NAIG) showcases unity, sport, culture, youth, volunteerism and teamwork between First Nations, Metis and Non-Indigenous communities. The Games are governed by the NAIG Council, a 26-member council of representatives from 13 provinces and territories in Canada and 13 regions in the United States. According to the NAIG Council’s website, the Games’ mission is “to improve the quality of life for Indigenous Peoples by supporting self-determined sports and cultural activities which encourage equal access to participation in the social / cultural / spiritual fabric of the community in which they reside and which respects Indigenous distinctiveness.”
The Games are aimed at young people ages 13 to 21. Because of the importance of healthy role modeling for this target demographic, since 2002, a zero tolerance policy towards recreational tobacco, alcohol and drugs has been implemented.
NAIG is a program of the New Brunswick Aboriginal Sport and Recreation Authority (NBASRA). The NBASRA is a provincial organization committed to guiding, mobilizing and promoting a healthy, active lifestyle by developing sport and recreation opportunities for Aboriginal People in New Brunswick. This organization teaches leadership, offers support to others and helps achieve a healthier lifestyle using the ability of sport and recreation.
Recreational Tobacco Use Versus Traditional Use
“It’s important to note that the ban is on recreational tobacco use and not traditional tobacco use,” explains Jason Peters, who was Chef de Mission for Team NB during the 2014 North American Indigenous Games in Regina, Saskatchewan. “Tobacco is part of our traditional medicine wheel – a most sacred plant – along with sweetgrass, sage, and cedar.”
Tobacco smudging is an integral part of First Nations spirituality. “When you are smudged, it’s like a cleansing and purifying process,” says Peters. “You are able to start anew. For example, a community chief or elder might be smudged prior to a meeting so that he or she is able to lead the discussions with an open mind.”
Setting the Example
With this zero tolerance policy, the Games, and each team, such as Team NB, ensures that athletes and coaches are not using tobacco, alcohol or drugs during or after competitions – throughout the 7 to 10 days of the Games.
“There are many issues in our communities when it comes to tobacco, alcohol, and drug use,” says Peters. “With this zero tolerance policy, which Team NB has been enforcing, we want to encourage and model a balanced and healthy approach and lifestyles for our participants.”
The North American Indigenous Games’ zero tolerance policy for tobacco, alcohol and drugs shows impressive leadership. Not all large sporting events have the same strict guidelines.
“For us, the Games tap into much more than the physical aspect of sports,” explains Peters. “We encourage our athletes and participants to be “pure” or “clean” to be able to take part fully in the Games – both physically and spiritually. This means that no participant should be under the influence of substances like tobacco, alcohol or drugs.”
Peters says that Team NB has an established Code of Conduct that all members sign and adhere to, including mission staff, coaches, and athletes, which includes the zero tolerance policy on recreational tobacco, drug and alcohol use during the entirety of the Games. “We have a disciplinary committee should we need to take action if a coach or an athlete is caught using these substances. If the person is found guilty of non-respect of the code of conduct, he or she is sent on the first flight back home and thus misses out on the Games.”
Benefits of a zero tolerance for tobacco, alcohol, and drugs in sports and recreation
The coaches and athletes who represent their province and people at the NAIG often recall the experience as a powerful, often even life-changing event. “The pageantry and colors of the opening ceremony as well as the new connections and friendships made are very moving,” says Peters. “For some participants, this is the first time they’ve been outside their reserve. They are exposed to over 600 other First Nations and Métis communities who have their distinctive traditions and ways, all the while sharing a deep connection. I’ve seen coaches who had been smokers for 30 or 40 years use the cleansing nature of the Games and its anti-smoking policy – which means they have to be completely tobacco free for 7 to 10 days – help them get into healthier habits and quit smoking for life. Being in a leadership role among our young athletes and team members, and setting an example becomes a powerful motivator.”
The same goes for the Games’ many young athletes and participants who come together, make connections with peers and enjoy an amazing life experience, while role-modeling healthy behaviors among each other. “Many of our youth who take part in the NAIG realize that there is a bigger world out there outside their reserve. They see first hand that tobacco, alcohol, and drugs are not needed. Their interest in sports and recreation, and taking part in future Games, ensures that they remain on the right track.”
The leaders of the Team NB delegation also help ensure compliance with the zero tolerance policy by having a designated elder with them on the team to help council the athletes, participants and coaches. “This elder is very helpful, and can, for example, offer advice to participants who may be struggling with their nicotine withdrawal,” explains Peters.
He adds that, at first, when the policy was implemented in 2002, it was a bit difficult to ensure compliance. But nowadays, the policy has been accepted, and everyone is well aware of its importance. “Our Team has been very proactive is ensuring compliance. In the past, we’ve had to send two athletes home for non-respect of the policy. I think it’s very important that we show that we are strict and will enforce the policy without exceptions.”
The next North American Indigenous Games will be held in Toronto in 2017. We wish Team NB much success and may they continue to inspire other youth to live healthy and tobacco-free!
Photos and story used with permission.
Published in April 2016
By Nathalie Landry – NBATC Communications Coordinator