Children’s play in Cree culture

Abstract

The world is full of many diverse ways of knowing and beautiful cultures, each shaping human development profoundly. A significant part of human development occurs during childhood and through children’s play. Although there is accumulated empirical evidence on cultural differences in young children’s play, there is a lack of research regarding Indigenous children’s play. As a result, I have researched the unique characteristics of Cree culture and its relation to indigenous children’s play. Cree culture holds to a circular worldview and uses the Medicine Wheel to define the four aspects of a child that must be nurtured: the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual. Language, familial roles, and relationship to the land also play a role in shaping Cree children’s play. Focusing the uniqueness of a single Indigenous culture and traditions, such as Cree, allows those who work and interact with Cree children and families to gain an understanding, respect and appreciation for their needs, ways of thinking and engagement in play.

Department: Human Services and Early Learning

Faculty Mentor: Dr. Ozlem Cankaya