Sport and recreation for Indigenous peoples with neurodevelopmental disabilities in Canada: an empty scoping review and call to action.

Abstract

Sport and recreation are central to physical health, social inclusion, and community well-being. Indigenous Peoples and individuals with neurodevelopmental disabilities (NDDs) both experience systemic barriers to participation; however, the intersection of these identities remains underexplored. This Indigenous-led scoping review examined the current state of published and grey literature on sport and recreation for Indigenous Peoples with NDDs in Canada and considered what research, policy, and practice gaps are evident in, or suggested by, this literature. Guided by PRISMA-ScR, comprehensive searches of academic and grey literature databases were conducted using terms related to Indigenous identity, neurodevelopmental disability, and sport or recreation. Using the PRISMA-ScR, two reviewers independently screened titles, abstracts, and full texts according to predefined inclusion criteria. Of 326 records identified, zero studies met eligibility criteria. The absence of eligible studies indicates a critical gap in research, policy, and programming. Indigenous Peoples with NDDs remain invisible within sport and recreation scholarship, underscoring the urgent need for Indigenous-led, culturally grounded, and inclusive research initiatives.