Educators across Canada are coming to realize the rights of the many ethnic groups that make up our society. In addition to the rights that all persons are to enjoy, there is a growing awareness of the richness that ethnic diversity brings to the curriculum. To date, however, in physical education this has meant little more than the inclusion of a few games and dances from other countries. The challenge in physical education is to move from these token forms of recognition to a philosophy and practice that fully embody principles of multiculturalism. A true multicultural perspective in what we do in physical education with children must also recognize other cultural realities beyond race and ethnicity.
Gender equity is a vital consideration.
Outside of school hours, youth organize and take part in many activities in which they display a high degree of physical skill and adventure. Some of these activities are skateboarding, roller blading, mountain biking, football, juggling and Frisbee. Authentic multicultural curricula in physical education would also honor and help to preserve the cultural traditions of the many groups that are part of our society. This would of necessity involve the games, dances, language, celebrations and other forms of physical culture. Traditional mainstream Anglo-Saxon sports and activities will not suffice.