Author Archives: martinar

Vancouver Board of Education

Vancouver School Board: Aboriginal Education
Module 4. Blog # 5
Website: http://www.vsb.bc.ca/aboriginal-education
The Vancouver Board of Education (VBE) website hosts an internal link on Aboriginal Education with the Vancouver School district. It is a partnership initiative, between Aboriginal Communities, Ministry of Education and Vancouver School Board to improve the educational success and experience of Aboriginal Culture and Community. Basically the website is a silo that provides information to programs and services available within the VBE for Aboriginal Students. this also includes information about non-academic support services, cultural projects and initiatives that are related to Indigenous students.
This website, provides a glimpse into the cooperative nature of communities coming together and addressing the negative impact of colonization. Education and community health, I believe start as a process when you are young. The VBE is starting a process of reconciliation, by working together with Indigenous communities to address the needs of the youth and their academic needs. As I examine the whole VBE website, it seems to be an umbrella organization that tries to meet the needs of a very diverse cultural community. Although this is a partnership, the VBE still works with the system of education developed as a tool of colonization, thus it underlying purpose is to support the needs of the state. Maybe I read too much into this, but the Prussian Military developed the 12 step education program during the Napoleonic era to create law abiding, loyal product citizens for the state. This website links with the module fours concept of cultural awareness and partnership. It does not directly connect to my project, but does provide and insight into a contrast between the Nisga’s initiatives in education verses the Provinces.
The Aboriginal Education Enhancement Agreement 2010 – Year One Annual report, is a pdf file. This document is the basis for inclusion, direction and initiatives being taken to address the educational needs of Indigenous youth within the VBE area of control.
Link: http://www.vsb.bc.ca/sites/default/files/school-files/Programs/Aboriginal%20Education%20Enhancement%20Agreement%202010%20Year%20One%20Annual%20Report-%20Final.pdf

Facebook: Another Medium to Promote Cultural Idenity

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Native Canadian Center of Toronto (Facebook)
Module 4: Blog #4
Website: https://www.facebook.com/nativecentre

The Native Canadian Center of Toronto is a cultural center located with the city that provides links as website, on Facebook and Twitter. I will examine the Facebook site, as an example of using a social media site to promote activities, programs for Indigenous Peoples in the Toronto area. One key activity, posted and in the photo section is a fashion show, that showcased tradition apparel, set in the context of modern fashion for everyday use. This was designed and organized by Indigenous communities. The use of Facebook to promote cultural identity directly relates to the widespread use of social media in today’s society. This site represents the control and establishing a Native cultural identity online in the medium used by mainstream internet consumers. Unfortunately, I am not a Facebook users, having only set up my first Facebook account while on enrolled in the MET program. However, it is an excellent place to take control of cultural identity.

The use of Facebook represents a proactive approach to establishing a Indigenous voice online in the context of control the content and promoting cultural identity and awareness. I initially tried to use the Native Center of Toronto website, but decided their Facebook link would be an interesting exploration. This concept of proactive approach ties directly into my project on the Nisga’a as it supports the proactive approach of controlling the content.

The links within the Facebook site are broad, covering a variety of social, cultural events, programs and resources for Indigenous Peoples in the Toronto region. I was interested in the iTunes app link In the announcement section, the news is about “First Story Toronto” an iTunes app. After downloading the app, it is a map resource that links and event, activity territory and interactively provides direction to the event. It was developed in 2013. I am from the Toronto area, as youth some of places are familiar, but I did not relate them to First Nations cultural heritage.If you want to download this app, go to iTunes and search “First Story Toronto”

Partnership Initiatives

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Aboriginal Cultural Awareness
Module 4: Blog #3
Website: http://www.aboriginalawareness.ca/default.php

The Aboriginal Cultural Awareness Online (ACAO) is a joint effort between three partnership groups, Indigenous Leadership Development Institute, Milbrook Technologies and it is endorsed by the Assembly of First Nations. I have examined all three of these sites in the blog postings. The site is a silo for the sale of cultural awareness material that is tailored for a variety of sectors, including the workplace,K-12 education, and specific First Nations Territories. The central idea focuses on educating non-Indigenous populations about how to respect fully interact with them, in conjunction with addressing various misconceptions about First Nations communities.

The ACAO is an example of how the internet can bring together different interest ot develop a joint site that promotes all their interests. Also, this directly relates to the important role of establishing a cultural awareness within non-Indigenous communities about the living impact of colonization, by removing the negative lens placed on First Nations communities. I believe, this is directly related to the topic in my project, as a Indigenous initiative to proactively take control of their cultural identity by educating non-Indigenous peoples.

The only three links found within this site are the ones that endorsed it and set it up a website to sell products that proactively address cultural awareness in non-Indigenous communities.

Millbrook Technologies
www.millbrooktechnologies.com
Indigenous Leadership Development Institute Inc.
www.ildii.ca
Assemblyof First Nations
www.afn.ca

Private Business

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Millbrook Technologies
Module 4: Blog #2
Website: http://www.millbrooktechnologies.com/AboutUs.php

Millbrook Technologies (MT) is a IT company owned by the Milbrook First Nations in Nova Scotia, that work with other First Nations across Canada in supporting community initiatives. There is a IT service in all aspects of a competitive company, that helps identify and control delivery of content online. They are also partnered with the Assembly of First Nation, Indigenous Leadership Development Institute to promote cultural awareness in First Nations Communities. I would consider this a private sector company, as it needs to generated sales to stay afloat. As a First Nations Company they specialize in working with partners on Federal Crown Projects, thus promoting Indigenous identity and ownership. Also, they initiate online training, such as Aboriginal Cultural Awareness (as discussed in Module 4 Blog 3) for non-Indigenous populations.

Although, MT is not directly related to my project it does resonate with the concept of the Module 4 theme of cultural responsiveness. As I read through the MT site, the idea of controlling content became a focal point. As MT is First Nations owned, but has to compete on a National market, it may be a preferred company as its interest lie in promoting cultural identity. I would further argue that, First Nations, such as the Nisga (the focus in my project), controlling the delivery of content online is central to promoting cultural identity. Furthermore, there is two sides to this promotion, internal or within First Nations Communities, and adjusting the lens of the non-Indigenous viewer.

As this site could be considered a private business, I found no external links to partnership groups. The site is current and was set up in 2008.

Developing Leadership Skill

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The Indigenous Leadership Development Institute Inc.
Module 4: Blog #1
Website: http://www.ildii.ca/leadership-initiatives/

The Indigenous Leadership Development Institute (ILDI) is a non-profit volunteer organization that helps develop leadership abilities in Indigenous communities. The intent is to develop community leaders who will help prepare the communities for the challenges of the 21^st century. The ILDI is similar to a consulting firms as it works with education institutes, governments and the private sector that provide governance programs at a set cost for members in Canada and the United States

This site provides an insight into the use of the internet to address an issue of moving forward in the 21^st century as Indigenous communities take charge of their interests in a Global community. Also, I believe this site represents, as a non-profit site, an excellent initiative of steering the course in re-establishing cultural indemnity and language, as it prepare community leaders for the socio-political arena of the Nation State. The ILDI is not directly related to my project, on establishing cultural identity online, it does provide an insight into how the internet can be used to promote perceived deficiencies in Indigenous communities, and develop programs to reach isolated communities in Canada and the United States.

The ILDI has links to a variety of sites that promote the establishment and reconnection to cultural indemnity. The link I found on Aboriginal Women Leaders, highlights women’s leadership in communities, which is a proactive approach to developing a strong cultural identity in the community.link http://aboriginalwomenleaders.com/Home/tabid/36/Default.aspx

Interactive Resource: Residential Schools

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Where are All the Children? Healing the Legacy of Residential Schools

Module 3: Blog #5

Website: http://www.wherearethechildren.ca/flash/WATCSite.html

I found this site when I first visited “Legacy of Hope Foundation” which is my first blog in module three. The depth of resources available in this site is phenomenal. The site has many links that lead to different sections. Starting with the blackboard, which uses pictures, oral and written text that outlines the history of residential schools and the impact it had on Indigenous Peoples in Canada. Another section examines a map of Canada, moving chronologically showing the location of Residential Schools from Confederation to present. The 3D tour of a Mohawk residential school provides a glimpse into the negative impact of colonialism. This inquiry based site, also use video to digitize the stories of Residential School Survivors.

This site is a valuable resource, which I will use in teaching “First Nations Studies” at Chilliwack Secondary School. I believe, this site represents a proactive approach to revising the lens of colonialism and re-examining the impact that Residential Schools had on Indigenous people across Canada. My project on the Nisga’a website, also examines residential schools, but form their communities’ perspective. Because this site is interactive, set in a Web 2.0 learning platform, there is not any outside links to resources.

This link is pdf found in the bookcase section of the website, outlining how to use the resoucres in found in the site as a education resource within the classroom. I am very impressed with the depth of interactive material within this site. http://www.wherearethechildren.ca/flash/assets/pdf/TeachersGuide.pdf

Reconciliation through Youth Dialogue: A Federal Government Initiative

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Canadian Roots Exchange

Module 3: Blog #4

Website: http://canadianroots.ca/

The Canadian Roots Exchange (CRE) is Federal initiative in Canada that brings together Indigneous and non-Indigenous youth to build relationships and break down sterotypes. The cross-national programs offered by the CRE create a dialogue to foster understanding and reconciliation. However, the cost of the sending youth to workshops, (I day to 2 days) averages about $400., which may put this out of reach for many youth who come from low income families, even though the CRE does offer some bussaries to cover the cost.

The concept of reconciliation, by creating dialogue between Indigenous and non-Indigenous youth is an excellent proactive approach to creating understanding and trust, thus addressing the yoke of colonialism. However, the CRE is a Federal initiative, and in many ways can be precieved as having a hidden agenda. Although, I would not speculate on this agenda, the record of “Indian Affairs” in Canada is directly linked to colonialism and cultural genocide.

As my journey of research expands, I am trying to examine government sites, while attempting to remove my lens of view as ingrained into my education in regards to First Nations. This site, contrasts the Nisga’a government website, in that it is a blending of cultures as Indigenous, whereas the Nisga’a present themselves; as Nisga’a.

Addition Links: There is various education resources available, from reading list to videos..

This You Tube video is about First Nation Hero’s; I have always examined role models in a good light, but as the concept of hero’s or hero worship is problematic. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Ul4KmHlzMc

This video comes with a $25 download cost. This is a CRE video that examines the benefits of bring together the two cultures, as an aspect of reconciliation: http://canadianroots.ca/en/photos-videos/?gallery=videos#!prettyPhoto[videos]/0/

Aboriginal Youth: Taking Action for the Health of Their Respective Communities

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Taking Action! Art and Aboriginal Youth for HIV Prevention

Module 3: Blog #3

Website: http://www.takingaction4youth.org/

The Taking Action! Project: Art and Aboriginal Youth Leadership for HIV Prevention (TAP) is a national project working with Aboriginal youth and communities across Canada. This site links together digital stories, with youth art, communities and resources/ information on HIV to initiate a proactive approach to HIV prevention. The site creates awareness that HIV affects Indigenous youth and communities at higher rates across Canada. Furthermore, the site supports and offers workshops supported by Elders within communities and online that deconstruct and/ or unpacks the inequalities within Indigenous communities, HIV risk and culture. The proactive approach links Elders to active youths as a building block in HIV prevention.

Although this site is not directly linked to my project, it is another example of a proactive Indigenous voice that reconnects youth to their culture, by doing something for their communities. Also, this site connects the inequalities of created by colonialism, to a higher HIV rate in Indigenous commities to the videos of hope seen in this weeks readings. I would further agrue that Residental Schools play a role in the disconnection and higher HIV rates.

Additional Links: There is a vast amount of resources found within this site stretching to all corners of Canada.

The Canadian Aborginal Aids Network: http://www.caan.ca/

The Vancouver Native Health Society: http://www.vnhs.net/

Also the site uses oral history, for advocacy of Indigenous rights and taking action against the spread of HIV. I watched a few of the videos, but was most move by Renee’s story. How her childhood heritage was hidden from here as a Metis, to protect her from the stereotypes surrounding her heritage.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=yLWyCO7Yw-A#at=51

Indigenous and the UN

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Cultural Survival 40 Years

Module 3: Blog #2

Website: http://www.culturalsurvival.org/about

The Cultural Survival website (CSW), is basically a mechanism that promote advocacy of Indigenous voice on a global scale centered on the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples in 2007. The CSW promotes itself as an organization that is partnered with, and acts as a consultative organization to the United Nations. The various programs found within the site, include links to a quarterly magazine, advocacy links and help with abuse of Native rights, and environmental destruction of Native lands. The Cultural Survival Foundation is a charitable organization that is run through donations and is center in in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and satellite offices are located in Guatemala and Colorado.

The main reason I examined this site is it represents how the internet can be used to empower Indigenous people to protect their cultural heritage from the negative impact of colonialism as represent in the modern Nation State. Furthermore, I wanted to examine Indigenous rights on a global scale by expanded my resources outside of Canada. This site use more of a proactive global approach, with ties to international organization, such as the UN, which contrast the site I base my research project on, the Nisga’a Government site. The Nisga’a site, is more about anchor the community to a cultural heritage and bringing together a community and reconnecting them to the past so they can move forward in the future.

One major problem I found with the site is that not all the links worked, even though the site was updated in 2013.

Here are two links to UN sites dealing with Indigenous rights on a global scale.

http://www.ohchr.org/EN/Issues/IPeoples/IPeoplesFund/Pages/IPeoplesFundIndex.aspx

http://www.ohchr.org/EN/Issues/IPeoples/EMRIP/Pages/EMRIPIndex.aspx

Residential Schools: Resource Rich Website

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Legacy of Hope Foundation

Module 3: Blog #1

Website: http://www.legacyofhope.ca/home

The Legacy of Hope Foundation (LHF) website is a chartiable organization that works with First Nations, Inuit and Metis to address the negative impact of Residential School. The LHF provides resources and links to sites as represented by thierr mission statement of working with survivors of aboriginal communities. Also, the LHF has other reseource for educators that can be used in the classroom to aid in teaching effectively on the impact that residential school had on Aborginal Peoples in Canada.

The search for these resources started after I read and listen to the interview by Heather McGregor. As a Social Studies teacher, I am always trying to improve and expand my teaching base. Residential schools is part of my teaching approach in Social Studies 10 and 11. This also, links to my project idea of living history and the need for Aboriginal Peoples being proactive in taking the lead in education. I went to one of the links and order an education kit for my classroom while touring the various resources for teachers. I believe this is a valuable resource for educators in aiding in developing lessons plans to remove the lens of colonial interpretation on history and teach a revisionist Indigenous history.

Although, the LHF represents a charitable organization, it is hard to determine if this was a Federal Government developed site or a First Nations initiative.

The various links found within this site provide access to a wealth of areas for resources and information about the impact of residential school.

Excellent resource for teachers as an interactive site: http://www.wherearethechildren.ca/

Provides a link to order resources for the classroom: http://www.legacyofhope.ca/projects/100-years-of-loss-edu-kit-and-teacher-bundle After viewing the resources on this site I ordered it for my teaching practice.