Author Archives: jordan mccuaig

https://www.un.org/development/desa/indigenouspeoples/publications/desktop-publications.html

The United Nations Indigenous Peoples resource page is the most extensive single database I have found yet. It features a massive “compilation of all available guidelines, books, studies, reports, articles, training materials and documentation on indigenous peoples from the UN system and relevant entities.” While I could hardly begin to read all of the content that is link on this page, I can say that many of the books have direct links to PDFs and several of the publications are available in multiple languages. There is also a section labelled Policies and Guidelines which provide a variety of approaches to dealing with issues such as poverty and intellectual property. There are even links to purpose built tool kits and webinars on on topics such as land rights. The website provide a link to hundreds of documents covering a very wide variety of issues and topics.

https://raventrust.com

Raven Trust is an organization which fundraises for and supports ecological and other causes that are relevant to indigenous communities. They are currently supporting 15 campaigns, and have supported groups from the Yukon in their win at the Supreme Court of Canada. Their websites states that they stand for fairness, and that they are the only non-profit charitable organization dedicated to the ongoing litigation in a variety of important cases. The information on the pages of legal cases they have supported is extensive and organized around particular ecological issues. They also have a variety of embedded videos as well as a page for posting updated news.

https://www.esf.edu/nativepeoples/

The Centre for Native Peoples and the Environment website features links to PDFs and videos, as well as information on Tradition Ecological Knowledge (TEK). The program objectives are categorized into education, research, and outreach. One positive aspect of this website is its synthesis of TEK and western scientific perspectives, explaining that both have roles to play in ecological preservation. It connects these problems to the cultural contexts in which they exist and seeks to create increased participation of indigenous people in the scientific community.

https://www.culturalsurvival.org

Cultural Survival is an example of an organization working towards pan-indigenous respect, recognition, and reconciliation. Their approach is to make changes through advocacy, media, grants, radio shows, and are funded through a combination of donations and the sale of goods directly from artists or fair trade vendors. They also publish a quarterly magazine featuring a variety of articles and opinion pieces and covering a wide variety of issues. I could definitely see teachers or school libraries benefitting from a subscription. The website also has a mailing list for news and events.

https://www.culturalsurvival.org/issues

The issues page covers their perspective on the common experiences and perspectives of indigenous groups around the world. It acknowledges that while there are massive differences in language, colonial experience, and geographical distribution, indigenous peoples nonetheless can benefit from using common political action through legally available mechanisms, communication strategies in order to amplify their voices, and approaches to dealing with extractive industries.

https://www.culturalsurvival.org/about

Finally, the About page explains that the organization is made up of a diverse board of directors and staff, including indigenous individuals. It is worth nothing that they are not an exclusively indigenous organization, and explain frequently on their website that they work primarily by partnering with indigenous communities.

https://indigenouspeoplesatlasofcanada.ca

This website is an incredible resource which is well laid out, extensive and beautifully presented. The animations on each page draw the user into the page. The site uses engaging photo slideshows to connect users to the content. Important sections have detailed introductions to provide important context and perspectives. The sections are well organized through tables of contents with extensive hyperlinking between sections. The main sections are Truth and Reconciliation, First Nation, Inuit, and Metis. There is a search function embedded to allow users to find content from across the various sections of the site. Each section also makes extensive use of quotes which provide both historical and contemporary perspectives on the issues being presented. I plan on using this website as a reference for my research project, as well as in my classroom teaching practice.

http://native-drums.ca/en/home/

This website is an excellent resource for teachers in the Canadian context. It describe itself as a conversation between a variety of stakeholders to preserve and communicate the featured cultural knowledge and music. It features a variety of content including images, videos, in-depth interviews and articles designed for students as well as downloadable research kits for teachers. The stories page has links into several different stories, each of which has a different style or meaning. The written sections on the construction of the drums are particularly extensive and detailed. Very interesting resource for any Canadian teacher, and especially those looking to integrate stories and music into their lessons.

http://fnmieao.com

The First Nations, Métis and Inuit Association of Ontario website features varied groupings of resources for educators. Their stated purpose is to “…support and promote the provision of quality education on histories, worldviews, and knowledge systems that is rooted in the experiences and perspectives of First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples.” The website has dedicated pages for resources, events and news, and even features a free membership function. The resources section of the website is well organized and has PDFs, videos with transcripts, and external links to resources. There is a complete activity guide specifically built around the findings of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. Overall a very informative website that is well organized and covers a wide variety of resources and topics.

http://det.wa.edu.au/aboriginaleducation/apac/detcms/navigation/apac/

The Aboriginal Perspectives Across the Curriculum website offers a wide variety of resources, rationale, and information on the integration of indigenous content to the school curriculum in Australia. While much of the descriptions are tailored specifically to the context in Australia, the overarching themes would be relevant in any colonial educational settings. The website explains that “Teaching APAC will assist all students to be able to look at the world from an Aboriginal viewpoint and understand the different Aboriginal points of view on a range of issues such as reconciliation, social justice and equality.” This is an example of a government seeking to provide lesson plans and resources to teachers in order for them to be able to more authentically teach indigenous content to their students. The website quotes Adele Pring who stated “It is important that students learn not just about but from Aboriginal people (in person, by phone or through recommended books, video…).” The resources are very valuable for teachers, and cover a range of external links and site-hosted images/pdfs.