As the second module draws to a close, I find the time devoted to my cybertravelling is torn between pursuing sites that narrow the focus of topics relevant to my research proposal and the modules to date, and general exploration of authentic sites and sources that may be helpful for my classroom. This week’s selections may seem a little random and simplistic, but they will nevertheless suit my needs well for my classes.
#6
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4881203/
A literature review examining the prevalence and effects of social media and digital technology among Aboriginal youth in Australia. Published in the International Journal for Equity in Health, the review incorporates fairly recent data in a review featuring over forty references. Good for an reasonably quick, at-a-glance assessment for technology use among Aboriginal youth in Australia.
#7
https://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/books-and-media/joseph-boyden/article35881215/
My earlier posts have alluded to my interest in – and frustration with – using works by Joseph Boyden as authentic Indigenous texts in my classroom. This article from Eric Andrew-Gee in the Globe and Mail examines both Boyden’s Indigenous ancestry claims as well as issues of Indigenous identity in general. From the article:
But the real difficulty of answering the question [of Boyden’s ancestry] rests with the essential thorniness of coming to grips with Indigenous identity in a country that has spent centuries trying to warp and misconstrue the very concept.
This is the story of Joseph Boyden and his Indigenous identity – how it came about, how he has put it to use, and to what extent it can be credited. But it is also the story of that elusiveness – the story of how Boyden thrived by cultivating a quality that is painfully at the heart of so many quests for Indigenous blood and belonging and, in doing so, laid bare historic wounds that he had hoped to heal.
#8
https://www.fraserbasin.bc.ca/_Library/Ab_NonAb_Relations/bridge_between_nations.pdf
Thoughts and comments from the last few weeks have also revolved around seeking resources that are both authentic, and relatively friendly to perspectives (like mine) that are still coming to terms with understanding First Nations’ experiences in a variety of contexts. I came across this document, “Bridge Between Nations: A History of First Nations in the Fraser River Basin,” published by The Fraser Basin Council. The document is an introduction to the lives, histories, and issues of these First Peoples, and is intended to “encourage greater communication, understanding, and respect between Aboriginal and Non-Aboriginal peoples.” It reads insightful and authentic, and appears to thoughtfully address the relevant concerns of the peoples it describes.
#9
http://nctr.ca/assets/reports/Calls_to_Action_English2.pdf
I had yet to read the 2015 Truth and Reconciliation Report. As a part of my journey towards understanding, this primary source is essential.
#10
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/north/indigenous-language-inuktut-natan-obed-1.4168017
In my general browsing, I came across this article from 2017 that reports on the status of Bill S-212, “An Act for the advancement of the aboriginal languages of Canada and to recognize and respect aboriginal language rights.” The article outlines the status and need for protection of Aboriginal language amongst Inuit, Metis, and First Nations peoples throughout the country. A complete description of the Bill can be found at http://www.parl.ca/DocumentViewer/en/42-1/bill/S-212/first-reading . Reading this article reminded me of the Lorna Williams interview.
#11
I wanted to find at least one source that showcased authentic Indigenous voice amongst youth. “N’we Jinan is a non-profit organization that brings a mobile recording studio into schools and community centres across North America. The program is aimed to create an environment where youth can express themselves musically and creatively under the guidance of a professional music producer.” The organization has a significant presence on Youtube and Itunes, where videos and songs featuring various community youth and their projects can be found.