Module 1 Weblog
In this weblog entry I would like to share some examples of technological resources that are specifically designed for Indigenous communities around the world. I am interested in exploring digital literacies and think these resources are an excellent starting point to understand how new literacies are being improved and integrated in Indigenous communities.
Digital Literacy Hub
http://www.aboriginalliteracyfoundation.org/what-we-do/our-programs/digital-literacy-hub/
The Digital Literacy Hub (DLH) is a project that aims to create a digital platform that acts as an information hub for Indigenous students. The platform is designed to be easily accessible and interactive. It includes resources such as E-books, literacy and numeracy games, a direct portal to Indigenous employee opportunities, a direct link to Indigemail and much more. The goal of the platform is to act as a supplementary tool to Indigenous students in any educational setting. By providing these resources, at no cost to anyone in the ALF, it is a proactive way for Indigenous students to have one-stop access to resources they may wish to access.
Podcast on Indigemail
http://www.sbs.com.au/yourlanguage/aboriginal/en/content/indigemail-fast-growing-atsi-online-network
Indigemail is an email network founded by Ricky Pascoe that links Aboriginal individuals to jobs in various states in Australia. The podcast host Minelle Creed interviews the founder Ricky Pascoe. He mentions that the service had been around for 10 years when it was recorded in 2015. This podcast talks about how the Indigenous populations in many areas in Australia have adapted to technology, social media and other digital platforms. They have been using this network to sell art in Indigenous communities, share positive stories and connect with one another. I am unable to find more information on if Indigemail is still active. Regardless, the idea of connecting the Indigenous community through an email service is a fantastic idea.
First Nations Technology Council
http://www.technologycouncil.ca/
This Technology Council, based out of British Columbia plans to educate community members about the importance of digital and connected technologies in hopes to ensure Indigenous collaboration and involvement in the growing technological sector. Their goals are structures around 4 themes: digital skills development, connectivity, information management, and technical services and support.
http://www.technologycouncil.ca/talent-development/bridging-to-technology
The council has a bridging to technology program that aims to provide access to technology for all communities in BC. They deliver on site community training to make sure that resources are accessible and understood. This program also offers advanced streams that allow individuals interested in pursuing a career in the technological sector the opportunity to advance their skills. This sounds like a fantastic program.
Animikki
Animikki is a company designed to provide technological solutions from an Indigenous perspective. I found this particularly fascinating because they are involving a paradigm shift with regards to the use of technology. Rather than simply making technology available to Indigenous communities, they are working to fit technology to their needs. They work to enable their clients to make the most of web-based technology to improve and increase their social and cultural impact. The First Nations Technology Council is one of their featured projects! This company does an excellent job at making both media and technology a part of Indigenous community realities.
Joint Economic Development Initiative
http://www.jedinb.ca/digital-literacy.html
This initiative is focused on Indigenous Adult Learning and Literacy. It is a goal based program that helps adults gain the skills they need to be successful community members. Adults have the ability to work with this initiative to obtain their GED, enhance workplace skills, learning digital literacies and a great deal of other programs. They want to ensure better educational access for Indigenous communities in New Brunswick.
JEDI Blog
The JEDI also operates a blog where they share news stories and events. A recent article about their annual Pow Wow Photo Contest is an excellent example of how blogs can connect communities and harness the power of technology to impact the rest of the world as well.