Tag Archives: Technology

AMMSA – Aboriginal Multi-Media Society

AMMS

The Aboriginal Multi-Media Society is an Aboriginal communications society dedicated to serving the needs of Aboriginal people throughout Canada. The mandate of the AMMSA is to provide an objective view of news, education and technology to the Canadian aboriginal community.  This organization publishes Windspeaker and Alberta Sweetgrass as well as a wide-reaching radio station.  This website is quite useful in viewing how current events are interpreted or impacting the First Nations of Canada.  Furthermore, this website connects the aboriginal community with current events to use in the classroom while respecting the values of the Indigenous people.  I happened upon this website while exploring current barriers to post-secondary education for aboriginal students.

To access this website, go to: http://www.ammsa.com/content/home

Ronaye Kooperberg (Module 3 – Post 3)

Hul’qumi’num Treaty Group

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http://www.hulquminum.bc.ca

This site represents the collaboration of 6 first nations groups working together to advocate for land ownership, jurisdiction & law making, culture heritage, natural resources etc.

It serves as another example of how technology is being used to strengthen communication among various bands to strengthen native issues and create meaningful change that will facilitate the preservation of culture and ensure its continued development.

Module 2 – Post 5
Ryan Silverthorne

Native Languages of the Americas

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http://www.native-languages.org/

This site is a catalog of various Aboriginal languages. The site provides linguistic and cultural links for those interested in researching the subjects. Their mission is “dedicat[ion] to the survival of Native American languages, particularly through the use of Internet technology.”

This site is very basic in design but contains an enormous amount of content. Those researching protection of Aboriginal culture through technology and specifically protection of languages will benefit from its use.

Module 2 – Post 4
Ryan Silverthorne

First Nations Education Council

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http://www.cepn-fnec.com/

This organization is focussed on education and more specifically on the use of information technology as a means to support and serve Aboriginal communities. The site contains information on how the organization promotes educational technology in Aboriginal communities as well as links the various related article links on native perspectives on education, integration, information technology et.

I feel this is an excellent site for those who want to explore First Nations Organizations who are advocates for technological advancement in aboriginal communities, understanding philosophies and how action is being taken.

Module 2 – Post 3
Ryan Silverthorne

One Laptop per Child Canada

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Educational Technology for Aboriginal Youth

For those unfamiliar with the One Laptop Per Child organization, they are group that endeavors to empower the world’s poorest children through education. They operate all over the world and are active in Northern Aboriginal communities. The site is one example of how technology is being used with the intention of protecting Aboriginal culture and is therefore a great resource for my research.

http://www.olpccanada.com/#!goodnews/cfvg

The site is updated regularly and contains multiple articles and information as well as endorsements from famous Canadian Aboriginal people.

Module 2 – Post 2
Ryan Silverthorne

Who owns Native Culture?

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http://web.williams.edu/AnthSoc/native/index.htm

Based on the book of the same name Michael Brown created a website focussing on the ongoing “legal status of indigenous art, music, folklore, biological knowledge, and sacred sites.”

Of particular interest are the many links that are aligned to chapters in his book. Brown discusses the importance of protecting the culture for those it represents.

This site is an excellent resource for anyone interested in the topic of cultural protection in general and through online means. It is also a great site for insights into legal rights claims and the implications on communities.

*Note that while most links on the site are still active and relevant Brown has stopped updating the site as of April 2014. It is still however, a worthwhile resource.

Module 2 – Post 1
Ryan Silverthorne

A New Understanding of Culture and Communication: The Impact of Technology on Indigenous Peoples

Module 1 – Post 5

https://www.ischool.utexas.edu/~vlibrary/edres/pathfinders/ajohnson/pathfinder.html

This webpage includes links to various sites and articles to answer questions such as: 1) “Where can I find sources that give a general overview of the affect of technology on indigenous peoples?” 2) “What uses of new technology are most beneficial to indigenous groups?” 3) “What are some problems Native Americans have encountered in gaining access to telecommunications technology, and what solutions are being explored?”

Technology and 10% Language Revitalization

Module 1 – Post 4

http://rpm.fm/news/technology-and-10-language-revitalization/

This article shares a statistic on BC First Nations people and how only 5.1% are fluent speakers in their language. There is an interview with an individual named Dustin Rivers who incorporates technology into learning a language called Where Are Your Keys (WAYK). It’s described as an “Open-source community based method designed to accelerate the language-learning process.” He has used this method into learning the Squamish language and is encouraging others to use it to.

National Film Board of Canada – Aboriginal Peoples Channel

NFB

The NFB has created an Aboriginal people’s channel which highlights 35 indigenous documentaries.  The content on this channel provides an outlet for aboriginal-produced content which spans the storytelling spectrum.  From a historical examination through the eyes of female aboriginal artists (Hands of History) to investigations of modern clashes between police and Indigenous people (You Are on Indian Land). These videos showcase perspectives, values and ideals of aboriginal people in Canada.  Artists are invaluable in providing commentary to controversial issues and these artists lend their voices to many issues which are not known to the general population.

The only downfall to this website is the lack of a summary beneath each video.  You do have to click into the pictorial representation to determine the nature of each.  It would be beneficial to have these categorized in ways that would allow for faster assessment.  For example, having an historical category and traditions section would allow the user to filter videos of interest.

Otherwise, this website (or channel of a website) provides a glimpse into the important issues in aboriginal culture.

To view this website: https://www.nfb.ca/channels/aboriginal_peoples_channel/

(Module 1 – Post 3)

First Nations Technology Council (FNTC)

The Mandate of the First Nations Technology Council (FNTC) is stated as being “to support the technology needs of First Nations in BC by engaging in activities to implement or enhance access to and use of technology services such as Connectivity, Capacity-Building, Information Management and Technology Support and Services”. The FNTC offers digital skills training to all First Nations communities in BC. They set themselves apart because they offer to travel to the communities rather than have people come to them.

The site links to The First Nations in BC Portal which fosters the sharing of knowledge and facilitates networking amongst First Nations individuals, communities and organizations”. This site also hosts a Directory that includes comprehensive lists of First Nations communities, organizations, and partners, which may be useful for future research.