During my research for my final project, I came across this website that offers a few resources related to equity, diversity and inclusion in health. This website is robust in its resources, including but not limited to: journal articles, open access databases, report from the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples, a collection of Indigenous health related digital artifacts, links to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission report, and links to the UN declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
The following image is a powerful tool that I find myself reaching for frequently when engaging in conversation and reflection about colonization, education, research or even technology. I have used it to spark conversation amongst my middle schoolers, many of whom have not yet engaged with the word “privilege” quite yet. It provides an opportunity for us to reflect on the things we innately possess, even without knowing it and the way our society has been set up to be easier to navigate for those sitting closer to the center of this wheel. This often leads us into a discussion of equity versus equality and why it is okay and in fact, important to acknowledge these differences amongst one another.
Duckworth, S. (2020). Wheel of Power/Privilege. This is How You Can. Retrieved September 30, 2022, from https://www.thisishowyoucan.com/post/__wheel_of_power_and_privilege.
The First Nations Technology Council (FNTC) is an Indigenous-led organization in British Columbia aiming to provide equitable access to equipment, training, and support to Indigenous communities to further nationhood goals and self-determination. The skills training they provide links directly with the vision, goals, and needs of Indigenous nations.
Their Indigenous Digital Equity Strategy is particularly interesting. Here is an excerpt, but I would recommend reading the entire project plan.
“We know digital equity is more than just access to computers and the internet, it is about influence over the trajectory of technology and its impacts on society. Digital equity is a prerequisite for innovation, self-governance, entrepreneurship, education, economic and cultural wellbeing, and nearly all aspects of rights implementation in the digital age.” – FNTC
From the organization’s YouTube channel, they highlight that Indigenous peoples have always been technical, and that progression into digital or tech innovation is more of an extension of who they already are. I think this perspective should be explored more when we talk about educational technologies.
A fun personal note is that my partner took the FNTC’s Drone Stewardship Program a few years ago and has been an incredible contributor to his Nation’s community projects. Here is drone footage he and his colleagues produced for the Musqueam Canoe Races.
“Our work is grounded in the belief that reconciliation and innovation go hand-in-hand, and that a diversity of backgrounds, experiences and world views participating and leading in technology fields will lead to a more prosperous future for all Canadians.”
What do they do?
funded and accredited education programs to advance Indigenous people’s careers in innovation and technology;
participate in and lead community research projects;
create strategies to advance equitable, affordable and sustainable access to technology in Indigenous communities.
Interests:
This website has an article asking: “How can we greatly increase Indigenous participation and leadership in the ICT sector?” I am interested to research this more since I was also interested in knowing more about the role of gender in the ICT sector, and I think these two areas are related.
Another topic which seems interesting to me is Indigenous Digital Equity. “The First Nations Technology Council defines digital equity as a state in which every Indigenous person, community and Nation is fully equipped to access and effectively use technology to contribute, thrive, and succeed in today’s digital society while preserving self-determination.” I would like to research more about this topic as well.
