Module 4 weblog 5 (Chantal Drolet)

by Chantal Drolet

iPortal: Indigenous studies portal research tool

The Indigenous Studies Portal (iPortal) connects faculty, students, researchers and members of the community with electronic resources: books, articles, theses, documents, photographs, archival resources, maps, etc.

It is an initiative of the University of Saskatchewan Library.

Resources available:

  • The iPortal has more than 17,000 records.
  • This includes:
    • photos,
    • anthropological field notes,
    • diaries,
    • correspondence and
    • other textual documents

Links to other sites:

A great number of links to:

  • arts
  • business
  • community
  • first nations; tribes; reserves
  • government
  • health
  • history
  • indigenous knowledge
  • land claims
  • and more…

Usefulness for research on Indigenous knowledge, media, and community reality:

The indigenous Studies Portal provides one place to look to find resources for Indigenous studies.

In the section “Media and communication” alone (http://iportal.usask.ca/index.php?sid=992445708&t=sub_pages&cat=13), you can find film critiques (films about aboriginals or made by natives themselves). You will also find excellent articles on images and stereotypes; as well as radio, audio and television information. There are references to websites; book reviews; theses, etc.

This site seems to be very reliable.

Address:

http://iportal.usask.ca/index.php?sid=992445708&t=sub_pages&cat=565

September 30, 2009   No Comments

Module 4 weblog 4 (Chantal Drolet)

by Chantal Drolet

Spirits for Sale

Theme: inspired by “Indian wannabes”

 

Synopsis:

 

When Annika got a sacred eagle feather from a Native American visiting Sweden she realized that it was a very sacred object which should probably not be in her  hands. What was she supposed to do with it? Should she return it and if so, to whom?

Her quest to find the right owner took her deep into Indian communities, where she learned about the anger and sadness of traditional Natives.

 

”First they killed our people. Then they took our land. Now they steal our faith.”

 

But the indians are fighting back. This time the fight is not mainly about protecting life and land.

Instead they´re fighting to protect their culture.

 

But would the feather find an owner?

 

Resources available:

  • Information about various films festivals
  • Protection of ceremonies:
    • The information in Europe about Native Americans and Native Canadians is most often full of fantasies and lies. People in general know very little about American Indians and their general view is based on stereotypes, mascots and film clichés. In some cases the belief is that “Indians do not exist.” Europe has also seen a growing interest in so called Native American spirituality. Ceremonies and rituals together with sacred objects are being sold on websites and in papers. Cults and organisations offer people to become “an Indian shaman” or a medicine man during a weekend course. Seldom or never do Native voices get heard and because of the lack of information, con-men make a considerable amount of money while they violate the spirituality of mostly Plains Indians.

Links to other sites:

  1. •www.world-foundation.nu

  2. •www.indianz.com

  3. •www.filmepidemin.se

Usefulness for research on Indigenous knowledge, media, and community reality:

This film will address the issue of spiritual exploiters and the harm they do towards Native cultures but also to followers who, in many cases, “don´t have a clue”.

Address: (trailer for film)

http://www.spiritsforsale.com/Film.html

September 30, 2009   No Comments

Module 4 weblog 3 (Chantal Drolet)

by Chantal Drolet

State of the World’s Minorities and Indigenous Peoples 2009

Written by Minority Rights Group International (Unicef):

The report reviews the challenges that minorities and indigenous peoples face in education and strategies to overcome them. The recommendations are first and foremost built on the existing international legal framework of the right to education, minority rights and the rights to non-discrimination and to equality.

Resources available:

Recent and detailes reports:

  • Overcoming exclusion in education
  • Fulfilling the right to education for minority and indigenous children: were are we in international legal standards?
  • The gender dimension of minority and indigenous education
  • Status of ratification of major international and regional instruments relevant to minoriy and indigenous rights

Links to other sites:

  •  Contributors are listed at the end
  • References are provided after each report Usefulness for research on Indigenous knowledge, media, and community reality:

Very detailed reports about various countries in the world. Quantitative and qualitative analysis are provided. You will find tables, diagrams and many images depicting the state of minorities and indigenous people on our planet.

Address:

http://www.unicef.org/lac/worlds_minorities_and_indigenous_peoples_2009.pdf

September 28, 2009   No Comments

Module 4 weblog 2 (Chantal Drolet)

by Chantal Drolet

REBEL MEDIA

Here are a variety of excellent short films about indigenous peoples around the world.

Bolivia Indigenous Media

  • Excellent short film (8:44 min.) with eloquent aboriginals explaining why their radio station is important to them.
  • Address: Bolivia indigenous media

 

Indigenous People’s Role in the Media

 

Breaking Down Stereotypes: the Adam Beach story

 

Indigenous Voices 2009: A Media Celebration of Identity

 

Jerry Mander – Globalization and Indigenous Cultures

 These films are very instructional. They present a number of fresh perspectives on Native peoples. I recommend watching them for more insights on indigenous points of view.

September 28, 2009   No Comments

Module 4 weblog 1 (Chantal Drolet)

by Chantal Drolet

Liberating Voices

A Pattern Language for Communication Revolution

Indigenous people in rural and urban areas in developing and developed countries around the world need to create —as well as use —information and communication systems to promote education, health, governance, cultural life and many other important values.

Resources available:

Polished visual patterns are contextualized and followed by discussions and issues on various indigenous subjects of interest.

Example of themes:

Linguistic Diversity
Arts of Resistance
Roles in Media
Influencing the Design of Information Technologies
Mobile ICT Learning Facilities for 3rd World Communities
International Networks of Alternative Media
Control of One’s Representation
Solidarity Networks
Ordinary Protagonists and Everyday Life

 Links to other sites:

 Alternative Media

Offers multiple links to excellent artistic representation of indigenous realities concerning themes like:

  • Digital divide
  • Education
  • Media critique
  • Engagement
  • Etc.

Usefulness for research on Indigenous knowledge, media, and community reality:

This richness of representation in media production results in additional diversity of ideas and perspectives in the media. Positive consequences can be: more interest for political participation and knowledge about rights.

Indigenous people who are denied their voice will find it difficult to fight oppression, work with allies, or maintain their culture. Without the means to make their voices heard, communities become atomized within themselves and invisible to the outside world.

Address:

http://www.publicsphereproject.org/patterns/pattern.pl/public?pattern_id=393

September 28, 2009   No Comments

Module 3 weblog 5 (Chantal Drolet)

by Chantal Drolet

Native Education in Canada and the Provinces

A guide to finding library information: University of Alberta

Resources available:

Links to other sites:

  • American Indian Culture and Research Journal 
    U of A Rutherford Library, Call Number: E 75 A515 (1974+)
  • American Indian Quarterly
    U of A Rutherford Library, Call Number: E 75 A525 (1974+)
    Internet access through Project Muse (2000+)
    Internet access through Academic Search Premier (1990+) 
  • Anthropologica 
    U of A Rutherford Library, Call Number: GN 1 A62 (1955+)  
    Internet access through CBCA FullText Reference (1993+)
  • Anthropology and Education Quarterly
    U of A Rutherford Library, Call Number: LB 45 C856 (1977+) 
  • Canadian Journal of Native Education
    U of A Coutts Library, Call Number: LC 2629 I382 (1980+)  
  • Native Americas: Akwe:kon’s Journal of Indigenous Issues
    U of A Rutherford Library, Call Number: E 75 N38 (2001+) 
  • Native Studies Review – abstracts from 1984-2000
    U of A Rutherford Library, Call Number: E 78 P7 N278 (1984+) 
  • Wicazo sa Review
    U of A Rutherford Library, Call Number: E 75 W633 (1985+)
    Internet access through Project Muse (2000+) 

Usefulness for research on Indigenous knowledge, media, and community reality:

This site offers access to scholarly research concerning indigenous nations accross Canada. I particularly like their “Indigenous and First Nations Education Web Resources” section:

These links are very rich in dependable resources. I recommend this site for excellent research papers and documents.

Address: http://www.library.ualberta.ca/subject/education/native/index.cfm

September 25, 2009   No Comments

Module 3 weblog 4 (Chantal Drolet)

by Chantal Drolet

First Nations / American Indian / Native People / Aboriginal Media

Initiated by the Turtle Islan Native Network: a site where you will find numerous aboriginal cultures represented through their own media.

Resources available:

  • National Native news
  • Aboriginal Peoples television network
  • Cherokee Youth Native ration theatre
  • Metis radio
  • First nations languages (information on many different dialects)

Links to other sites:

  • Directory of Native radio (USA)
  • Storyteller Native radio
  • Northern Native Broadcast Access program
  • CTV First Story (Canada)
  • UN radio

Usefulness for research on Indigenous knowledge, media, and community reality:

This site offers an impressive compilation of Firts nations, Aboriginal and Native peoples’s traditional and contemporary writings; communciations and media channels (radio, tv and online); books; films and other publications.

The most interesting aspect of this site is that it presents media that portray Natives as they wish to be seen. Not as other media conglomerates may want to depict them. What an opportunity to experience native cultures in a more authentic manner!

Address: http://www.turtleisland.org/news/news-media.htm

September 25, 2009   No Comments

Module 3 weblog 3 (Chantal Drolet)

by Chantal Drolet

Native American Wisdom, Sayings, Quotes, Philosophy & Issues

A collection of sayings, quotes and words of wisdom reflecting the beliefs and philosophy of the Native Americans. Also offered are a selection of Native American books and American music.

Articles and links provide information dealing with the issues of prejudice and shameful displacement that are still faced by the Native Americans to this day.

Resources available:

  • Quotes; books; music; meditations
  • Film:
    • Canada’s Complicity in Genocide
      A contemporary David and Goliath tale that will inspire and challenge the reader. It is the personal story of Reverend Kevin Annett, the minister who single-handedly exposed the murder and genocide of aboriginal people by the government of Canada and his employer, the United Church of Canada. This is his own gripping and passionate account of his heroic efforts against insurmountable odds to document hidden crimes among west coast native people after he began a ministry among them in Port Alberni, British Columbia in 1992.

Links to other sites:

  • My Two Beads Worth
    Native American Indian/First Nations/Indigenous Peoples’ News Online.

Usefulness for research on Indigenous knowledge, media, and community reality:

“Pearls of Wisdom” offers an artistic and mystical view of the indigenous world.

Address:

http://www.sapphyr.net/natam/

September 23, 2009   No Comments

Module 3 weblog 2 (Chantal Drolet)

by Chantal Drolet

First Nations Pedagogy Online

This site provides best practices and support for online learning initiatives that are intended for aboriginal students, elders, educators, curriculum developers, and educational leaders.

Resources available:

Pedagogy: (examples)

  • Best practices
  • Talking circles
  • Culture
  • Elders
  • Holistic balance
  • Interconnection
  • Literacy
  • Natural world
  • Respect
  • Storytelling

Links to other sites:

  • Multimedia
    • Aboriginal Communities on Google Earth
    • Connecting Traditions: Tsimshian Pre-Contact Life
    • Digital Drum
    • First Nations Film
    • etc.
  • Presentations:
    • First Nations Pedagogy for Online Learning
    • Podcasting for the Benefit of Aboriginal Languages: How to establish a Podcast Website via iweb
    • Digital Literacy in BC First Nations

Usefulness for research on Indigenous knowledge, media, and community reality:

This excellent site, divided in community; practices; learning; resources and circles, offers valuable resources about onine learning designed for indigenous cultures. It also includes articles and various sites about planning and future trends.

Address:

http://firstnationspedagogy.ca/planning.html

September 23, 2009   No Comments

Module 3 weblog 1 (Chantal Drolet)

by Chantal Drolet

 Indigenous Education

  • Aboriginal Language Education
  • Associations, Organisations & Unions
    • Includes both Aboriginal and other groups interested in developing Aboriginal education and opportunities.
  • Commonwealth
    • Includes educational and other supportive processes.

Resources available:

  • Australian Institute of Aboriginal …
    [And Torres Strait Islander Studies]
  • Dare to Lead
    ‘Dare to Lead is a Commonwealth funded national project with a focus on improving educational outcomes for Indigenous students.’ Access information, resources, professional development, research, professional readings, school initiatives and much more.

Publications
Includes Bibliographies, Books, Journals, …

  • A Model …
    [Of More Culturally Inclusive and Educationally Effective Schools]
    Downloadable document.

Links to other sites:

Usefulness for research on Indigenous knowledge, media, and community reality: 

This site offers articles and general information on aboriginal education.

  • Australian Journal of Indigenous Education, The
    ‘Is the only journal for educators devoted specifically to issues of practice, pedagogy and policy in Indigenous education in Australia. The journal has an international audience and is highly valued by its readers as a reliable source of information on Indigenous education issues.’

A teaching resource section offers strategies for Aboriginal education:

  • Aboriginal Astronomy
    ‘Australia’s indigenous peoples have a rich heritage of astronomical observation and story telling. Archaeoastronomy is an important field of research in Australia and other parts of the world. These stories are from Questacon’s book The Emu in the Sky, a collection of Aboriginal astronomy stories from all around Australia.’
  • Aboriginal Dreaming Stories
    Include The Dreaming and Dreaming Stories, Aboriginal Dreaming Stories Online, Games, Lesson ideas and Dreaming Stories in the Classroom – a lesson plan by Jackie Miers and Loraine Turner. A quite extensive collection.
  • Aboriginal Dreamtime Stories
    Listing of Aboriginal stories [with authors] compiled by a Victorian library.
  • Aboriginal Education Research & Curriculum Resources
    From the New South Wales Board of Studies, links to information regarding ACAP, numeracy, literacy and Primary Links. A number are to PDF documents. Also try the listing of sites [almost 40] from EdNa Online

Address:

http://www.aussieeducator.org.au/resources_indigenous.html

September 23, 2009   No Comments

Module 2: weblog 5 (Chantal Drolet)

by Chantal Drolet

Aboriginal Themed Lesson Plans

This resource was created to provide instructional ideas in a ready-to-use lesson format (for Aboriginals) from Kindergarten to Grade 12 Social Studies.

Resources available:

Links to other sites:

Usefulness for research on Indigenous knowledge, media, and community reality:

Example of lesson

Diversity – Grade 11

Topic: Diversity/Human Rights / Social Studies

Knowledge Objectives:

Acculturation – Indigenous Peoples worldwide have had to face the cultural collapse that accompanies the loss of their land, their language, their social and political systems, and their knowledge

Racism – know that racism and prejudice are used to justify inhumane treatment of Indigenous Peoples by an exploitive mainstream society

Human dignity – Indigenous Peoples have never accepted the assault on their lands and culture passively. They have fought back in every area with the weapons available to them.

The central issue confronting Indigenous Peoples is the recognition of the inherent right to self-determination.

Address:

http://www.saskschools.ca/curr_content/aboriginal_res/

September 19, 2009   No Comments

Module 2: weblog 4 (Chantal Drolet)

by Chantal Drolet

Aboriginal Education Curriculum: Saskatchewan

  • Elementary Level / Middle Level / Secondary Level
    • Aboriginal Languages
    • Languages Arts for Aboriginal and Métis students: adapting the elementary curriculum  

Resources available:

Links to other sites:

Usefulness for research on Indigenous knowledge, media, and community reality:

The major goals of this curriculum are:

  • to promote student participation in varied learning situations and activities that will assist them in acquiring listening, speaking, reading and writing skills in an Indian or Michif language;
  • to develop an understanding and an appreciation of Indian and Métis cultures through language;
  • to develop students’ listening skills which will assist them in the learning of an Indian language in various social contexts and situations;
  • to encourage enjoyment of learning to converse and to write in an Indian or Michif language;
  • to cultivate positive personal and social growth through use of an Indian or Michif language.
  • to encourage students to continue to acquire fluency through independent study with Elders and other fluent speakers.

Address: http://www.sasked.gov.sk.ca/branches/curr/evergreen/indlang.shtml

September 19, 2009   No Comments

Module 2: weblog 3 (Chantal Drolet)

by Chantal Drolet

Native Education College

The Native Education College is BC’s largest private Aboriginal College. It NEC provides a culturally appropriate and supportive learning environment for Aboriginal learners.

Resources available:

  • Aboriginal Adult Basic Education (AABE) / BC Adult Graduation Diploma (Grade 12)
    • The program recognizes the unique history and culture of Aboriginal people.  Students focus on achieving their academic and employment goals while learning and sharing their cultural knowledge and skills. Courses are developed and taught from a First Nations’ cultural perspective.
  • Applied Business Technology Program:
    • provides essential computer, communication and business skills in the field of office administration. In addition to classroom knowledge, students gain first-hand experience in office environments, through industry support, work experience, guest speakers and field trips.
  • College Connections Program
    • prepares students who have completed their Grade 12 graduation requirements, or are in the process of completing, to succeed at a college level.  All courses emphasize study skill development and college level academic skills. Students choose College Connections because they want to increase their self-confidence and ensure they have the right academic foundations
  • Aboriginal Basic Early Childhood Education
    • ECE students explore child development, the role of the professional early childhood educator, create early education curricula, practices, and stimulating learning environments for young children.   

Links to other sites:

  • The site offers a variety of “partners” in education: companies and institutions that participate in the programs. For example:
    • Aboriginal Tourism BC
    • ACCESS: Building Futures Today

Usefulness for research on Indigenous knowledge, media, and community reality:

NEC offers a variety of programs and services to Aboriginal learners throughout the province who attend the Longhouse located in the Mount Pleasant area of Vancouver. NEC also works with Aboriginal organizations to deliver programs in other locations throughout British Columbia. NEC focuses on meeting the needs of Aboriginal adult students requiring developmental, vocational, and applied academic programs that provide access to employment or further post-secondary education.

Adress: http://www.necvancouver.org/

September 19, 2009   No Comments

Module 2: weblog 2 (Chantal Drolet)

by Chantal Drolet

Canadian Education Association: Aboriginal Peoples

An “Expected Outcome” of the United Nations Literacy Decade (2003-2012) is to increase the literacy levels in communities or groups that are excluded from the mainstream, namely indigenous groups, where literacy is “inextricably linked to cultural survival.”

Resources available:

In Canada, […] the achievement levels and graduation rates for Aboriginal students are significantly lower than those of non-Aboriginal students. The majority of Aboriginal youth do not complete high school; leave the school system without skills for employment; without adequate language and cultural knowledge of their own people; and feel that schooling experiences erode their identity and self-worth.

Links to other sites:

Usefulness for research on Indigenous knowledge, media, and community reality:

In the context of the struggle for cultural survival and self-determination faced by many indigenous groups, raising literacy levels in the dominant language of the larger community can be a tool for indigenous political action.

Address: http://www.cea-ace.ca/foo.cfm?subsection=lit&page=pol&subpage=lan&subsubpage=abo

September 19, 2009   No Comments

Module 2: weblog 1 (Chantal Drolet)

by Chantal Drolet

First Nations Pedagogy

Indigenous communities around the world are creating programs of significant value to cultural preservation and indigenous empowerment.

Resources available:

  • First Nations pedagogy, curriculum, education, and ways of knowing and being
  • Curriculum development, Consultant and Writing services related to First Nations education and knowledge
  • Theory:
    • Related to the unique and sacred tenets of First Nations pedagogy, education and Way of Life
    • Curriculum:
      • Examples, principles and services related to the development of First Nations governed,
      • Developed and implemented curriculum from K-12
      • Post-secondary, and continuing life-long education

Links to other sites:

Many interesting articles:

  1. Indigenous knowledge and pedagogy in First Nations education
    1. Article by Battiste, M. (2002): extensive literature review with recommendations for the Indian and Northern Affairs Canada
    2. Long term strategies for institutional change in universities and colleges: Facilitating native people negotiating a middle ground.
      1. Bobiwash, A. R. (1999). Center for World Indigenous Studies

Usefulness for research on Indigenous knowledge, media, and community reality:

This site offers insights about “the ways of knowing, learning, and teaching inherent to the traditional methods of informal and formal aboriginal education.”

Address: http://firstnationspedagogy.com/index.html

September 19, 2009   No Comments

Module 1: weblog 5 (Chantal Drolet)

by Chantal Drolet

Center for Indigenous Cultural Survival

Indigenous communities around the world are creating programs of significant value to cultural preservation and indigenous empowerment.

Resources available:

  • Links to projects around the world
    • Examples:
      • Amazon / rainforest conservation
      • USA / support for undergraduate and graduate studies for indigenous people
  • Newsletter

Links to other sites:

  1. Center for World Indigenous Studies
  2. Center for the Study of Women in Society (CSWS
  3. University of Oregon Native American Initiative

Usefulness for research on Indigenous knowledge, media, and community reality:

This site offers an opportunity for indigenous people to participate and strengthen their local communities. It enables the examination and understanding of various strategies and techniques that create a space for the survival of culture and life as understood by global Indigenous communities.

Address: http://cics.uoregon.edu/

September 19, 2009   No Comments

Module 1: weblog 4 (Chantal Drolet)

by Chantal Drolet

Assembly of First Nations (Canada)

The Assembly of First Nations is the national organization representing First Nations citizens in Canada. The AFN represents all citizens regardless of age, gender or place of residence.

Resources available:

Links to other sites:

  • The Truth and Reconciliation Commission
  • Three Fires Confederacy Gathering
  • CMHC – First Nations Market Housing Fund
  • Provincial Territorial Organizations

Usefulness for research on Indigenous knowledge, media, and community reality:

This site offers information both in English and French about all first nation people in Canada.

Address: http://www.afn.ca/article.asp?id=3

September 19, 2009   No Comments

Module 1: weblog #3 (Chantal Drolet)

by Chantal Drolet

Indigenous node of the World Wide Web Virtual Library

Resources available:

This site is maintained in conjunction with the Australian National University’s Aboriginal Studies WWW Virtual Library, containing links to Australian Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander resources, and the Circumpolar WWW Virtual Library, containing links to Circumpolar Indigenous resources.

Links to other sites

Usefulness for research on Indigenous knowledge, media, and community reality

This site offers a wide choice of online libraries as well as many websites for a great number of aboriginal peoples around the world.

The media centre contains books, maps and various media productions about education; conferences; entertainment and current affairs.

Address: http://cwis.org/wwwvl/indig-vl.html

September 19, 2009   No Comments

Module 1: weblog #2 (Chantal Drolet)

by Chantal Drolet

Centre for World Indigenous Studies

The Center for World Indigenous Studies (CWIS) is a non-profit research and education organization dedicated to wider understanding and appreciation of the ideas and knowledge of indigenous peoples and the social, economic and political realities of indigenous nations.

Resources available:

  • World Journal
  • International Indigenous Peoples: Includes book reviews
  • Online blog: a daily journal published by the Center for World Indigenous Studies (CWIS) since June 1999
  • A Forum for Global Exchange reports news as well as facilitates active participation by Indigenous people, resolution of violent conflicts, development of international law, and exchange of knowledge and information.
  • The FGE News Page also hosts a large collection of Indigenous related web links.
  • Media Center
    • Indigenous video & audio media
    • Selection of books & maps

Links to other sites

Usefulness for research on Indigenous knowledge, media, and community reality

This site offers education programs; forums for global exchange; a bookstore and many other resources.

Address:

http://cwis.org/

September 19, 2009   No Comments

Module 1: weblog #1 (Chantal Drolet)

by Chantal Drolet

Open Anthropology: Internet Indigeneity & Anthropological Advocacy

Resources available:

Open Anthropology Video Collection 

On YouTube:

Also on YouTube:

Links to other sites:

Usefulness for research on Indigenous knowledge, media, and community reality:

This site offers an impressive bibliography, some with detailed abstracts, including:

  • Barnard, Alan. (2006). Kalahari revisionism, Vienna and the ‘Indigenous Peoples’ debate. Social Anthropology 14(1): 1-16.
  • Beteille, Andre. (1998). The idea of indigenous people. Current Anthropology 39(2) April: 187-191.
  • Biolsi, Thomas, and Larry J. Zimmerman, eds. (1997). Indians and anthropologists: Vine Deloria, Jr., and the critique of anthropology. Tucson: University of Arizona Press.

Furthermore, there is a wide variety of links to projects related to Indigenous issues and perspectives, such as:

Address:

http://openanthropology.wordpress.com/2008/03/26/internet-indigeneity-anthropological-advocacy-text-of-a-presentation-at-the-university-of-south-florida-march-19-2008/

September 19, 2009   No Comments