Tag: identity

Module 3 – Weblog Entry #3 – Bruce Spencer

Contemporary Indigenous Identities

Indigenous people continue to seek ways to communicate their identity to their people and to others. Whether it’s through a website or a community event or through the fine arts, attempts are being made by indigenous peoples to reconnect but on their own terms. The following sites are worth a visit because they show how indigenous peoples are attempting to reach out and connect with others in the global community.

• Canada’s World Canada (website)
• Indian Country Today American (website)
• Contemporary Indigenous Theatre in Australia, Australian (weblog)

In Their Own Voices (M3, #3)

http://www.3909.cupe.ca/In_A_Voice_of_Their_Own%5B1%5D.pdf

This article is essentially a review of the documentary video In Their Own Voices, by award-winning Aboriginal film-maker Coleen Rajotte. This documentary tells the stories of 26 Aboriginal community leaders and the barriers they overcame to achieve success.

The journey to overcome colonization is still ongoing, as many Aboriginal people still feel the effects of past injustices, such as residential schools and the false belief in the inferiority of their people and cultures.

Consequently, in order to heal from the damage of colonization a strong sense of community is imperative. There are many thriving Aboriginal organizations in the Winnipeg area that are working to rebuild collective identity and create pride in being Aboriginal.

Copies of  In Their Own Voices can be obtained from the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives – Manitoba.

Our World (DGM Module 3-1)

http://films.nfb.ca/ourworld/
(Link found on the Educational Resources page of the National Film Board website: http://www.onf-nfb.gc.ca/eng/education/)

The National Film Board of Canada has entered into partnerships with four First Nations communities to “give young First Nations people in remote BC/Yukon communities a chance to create web stories to tell the world about themselves, their home and their community.”

The Project Vision: “Our World is based on the concept of giving voice and inviting others to hear. The project aims to leave something behind that benefits both the individual and the community. By facilitating active communication and reception, we encourage positive social engagement. It is also about exposing young people to potential future career options by learning how to express themselves creatively with modern, digital media.”

The four current projects are:

  1. Nuxalk Nation – Bella Coola, BC
    Stories: http://films.nfb.ca/ourworld/bellacoola/index.php
  2. Teslin Tlingit Council – Teslin, Yukon
    Stories: http://films.nfb.ca/ourworld/teslin/index.php
  3. DOXA – Connexions, BC
    Stories: http://films.nfb.ca/ourworld/connexions/index.php
  4. GWES – Hazelton, BC
    Stories: http://films.nfb.ca/ourworld/hazelton/index.php

Each community has a great collection of digital stories (films, stories+audio) – all viewed so far have been narrated in a first language, with English subtitles.

David

Spam prevention powered by Akismet