This research project, which was developed in the First Nations Studies program at UBC, examines the discussions regarding Aboriginal issues in the classroom at UBC. The film, What I Learned in Class Today: Aboriginal Issues in the Classroom, which was directed by Karmen Crey (from the Sto:lo nation) and Amy Perreault (who is Metis) covers issues surrounding being Aboriginal including history, art and land claims. In the film, some Native students talk about the experience of feeling pressured to lead discussions for an “aboriginal viewpoint”. At one point in the film, one of the Native students remarks that, “It’s a responsibility sometimes I really relish in and sometimes I really feel like I’m carrying a brick on my back”.  The website continues with Crey and Perrault’s findings and features videos of student and instructor interviews and reaction to the project. For example, the information on the website indicates that many Aboriginal UBC students found many Native cultural discussions extremely traumatic. This experience led to student`s coursework being affected and some who were unable to return to class. As a result, the project was created to develop a better understanding of the issues and to “improve the conversations around politically and culturally sensitive issues in a classroom by asking: how does cultural communication happen in a classroom, and how can it be improved?”  The site has been important to my study because it provided me with more insight into Aboriginal youths’ experiences in the western educational system.  In addition, it is another example of how Native youth are using technologies such as websites and video technology to voice their experiences and concerns.

http://aboriginal.ubc.ca/2010/12/01/training-film-fosters-frank-aboriginal-discussion/

http://www.whatilearnedinclasstoday.com/

In our course reading ‘Cyberspace Smoke Signals’ (Zimmerman et al., 2000),  a website ‘Native American Indian Resources’ created by Paula Giese is described. The link given was no longer active but I was able to find the website using Google. The site contains over 300 web pages organized by the topics: maps, stories, art, astronomy, herbal knowledge, food recipes, books, schools, nations, games, Maya, Arvol Looking Horse, and Pocohontas. The site was last update on 6/11/97 as Paula Geise passed away during the summer of 1997, however it has been maintained but many of the external links appear to be broken now.

Reference:

Zimmerman, L. J. et al. (2000). Cyberspace smoke signals: new technologies and native American ethnicity, In Smith, C. and Ward, G. K. (eds)(2000). Indigenous Cultures in an Interconnected World. Vancouver: UBC Press, 69-86.

The First Nations Technology Council is a site that is council formed, focusing on bridging the digital divide in all 203 British Columbia’s First Nations.  The FNTC’s mandate states that all 203 nations within BC will have: 1. connection with high speed broadband, 2. Have access to affordable, and qualified tech support, and 3. have the skills needed to access technologies that can improve their lives.

The Youth Cafe, is a link within the website that is targeted at aboriginal youth and provides resources that are educational. One of the links, is one targeted to language literacy.  A page catered to the multiple languages spoken in the 203 nations.  Fun, educational, and easy to navigate through. The Youth Cafe also takes note on how the youth are becoming the tech-savy ones and are the ones sharing/educated the elders on new technologies being used.

[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oRSQiZZT3go&feature=related[/youtube]

As I stumble upon more information about the digital divide, more similarities seem to appear in regards to how technology can be used in remote communities.  In this clip, Phillip Djwa brings to the attention that technology (internet specifically) connects in three ways. Health, Education, and Economic Development.  What I didn’t realize, and maybe it is just me being ignorant to the issue is, I didn’t realize that many aboriginal youth when entering his/her junior high/high school years, need to leave their home communities behind and go to school else where.  Holy Smokes!  Can you say a total shake up to one’s life?  The emotions that one would be experiencing at this time, I can’t fathom what that would be like.  Having to leave your family behind would be extremely challenging, and unless you have other adults or elders or anyone to help guide you along, its a no brainer that school isn’t a priority! Who is there to coax you along and provide the encouragement?  E-learning would be something that can be a useful and beneficial tool to help youth and/or adults to be successful with learning in any circumstance. The search continues…

The other local Indian Band that my school is located on is Whispering Pines/Clinton Indian Band. There is a quote on the front of their page that sets the tone for this group.

From our Ancestors

Since time immemorial our ancestors lived in harmony with mother earth. We took from mother what we needed to survive. We cared for and nurtured our lands. We defended our Traditional Territory from outside invaders Our Coyote Rock stands as a Sentry Guardian and Protecting our Territory.

This quote on their page suggests the connection to the land and strong spiritual beliefs.

This website is very different from the KIB’s sophisticated site. There website can be found here at:

http://www.wpcib.com/

In the section about the Pellt’ip’t people, it mentions the importance of the following symbols

• The Bear
• The Wolf
• The Eagle
• The Fish
• The Water
• The Pine Branch

There is also a section on the site that contains:

• News & Events – seems to be a focus on events for youth
• Opportunities – this contains regional development opportunities & tourism
• Sports and Rec. Centre – mostly rental and facility information
• Wildlife and Nature section – info on a nature trail and initiatives

It is quite obvious that the Pellt’iq’t don’t have the money and resources that the KIB have. They are in a more rural area and outside of the major city of Kamloops. This remoteness would impact their financial abilities.

Much like the KIB, they also have no map of territory and very little on their history on the web site. There is also no critical reflection on colonialism. But, this is about the only similarity between the two Indian Bands according to their websites.