Cultural Survival (http://www.culturalsurvival.org/publications/cultural-survival-quarterly/canada/missing-where-are-first-nations-national-media)

Cultural Survival is a webpage for a group that does work around the world to help Indigenous peoples defend their land and deal with other kinds of issues.  This particular site is very useful in research in Media as the specific link I posted brings you to article that specifically talks about media and the factor it is having (socio-economic and cultural) on Indigenous societies.  This particular group has been around since the 1960s.  Their site offers information on internships with the group, job opportunities, and programs.

They have many different types of programs such as: Endangered Languages, as well as media related programs such as “Our voices on the air.”

The News and Articles section has information on many different Indigenous groups, and organizations.

 

First Nations Voice (http://www.firstnationsvoice.com/index.php?action=about)

This particular website is hoping to create a National non-political, privately owned First Nation New Paper.  Their premise is that this “Media Educational Vehicle” will be used by Indigenous groups living on and off reserves in order to educate each other and the public on their perspectives of being First Nation/Aboriginal.

Through this Media they plan to promote issues regarding health, culture, business and language.

They also have links to articles and archived issues ranging from information on the Manito Ahbee Festival to articles on federal and provincial government concerns.  This is an example of how Indigenous peoples are using Media in a constructive way to reach out to other people and other Indigenous people for understanding.

 

University of Toronto – Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (http://www.oise.utoronto.ca/deepeningknowledge/Teacher_Resources/First_Nations_Representation_in_the_Media/index.html)

Although this site is not just about First Nations, the link I provided is titled “Deepening Knowledge, Resources for and about Aboriginal Education.”  In particular it discusses First Nations Representation in the Media.  Going back to Nanook of the North, this shows many examples of books and videos in which First Nations are stereotyped in media.

There are Poems, youTube clips and speeches on the site that cover the controversy of stereotypes, media and issues relating to residential schools.

This site also gives links to Radio – Aboriginal Voices Network, as well as blog discussions, articles and cultural places to visit.  Because this is under “teacher’s resources” this site could provide a lot of insight into First Nations, Media, and stereotypes.

 

Fact Sheet (The Reality for First Nations in Canada) (http://64.26.129.156/cmslib/general/RFNC.pdf)

This particular site is actually link to a PDF file.  It provides a lot of interesting and sad community reality issues for First Nations in Canada.  For example, it gives statistics on their living conditions, their life expectancies, as well as their national statistics when it comes to hot topics such as: suicide, diabetes, tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS.

This PDF provides a lot of information on their housing and living conditions as well as information on their education levels and their participation in the workforce.

This PDF also provides information on federal government funding.

Although this isn’t a website, there is so much information and statistics on here that will really open your eyes to the types of obstacles First Nations of Canada are facing.

There is also a list of references at the bottom from which statistics were taken for the PDF.  This will provide deeper information on subject areas this 2 page PDF missed.

 

Here to Help – Mental Health and Substance-Use Information You Can Trust (http://heretohelp.bc.ca/visions/aboriginal-people-vol5/aboriginal-mental-health-the-statistical-reality)

HeretoHelp is a project of the BC Partners for Mental Health and Addictions information.  This is a non-profit agency that works with people to help prevent and manage mental health and substance abuse problems.  This particular site offers personal stories on mental health issues and substance abuse issues.  It also provides self-help resources.

The link I provided really opens your eyes to the community reality of First Nations people.  This particular link sends you to an article on the Mental heal of Aboriginal people.  (Originally from the “Aboriginal People” issue of Visions Journal, 2008, 5(1), P. 6-7)

This article provides statistics on First Nations seeking help, having substance abuse issues and mental issues.  One shocking reality is that in First Nations populations, suicide rates are twice the national average of other Canadians and there shows no signs of them decreasing.  In particular, suicide rates among Inuits are 6 to 11 times higher than the Canadian Average.  27% of all deaths in Nunavut since 1999 have been suicides.  Statistics from surveys show that 75% of First Nations communities feel that alcohol is a problem in their community, 33% say it is a problem in their own household, and 25% say they have a personal problem with alcohol.  This particular site offers insight into tough community realities that Aboriginals are facing today, especially up North.