This site forms part of the School of Information website. This page listed as a subpage of the pathfinder classification is entitled, “A New Understanding of Culture and Communication: The impact of technology on Indigenous Peoples” and was created by A.J. Johnson.  He provides a guide to finding online and text based resources on the different technology issues affecting Indigenous peoples. The layout and use of preset questions followed by referenced information and links to the resources within each content specific area makes access to relevant information quite simple.

Given the nature of the site however, it is a bit of a disappointment to see that the site is not being maintained very well which is evidenced by the many broken links encountered.

http://www.ischool.utexas.edu/~vlibrary/edres/pathfinders/ajohnson/pathfinder.html

The Native American Public Telecommunications (NAPT) website has creativity, sharing, collaborating and honouring of Native culture listed as its core values. The aim of the website is to share the Native Stories with the world through the development/creation and distribution of native media. The very setup of the web site exemplifies its mission by utilizing the various forms of media available. The site provides viewers with the option to: (i) watch news stories and discussion guides or (ii) listen to live streams of programs, native radio or podcasts, to name a few. An interactive timeline on the Native American Battles and Massacres adds to the intrigue of the site. In addition it offers a wealth of information on educational resources available with special links to new releases. Search options for subject or grade specific text contributes to the overall ease of use. This is a very dynamic and media rich website which will bring a colourful insight into the lives of FN people.

http://www.nativetelecom.org/

This webpage forms part of the larger website developed by the Congress of the Confederation of Indigenous Nationalities of Ecuador (CONAIE). CONAIE, established in 1986, is the representative body that was organized to ensure that Indigenous people had a political voice that would articulate their needs and rights as a people in society. The site/web page publishes the Political Declaration of the indigenous people that came out of their fourth congress sitting held in 1993. Included in the list of declaration are their rights of self-determination, sovereignty, and independence. The details and tone of the site signals adamancy, resistance and pride. It echoes in a very clear and concise manner the sentiments and desires of the indigenous people.

http://conaie.nativeweb.org/conaie4.html

The People’s Movement for Human Rights Education  formerly the People’s decade for Human Rights Education (PDHRE) website is dedicated to human rights learning for social and economic transformation.  The organization is an independent, international and non-profit body.  It was established in 1988 to fulfill the need for greater understanding of human rights issues as it related to FN people. The home page is packed with information on human rights issues as well as details about indigenous people;  their livelihood, sexual orientation, work, and minorities to name a few. Users are able to access pictures, video clips and links to numerous resources, articles, reports, dialogue/dissertations and publications. They are also prompted from the onset, to join the different interest groups shown on the site, that seek to address the human rights issue of the FN people.

The outlining of specific subject areas makes navigation much easier. Details on human rights issues are not mentioned only in generalized terms but explained in relation to how it applies to indigenous people,. Overall it is a very comprehensive and well developed website.

http://www.pdhre.org/index.html

The author of this webpage demonstrates a strong passion for the rights and privileges of the indigenous people while at the same time, highlighting the ills of globalization and the use of media creation to further strengthen their efforts at domination and infiltration.

The author’s consistent use of comparative analysis, present readers with the many variables that are present in media creation and globalization, from which they can draw their own conclusion. The use of thought provoking questions further prompt readers to examine the situation closer and in turn begin to ask questions of their own. There is a gradual introduction of terms such as ‘exploitation’ ‘domination’ “extensive power” “corporatism” all used in relation to the underpinnings of globalization and media creation. Spurts of enthusiasm and hope for indigenous media creation highlight the positives of media and the resilience of the indigenous people.

http://www.globalautonomy.ca/global1/summaryPrint.jsp?index=summaries/RS_Tabobondung_MediaCreation.xml

The Parliament of Canada does not contain information exclusively dedicated to indigenous people. However, it offers important insight into how rights and the protection of those rights for indigenous people may be recognized and protected. Intellectual Property rights is a modern phenomenon – one which the website delineates in clarifying the differences between traditional knowledge and Western Science, while simultaneously exploring the limitations of the protections that obtain.

Snippets of the Intellectual Property law toward the end of the webpage contributes to the authenticity of information presented and helps to substantiate the claims made about the need for the protection of the rights of the native people.

http://www.parl.gc.ca/content/LOP/ResearchPublications/prb0338-e.htm

The Digital Library of Indigenous Science Resources (DLISR) is a very useful website that provides a wealth of information and resources on Indigenous people. The library collection provides valuable information online in the form of text, audiovisuals and pictures about the natural science of the indigenous people. It provides more than the basic information, delving deeper into climate change, foods, education and other rich details. The layout is relatively basic and very easy to navigate. The search tool assist the user to search for specific subject or resources needed. The distinguishing feature of the articles and products available in this library is that they are all produced by indigenous individuals or groups with criteria for admission being set by elders or other recognized experts.

http://www.dlisr.org/

The Asia Indigenous Peoples’ Pact (AIPP) website was developed to help indigenous youths and to give them the opportunity to maintain their cultural heritage as well as empower them through various programs such as Capacity building, Youth and Indigenous development, Environment projects among others. Details on policies and articles relevant to Asia are adequately outlined on the Home page. The promotion of indigenous development and self-determination are themes that evident on the site. Training, skill development and technology interaction are other areas covered. The website seeks to provide a ‘home’, ‘resource center’ and ‘forum’ for the youth to share ideas and indulge themselves in culture of Asian indigenous peoples.  Links to articles, brochure, updates and downloads add to the usefulness and relevance of the site.

http://www.aippnet.org/home/capacity-building

This article on Decolonization was written to outline the background of the indigenous groups the freedom they once enjoyed. The article then goes on to show the detailed process of the colonization that eroded that freedom and replaced it with dependency through mental and physical domination. The clear definition of the destructive nature of colonization is aptly presented in a tone that calls for both empathy and anger. The brilliant use of images/comics shows contrasting ideas of the “before and after” providing a unique insight into the transition of time. The concluding paragraphs that detail the method to decolonization sums up the article well with a climax of finality on the destructive nature of colonization and the necessity for decolonization.

http://anti-politics.net/distro/2009/decolonization.pdf

Intercontinental Cry (IC), is a website run by a volunteer organization that journals the struggles of the Indigenous people. Founded in 2004 and operated/funded solely on donations the site is rich with uptodate information. The information provided is current and updated frequently to provided visitors to the site with the most valuable information. Complete with images, a video marquee and clips, headlines and popups the sites busy layout gives a feel of urgency. It is rich with information, articles, latest and breaking news, petitions and details of unreported struggles of natives.  The objective of the website is clear…to unveil the indigious people, to provide insight and to help in the quest for decolonization.

The prolific writer and author John Ahniwanika Schertow, decendant of indigenous peoples is qualified to aptly represent the group and validates the site with the authority provided through his rich cultural heritage and advocacy.

The features and links prompts investigation and they all help in the overall appeal of the website.

http://intercontinentalcry.org/