Category — Module 3

Bridging Canada’s Digital Divide: First Nations’ Access to New Information Technologies
(http://www2.brandonu.ca/library/cjns/21.2/cjnsv21no2_pg191-215.pdf)

Description:
In this paper, Marian Bredin discusses ways in which the digital divide between FN people and other Canadians (many of which live in the areas and communities digital networks were designed to serve) can be bridged.

Her paper is organized into 3 sections:

1. i.        Critical tools for thinking about the digital divide
2. ii.      Current Canadian debates on access
3. iii.    Successful Native initiatives in bridging the divide

~ Ryan

First Nations students need Internet technology, advocates say
(http://www.straight.com/article-254208/first-nations-kids-need-net)

Click the above image to link to YOUTUBE to watch the interview

Description:
This is a story that I came across on the straight.com on Denise Williams (a member of the Cowichan Tribe) who is a youth initiative officer for the First Nations Education Steering Committee.  Williams believes that broadband internet access will aid the FN in BC by expanding opportunities available to them, many of which live in rural and/or remote reserves.  She strongly feels that having high-speed internet will greatly improve the delivery of distance education where numbers, distance and proximity make delivery of education very expensive.

~ Ryan

Our Voices, Our Stories: First Nations, Métis and Inuit Stories
(http://www.collectionscanada.gc.ca/stories/index-e.html)

Description:
I came across this link on the Saskatchewan Teachers Federation Website.  It is a link to the Library and Archives of Canada (government) website.  It is a collection of work, “celebrating stories from the oral tradition of the Inuit, Métis and First Nations peoples, from the past to the present.”

At first I was skeptical of this Canadian Government Website but I learned that members from the Inuit, Métis and First Nations communities participated in this project so I want to assume that the stories are authentic and not “stolen” or “misrepresented”.

The site serves proof that technology can be successfully used to store and share stories from Inuit, Métis and First Nations communities “bearing witness to the cultural diversity, living history and collective knowledge from which they came.”  The site also makes reference to the fact the stories on this site represent a very small portion of a vast cultural heritage.  This site is a way of continuing the rich history and tradition of storytelling and oral culture via a relatively new medium.

~ Ryan

On the Path of the Elders

On the Path of Elders is an interactive animated game aimed for a Grade 4 – 10 audience that explores the treaty process in north-western and north-eastern Ontario from an Aboriginal perspective. The story of the Mushkegowuk and Anishinaabe Peoples is shared through elder accounts and historical documents that provide alternate interpretations of  the how the signing of Treaty No. Nine (the James Bay Treaty) transpired in the area known as Nishnawbe Aski Nation. While providing an opportunity to document elder knowledge as a means of revitalizing this distinct Aboriginal language and culture, the game format also appeals to a younger generation of learners that are missing vital cultural information as a result of the Canadian governments attempts to assimilate Aboriginal people into Non-Aboriginal society and/or the lack of attention Aboriginal history has been given in schools. This is a resource that stands to benefit Canadian youth in the process of decolonization so that a better understanding of Aboriginal treatment in Canada can be achieved.

The site also includes teacher guides broken down by grade and a gallery of primary and secondary resources to substantiate the story behind the game.

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/

Copyright, Heritage, and Australian Aboriginal Art

A very interesting and very pertinent read: Given the changes that have recently taken place within the digital realm and ideas about open sourcing and legitimate copyright claims this paper’s critical look at the laws governing such issues is remarkable. There are sections that deal with a diversity of issues such as European appropriation and reinstitution of art and the idea of original creativity and ownership. There are further references made to parallel cases before the courts in Canada and the United States. In the end, the summary is grim. An unfortunate picture is painted about the rights of Indigenous people to their cultural artwork and the legal discourse surrounding the issue.