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

I am focusing on the use of technology to document and preserve traditional knowledge and develop curriculum resources. Most of my posts are related to media in supporting an indigenous re-framing of identity and different ways media are being used to share and document traditional knowledge and deal with ownership issues. How different communities and groups have done this, and their successes and issues will be important feedback for any efforts we make up north.

Native Science

A website on Traditional Knowledge with links to other sites developed in Alaska with TK resources dealing with language, culture and the land.  The projects are aimed at documenting and preserving TK and developing curriculum resources for the state as well. There is a very good set of guidelines developed by a large number of stakeholders: GUIDELINES FOR RESPECTING CULTURAL KNOWLEDGE.

http://www.nativescience.org/html/traditional_knowledge.html

Alaskan Native Knowledge Network

Articles and resources dealing with traditional knowledge, culture and language  including curriculum and resources from all the language groups found in Alaska.

http://www.ankn.uaf.edu/curriculum/Articles/BarnhardtKawagley/Indigenous_Knowledge.html

Indigenous Knowledge: Foundations for First Nations

A detailed article on the place of traditional knowledge in current identity, ecology and development issues from the University of Saskatchewan.

www.win-hec.org/docs/pdfs/Journal/Marie%20Battiste%20copy.pdf

David Bouchard – Portrait of a Metis Writer

Video interview with David Bouchard, a well-known and much respected Metis writer and speaker. We have had David visit out school several times and he is a real champion for strong FN identity – not just Metis. His work is multimedia – writing, partnerships with artists, music – he is very inspiring to youth. Story as the vehicle of traditional knowledge.

http://youtu.be/BdPtMZbgEBY

Nokum is my Teacher

Most of his books are on line in some form. This book is about the Metis culture  and the importance of being open to sharing understanding and change.

http://youtu.be/17QYnw5xzWE

Brenda Parlee Website:

Collects her research re traditional knowledge mainly in Alberta and the NWT as it impacts resource development, wildlife management and ecological issues. Some of her research has dealt with traditional knowledge issues in our community of Lutsel K’e, and issues of control in communication  and development.

http://www.ualberta.ca/~bparlee/parlee_ongoing.htm

Indian Country Today Media Network

Both US and Canadian sites with videos, blogs and news feeds on international issues from health to politics. The site speaks to solidarity among many ethnic and tribal identities on similar issues.

http://indiancountrytodaymedianetwork.com/canada/

First Nations Holistic Lifelong Learning Model

Through discussions with First Nations education professionals, researchers, and community experts, the Aboriginal Learning Knowledge Center, a branch of the Canadian Council on Learning, presents a framework for assessing the success of lifelong learning using a First Nations holistic model. This model honours the First Nations view that learning is an organic and reflective process that emphasizes the cyclical interconnectedness of life and the importance of sustaining it, while acknowledging and incorporating the presence of Western knowledge. It connects opportunities for lifelong learning to individual well-being and collective well-being that is further nurtured by mentors within the community.

The Story of the Masks

Sponsored by the Virtual Museum of Canada, The Story of the Masks is authored by the Kwakwaka’wakw people of the Northwest Coast of British Columbia. Identified collectively as the Kwawkewlths by Indian Affairs and as the Kwakiutl by anthropologists, the Kwakwaka’wakw people are comprised of distinct groups living in different locations, but who speak the Kwa„wala language.

Within this site, the role the masks played in Kwakwaka’wakw society is explored using the collection of masks on exhibit at the U’mista Cultural Center at the Nuyumbalees Museum in Alert Bay, British Columbia. Understanding the legend behind each type of masks and the ceremonies that they were a part of is a central theme that illuminates the significance of the masks to Kwakwaka’wakw communities and the preservation of their identity and heritage. The importance of the masks is reflected in how they are integrated into Potlatch ceremonies, a historical, social, economic, spiritual and educational pillar for Kwakwaka’wakw communities. Although the Canadian government’s attempts to undermine this ceremony, as it was viewed to be in opposition to assimilation policies, led to the Potlatch being outlawed in 1885, the Story of the Masks shares the Kwakwaka’wakw people’s continued story of cultural survival.

Diagram for Ojibwe Curriculum (4 Directions Teaching, 2006)

Elder LillianPitawanakwat shares the sacred teachings of the Medicine Wheel in this article on Ojibwe/Powawatomi teaching. Although her focus is on Ojibwe knowledge, she also points out that across First Nations groups, these teachings are basically the same. Each of the Seven Sacred Directions has seven teachings, which in turn have sub-teachings as well. The Four Cardinal points within the seven directions remind individuals of the need for balance in their lives as well as within themselves. Along with the Seven Stages of Life – from birth to death – we can also find the Seven Grandfather Teachings that provide the gifts of honesty, humility, courage, wisdom, respect, generosity and love.

Indigenous Knowledge & Pedagogy in First Nations Education: A Literature Review with Recommendations (Dr. Marie Battiste, 2002)

In response to the Government of Canada’s evolving commitment to work with First Nations to improve Aboriginal educational opportunities, Dr. Marie Battiste unveils a framework that extends beyond a program of steps to be implemented to illustrate the shift in perspective that will be required to move past the Eurocentric assumptions and prejudices that have undermined Aboriginal education and have been indifferent towards Indigenous knowledge. The task of breaking through the colonial mindset that continues to view Indigenous ways of knowing as inferior because it cannot be effectively categorized and analysed using Eurocentric logic involves acknowledging the value of Indigenous knowledge and re-examining the widespread acceptance that Eurocentric knowledge commands the most value. Battiste calls on the Canadian government to recognize that Aboriginal education is distinct and accept that they have a responsibility to protect Aboriginal knowledge, languages, and heritage.

Aboriginal learning and identity continue to be affected by curriculum and authoritative behaviour in Canadian schools that propagate a Eurocentric perspective of learning and thinking which have isolated Aboriginal people from educational opportunities that build individual and community wholeness. In the pursuit of balancing our educational system, indigenous ways of knowing must be valued and respected. Embracing the inclusion of indigenous knowledge in our schools moves beyond teaching indigenous heritage and creates transformative educational opportunities that seek to overcome the mistrust and deprivation that still emanate from colonization.

LIVING SMART IN TWO WORLDS: Maintaining and Protecting First Nation Culture for Future Generations
(http://smart.knet.ca/Library/GlobalCN-paper.pdf)

Description:

In searching for articles and websites that focus on Aboriginal Youth and Technology I came across this article.  This is a paper/presentation presented in 2002 by K-Net (an IT company that worked with 6 different First Nations in the Province of Ontario).  Essentially, they looked at ways in bridging the two worlds of technology and tradition.  Most importantly, they were successful in doing so.  The paper outlines ways in which they were successful and also gives testimonials from various First Nation leaders on its effectiveness.

~ Ryan