Tag Archives: Aboriginal youth

Module 4 Post 5: ICT in Aboriginal Communities: Increasing Aboriginal Social Capital

This is a discussion paper on information and communication technology (ICT) as it relates to Aboriginal social capital. A first draft of this paper was revised to include feedback from project partners (Crossing Boundaries Aboriginal Voice Initiative) and round-table discussions. A series of five round-table sessions in different regions across Canada with First Nations, Metis and Inuit experts and stakeholders were organized to discuss the content and direction of Aboriginal community ICT networks in Canada. A one-day national symposium was held in January of 2008 with the participation of 23 key stakeholders, experts and practitioners from Aboriginal organizations and other relevant entities, to discuss the document. The symposium focused on the issues raised throughout the study and formulated policy and research priority issues.

Taken from this website: http://media.knet.ca/node/5088

I included this video by TEKKRU Media Team as it displays a strong signal by the aboriginal YOUTH community in regard to ICT implementation and their desire to spearhead the future of the digital world for aboriginal communities: watch?v=crdkNNqv0VE

Source:

Mignone J, Henley H, Brown J, O’Neil J, Ross W (2008) Information and Communication Technology in Aboriginal Communities in Canada: Increasing Aboriginal Social Capital. Faculty of Human Ecology. The University of Manitoba. June.

Module 4 – Post 1 – KAYA

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In researching urban music programs for aboriginal youth, I came across the Songweavers Studio in Vancouver, run by a group called the Knowledgeable Aboriginal Youth Asociation (KAYA). Their mandate is to provide advocacy for for the participation, representation, and voice of aboriginal youth. They encourage youth to communicate and make decisions with assertiveness and informed consent. They provide a mentorship program, career and educational workshops, and community events. The Songweavers Studio is a recording studio that provides free access to aboriginal youth aged 13-29, and seeks to provide them with an opportunity to empower their voices, preserve their culture and pass on traditions by using technology.

Module 4 Post 2: Assembly of First Nations Youth Summit

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Last week (week of Nov 18, 2013) more than 300 First Nations youth across Canada gathered for the Assembly of First Nations Youth Summit, a summit held every five years and presents a five-year action plan to the AFN. This years focus was on leadership and empowering youth to have a voice.

According to this article from Star Pheonix Saskatoon News, the average age for FN in Saskatchewan is 20, compared to the median age of 40 (and rising) for Canada.

These young ‘warriors’ are described as ever more armed with education, social media and political awareness, and are geared towards protecting their people and fighting for their betterment. Although this article doesn’t identify how success is ascribed to these youth, it provides an encouraging signal that youth are active for change and a hope for the future.

Source: http://www.thestarphoenix.com/news/Youth+engagement+promising+First+Nations/9199131/story.html

Module 4: Post 1: Learning the Path

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This website is geared towards inspiring and connecting Aboriginal peoples and communities in and around Edmonton, Alberta. There are various links on the website such as healing the past, breaking down barriers, discovering gifts, connecting community and empowering yourself. This website provides news events, information, video and audio clips of stories from Aboriginal people. It provides a way for Aboriginal people to become involved in community, re-connect with their culture and find jobs and empowerment in the community. This website was create by Aboriginal people who are trying to help create a path for more Aboriginal youth and people to follow to find success and happiness in life. This website is also, however, not limited to Aboriginal peoples as they encourage non-Aboriginal people to also become involved and aware in their cultural events.

http://www.cbc.ca/edmonton/features/learningthepinal ath/community/