The University of Calgary has webpages that give basic information about First Nations history. This one has maps of Canada with different ways of dividing regions. It is interesting to see how the linguistic, regional, and First Nations maps differ and compare to one another.
http://www.ucalgary.ca/applied_history/tutor/firstnations/civilisations.html
This website is an interactive journey that gives information about five First Nations across Canada. The website says, “Four Directions Teachings celebrates Indigenous oral traditions by honoring the process of listening with intent as each elder or traditional teacher shares a teaching from their perspective on the richness and value of cultural traditions from their nation.” (http://www.fourdirectionsteachings.com/transcripts.html) The site is student friendly and engaging. It could easily be used in the classroom to share information about First Nations peoples.
The Saskatchewan Teachers’ Federation is the professional organization representing the teachers of Saskatchewan. This is the Classroom is blog created by the STF that discusses important issues that affect teachers in this province. First Nations and Metis issues are always at the forefront of our educational consciousness and this blog has put together some well written posts about the Treaty Essential Learnings and First Nations education. The posts are written by teachers, for teachers so they are easy to read and informative.
Max Fineday is the first indigenous president of the University of Saskatchewan’s Student Union. In an organization that is 106 years old and a province that has a 50% First Nations population, this has been a long time coming. The news is momentous enough to have landed in the New York Times.
In the article is a short discussion on Residential schools and colonization. Overall the article sets a positive tone and gives attention to the work that universities across Canada are doing to support Indigenous students.
This site Avaaz.org- community petitions offers online petitions, in hopes of elliciting change in governments. “Community Petitions is a new web platform that gives people around the world the power to start and win campaigns at the local, national, and international levels.” People can create their own petitions and set a goal. Online users sign the petitions , in privacy.
For this particular petition, the purpose is persuade the government of Australia “To empower Indigenous Australians to pursue their sovereign right to self determination, given Australia’s history of ‘genocidal acts’ and racist policies and practices.” The site is trying to reach 500 signatures, using the Internet to increase the exposure of this issue. Created by Robert L of Australia and posted on March 16, 2013, this petition explores the idea that any “referendum regarding Indigenous peoples rights should be voted on seperately by Indigenous peoples and not be dominated by the broader polulation.”
link: https://secure.avaaz.org/en/petition/Aboriginal_and_Torres_Strait_Island_peoples_sovereign_right_to_selfdetermination/
The Nunavut Sivuniksavutnavut (NS) is a 8 month college program in Ottawa, Ontario. “In combination with traditional and cultural teachings, the NS program provides students with an opportunity to learn about Inuit history, organizations, land claims and other issues relevant to their future careers in Nunavut.”
Nunavut youth get a chance to live in an urban setting, experiencing life away from their home, yet still learning the Inuit lifestyle and culture. As one student proclaims, “the different courses that we study here at NS are Computers, Inuktitut, Inter-government Relations, Land Claims, English, Contemporary issues and lots of other different interesting courses” The student learn skills that will enable them to live successfully in the South, while being ambassadors for the Inuit culture. It is ironic that the students are learning the Inuit way of life in Ottawa.
Watch a video online about the NS. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=64WPCgytad0
“Research” is probably one of the dirtiest words in the indigenous world’s
vocabulary
This great quote is used in this very enlightening essay on research methodologies being used when examining Indigenous issues. Written from a New Zealand perspective, this short book review, the author attempts to help us remove our conventional sense of how to view and frame any academic investigation of indigenous issues. One of the central ideas mentioned is that there is a great need for more research done by indigenous peoples who can provide great insight into the area being examine. Failing that, it is important that researchers look upon their subject without a western lens but rather with a more open minded approach to their thinking. A very provocative read.
As more and more interest appears in the those wishing to study aboriginal issues, the question arises as to what is the most effective way in communicating this knowledge. The online course or distance education model is becoming increasingly more popular and it is evident that the there must exist a way to bring these two areas together. This article represents a survey of distance education courses that focus on First Nations issues and how the curriculum is developed and delivered. Its very interesting to consider that challenges in this educational model and the distinct challenges in communicating the ideas and cultural sensitives that are essential to this subject.
Technology can be used for various purposes, but it is always inspiring to see it used for social good. The Surui people of Brazil have been waging a long struggle against logging interests that threaten to deprive them of their lands and habitat. However, despite being decimated by disease, they have not sat idly by. In cooperation with Google Earth Outreach, the Surui use this advanced tool to survey their territory electronically to see if any illegal logging operation is encroaching on their lands. Should this be the case, the authorities are called in to remove the problem. This video highlights how effective their use of the technology has been.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xmlekZ–OWE
While researching the role of incorporating traditional knowledge into educational curriculum, I came across a fascinating article from the United Nations Office of Disaster Management on how traditional knowledge can actually save lives in cases of natural disasters. Certain peoples retain knowledge of their environment which can have a direct effect on the their survival when calamity strikes. The stories and legends that Indigenous cultures possess can have major impact if their message is listened to and not ignored. Its interesting to consider what other wisdom exists around us that we should be considering.