Tag Archives: internet

Module 4 – Post 3 – Aboriginals on the Web

Leave a reply

Aboriginal Territories in Cyberspace

http://www.abtec.org

From the site

Aboriginal Territories in Cyberspace is a network of academics, artists and technologists whose goal is to define and share conceptual and practical tools that will allow us to create new, Aboriginally-determined territories within the web-pages, online games, and virtual environments that we call cyberspace. Our multi-faceted effort will include a storytelling series, an ongoing gamesnight, a modding workshop, Machinima, and performance art.

The main objective is to implement methods so Aboriginal people can use new media technologies to complement their cultures. As is stated, “even on the Internet, Native people need a self-determined place to call home.”

Preservation of Culture in an Economy of Extraction – my statement to connect weblogs.

Leave a reply

Nilesh Patel, a friend of mine from High School, filmed and directed a movie in 2006 called “Brocket 99: Rocking the Country”. The film was created to spark authentic dialogue between First Nations and non-aboriginal peoples in the hopes of tackling stereotypes and promoting increased tolerance. I recently had a chance to talk with Nilesh, who described some of his experiences of the past 10 years, making documentary movies with First Nations groups across BC and Alberta. We discussed how attitudes towards First Nations groups varies greatly depending on the region and how some First Nation groups are making strides to regain sovereignty, while others fall behind and still face oppressive resistance and hostility. Reflecting on our discussion, I think of how government in Western Canada is eagerly pursuing an “economy first, use it or lose it” agenda. I question, “Where does culture of indigenous peoples fit within an ideology of resource extraction and economic growth?” I believe economic development has put indigenous peoples at a crossroads today. The race is on to preserve traditional ways, especially language, in the face of massive global economic pressure and corporate interests.

Tar sands extraction in northern Alberta

To start my inquiry, I will look at three distinctly different regions of Western Canada and the groups of indigenous peoples that live within these regions: Duncan, BC (Cowichan Tribes); Fort McKay, Alberta (Cree, Dene, and Metis); and Inuvik, Northwest Territory (Inuvialuit, Gwich’in, and Metis). I will examine the industry that exists within these areas and how economics has affected and continues to affect these First Nations peoples. I will then study how these indigenous groups are using technology to help retain and pass on what is vital to their way of life. Lastly, I will look at how these First Nations groups are utilizing the internet as a space to promote culture and identity.

Mel Burgess.

Module #1 – Post #4: Song

Leave a reply

Earlier this week, I created a post that focused on one example of contemporary Aboriginal dance that incorporate traditional elements with modern dance sensibilities. This got me thinking further about how the internet might serve as an effective tool for the preservation and continuation of Aboriginal arts. Media Smarts, a website devoted to digital and media literacy in Canada, provided a good jumping off point for me, with links to artists pages and informational websites organized by medium – all with an Aboriginal focus. The coverage here is, as I said, a good jumping off point, but it is limited in scope as it is not the sole focus of the website. Needless to say, there’s a lot more to explore.

This took me to the Library and Archives Canada website, which houses information and audio files specific to Inuit, First Nations and Metis music, its history and influences. Unfortunately, the sound clips are limited to 30 seconds each, so the full breadth of each song can’t be experienced. (As an interesting aside, many elders were resistant to the idea of having White anthropologists record Aboriginal music during the late 19th century and early 20th when recording technology first became available. As songs were often tied to sacred rites and rituals, they feared this music would be misappropriated and taken out of context, which incidentally is what happens here as no information is given regarding the origin and significance of each audio clip). What I did find useful was that each category of Aboriginal music is divided into traditional and contemporary sections, providing listeners with an opportunity to experience the diversity inherent in Aboriginal music. This also provides listeners with a way to experience traditional sounds married with contemporary influences, which are particular evident in the Inuit and Metis sections of the archive.