Identity, Culture,
and
Technology
and
Technology
What is this Resource for?
This site has been created as the final project for ETEC521- Indigenity, Technology and Education. This project will explore the relationship between identity, culture, and technology as it pertains to indigenious people.
Where do we Start?
The past two to three generations have seen a tremendous shift of towards the use technology in our society. Where technology was once a play toy for the elite, now the Internet, cell phones, and other technological devices have become embedded into almost every aspect of nearly everyone's daily lives. Older generations, who were in awe of such devices, are slowly jumping on the technology bandwagon. The middle generations, who have seen the influx of newer, faster, more versatile technologies, go about their every day trying to keep up and stay connected. The youngest generation, who have never known life without the availability of technology, see this as nothing more than a slice of bread, something that is always available at their fingertips.
Within the hustle and bustle of this digital society, the benefits of technology for the indigenious people are quite apparent, Statistics Canada indicates that "children aged 14 and under accounted for more than 1/4 (28%) of the Aboriginal population compared to 16.5% of non-Aboriginal." (Stats Can, 2013). The Internet and other technological devices may allow these indigenous youth an opportunity to explore and investigate their culture. Also, aboriginals can often find other aboriginals and even rediscover traditional skills.
However, are there any drawbacks or negative affects to an over-reliance on technology? Barnes relates that "the internet is an exceedingly deceptive technology" (Barnes, 2005). Are important traditional skills being lost? Perhaps language and culture are being overlooked and are slowly dissipating into the Arctic mist. Due to the lack of understanding of technology's impact, this site will investigate the following question.
This site has been created as the final project for ETEC521- Indigenity, Technology and Education. This project will explore the relationship between identity, culture, and technology as it pertains to indigenious people.
Where do we Start?
The past two to three generations have seen a tremendous shift of towards the use technology in our society. Where technology was once a play toy for the elite, now the Internet, cell phones, and other technological devices have become embedded into almost every aspect of nearly everyone's daily lives. Older generations, who were in awe of such devices, are slowly jumping on the technology bandwagon. The middle generations, who have seen the influx of newer, faster, more versatile technologies, go about their every day trying to keep up and stay connected. The youngest generation, who have never known life without the availability of technology, see this as nothing more than a slice of bread, something that is always available at their fingertips.
Within the hustle and bustle of this digital society, the benefits of technology for the indigenious people are quite apparent, Statistics Canada indicates that "children aged 14 and under accounted for more than 1/4 (28%) of the Aboriginal population compared to 16.5% of non-Aboriginal." (Stats Can, 2013). The Internet and other technological devices may allow these indigenous youth an opportunity to explore and investigate their culture. Also, aboriginals can often find other aboriginals and even rediscover traditional skills.
However, are there any drawbacks or negative affects to an over-reliance on technology? Barnes relates that "the internet is an exceedingly deceptive technology" (Barnes, 2005). Are important traditional skills being lost? Perhaps language and culture are being overlooked and are slowly dissipating into the Arctic mist. Due to the lack of understanding of technology's impact, this site will investigate the following question.
Does an increase and dependency in technology use in today’s aboriginal youth adversely affect the development of self-identity and cultural identity?
This INUKSHUK will show you the way.
Follow the links below to each of the pages.
- In Keys, there is an explanation of some key concepts.
- In Language , there is information about the importance of knowledge, storytelling, and language.
- In Technology, there is an exploration of some possible side-effects of technology, particularly for youth, both indigenous and non-indigenous.
- In Conclusion , there is a summary for this project site.
- In Resources, there is a list of the potential resources.
- In Reflection, please feel free to write your personal reflections about this project site.