Lesson 5: Uses of Technology in First Nation Culture, Land Management, Public Works and Housing Management

 Introduction

Technology, especially post COVID, has proven itself to be an excellent means of communication. As such, it can be used to communicate First Nations culture to a wide audience.

Websites

For example, consider the Wanuskewin website. This website communicates information about the site, events, and information about history. The website can be found at: https://wanuskewin.com/

While websites can cost even hundreds of thousands of dollars to develop, there are web tools that make it extremely easy to register and create a basic website with minimal effort and cost.

YouTube

YouTube is an excellent means of creating and sharing video. This video can be used to record cultural events in your community, and share with individual people, or the world. For example, watch the following video:

This is an inspiring example of how the Indigenous culture can be preserved and communicated.

Social Media

Social Media can be used as an excellent means of spreading information to a wide audience. It is useful in advertising events, or sales of products. Social media sites that are common at time of writing are:

• Instagram- primarily used for displaying images
• Facebook- useful for images, videos, messaging, message boarding, advertising
• TikTok- displays short videos
• SnapChat stories- can share where events are taking place, as well as take pictures and share
• X (formerly Twitter)- short messages

Before dismissing social media as a toy for kids, consider it as a means for spreading news of cultural events, of recording them. These are also useful if your aim is to communicate with younger people.

Using Technology to Manage and Land and Resources

Technology can play a transformative role in managing land and resources in First Nations communities, offering tools and solutions that improve efficiency, sustainability, and community well-being. Here are some ways technology can be utilized for effective land and resource management in First Nations communities:

Geographic Information Systems (GIS): GIS technology allows for mapping, analyzing, and visualizing spatial data. First Nations communities can use GIS to map traditional territories, identify cultural sites, manage natural resources, monitor land use changes, and plan sustainable development. More on GIS will be covered in another lesson.

Remote Sensing and Aerial Imagery: Remote sensing and aerial imagery are powerful technologies that play a significant role in managing First Nations land and resources by providing valuable insights, data, and visual information from a bird’s-eye view. These technologies involve the use of satellites, drones, and other airborne platforms to capture images and data about the Earth’s surface and environment. In the context of First Nations land and resource management, remote sensing and aerial imagery offer a range of benefits and applications:

1. Land Mapping and Monitoring: Remote sensing and aerial imagery allow for accurate mapping of traditional territories, land boundaries, and cultural sites. High-resolution satellite images and drone surveys can provide detailed maps that help First Nations communities understand their land’s features and changes over time. Technology also assisst in making informed decisions about land use and development. By visualizing potential impacts and understanding land characteristics, First Nations communities can plan developments that align with their values and aspirations.
2. Resource Assessment: These technologies enable the assessment of natural resources, such as forests, water bodies, agricultural areas, and minerals. This information is crucial for sustainable resource management, conservation, and planning.
3. Environmental Monitoring: Remote sensing can track environmental changes like deforestation, erosion, land degradation, and water quality. Aerial imagery helps monitor the health of ecosystems and identify potential threats. Technology helps monitor the impacts of climate change on land and resources. Changes in vegetation, water bodies, and temperature can be tracked over time, aiding adaptation strategies. Aerial imagery can also be used to monitor wildlife populations, track migration patterns, and identify habitats. This data supports wildlife conservation efforts and informs decisions related to hunting and fishing practices.
4. Cultural Site Identification: Aerial imagery can help identify cultural heritage sites, including archaeological remains, traditional structures, and sacred areas. This information aids in cultural preservation and land-use planning.
5. Emergency Response: In case of natural disasters or emergencies, remote sensing and aerial imagery provide rapid assessments of damages, helping communities and authorities coordinate response efforts effectively.
6. Community Engagement: Visual representations from aerial imagery can enhance community engagement by providing tangible evidence and data for discussions about land management decisions and environmental concerns.
7. Legal Documentation: Aerial imagery can serve as evidence in legal disputes related to land boundaries, resource rights, and environmental impacts, helping First Nations assert their rights and protect their interests.

When combined with traditional ecological knowledge, remote sensing and aerial imagery become powerful tools that enable First Nations communities to make informed decisions, preserve their cultural heritage, ensure sustainable land and resource management, and advocate for their rights and well-being.

Traditional Knowledge Integration: Indigenous knowledge holders can collaborate with scientists to integrate traditional ecological knowledge into modern technology systems. This can enhance the accuracy of resource management decisions and promote cultural preservation. 3D scanning and modeling technologies can digitally preserve cultural artifacts, historical sites, and traditional structures. This not only ensures cultural heritage preservation but also helps in planning for development while avoiding sacred areas.

Community Engagement Platforms: Community engagement platforms in First Nations communities leverage technology to facilitate communication, collaboration, and participation among community members, leaders, and stakeholders. These platforms aim to ensure that the voices, opinions, and concerns of community members are heard and considered in decision-making processes. Here are some examples of community engagement platforms used in First Nations communities:

1. FirstVoices: FirstVoices is a platform that supports language revitalization efforts in Indigenous communities. It provides tools for recording, archiving, and sharing Indigenous languages, stories, and cultural knowledge. This platform enables community members to engage in language preservation and cultural documentation. The website can be found at https://www.firstvoices.com/
2. NationBuilder: NationBuilder is a community engagement and organizing platform that offers features for communication, event management, fundraising, and advocacy. First Nations communities can use it to build websites, manage membership databases, and mobilize community members around important issues. The website can be found at https://nationbuilder.com/
3. OurHometown: OurHometown is a platform designed for local governments and community organizations to connect with residents. It can be adapted for First Nations communities to share news, events, announcements, and resources, fostering a sense of community and engagement. The website can be found at https://our-hometown.com/
4. Crowdbrite: Crowdbrite is a collaborative engagement platform that enables communities to gather ideas, insights, and feedback from members. It can be used for crowd-sourcing solutions to challenges, conducting surveys, and involving community members in the decision-making process. The website can be found at https://www.crowdbrite.com/
5. EngagementHQ: EngagementHQ is an online engagement platform that allows communities to share information, gather feedback, and collaborate on projects. First Nations communities can use it to involve residents in discussions about land management, cultural preservation, and development. The website can be found at https://granicus.com/solution/govdelivery/engagementhq/
6. TalkingPoints: TalkingPoints is a multilingual communication platform that enables teachers and parents to connect through text messages, even if they speak different languages. In First Nations communities, it can be used to enhance communication between educators and Indigenous parents. This is particularly useful software because it is made by a not-for-profit organization. The website can be found at: https://talkingpts.org/
7. Virtual Meetings and Webinars: Platforms like Zoom or Microsoft Teams enable community members to participate in virtual meetings, webinars, and online consultations, regardless of geographical distances.
8. Community Radio Stations: Some communities have their own radio stations that engage members through announcements, interviews, discussions, and cultural programming. Podcasts are also an excellent way to preserve stories and voices.

By embracing technology and integrating it with traditional knowledge, First Nations communities can enhance their ability to sustainably manage their land and resources, strengthen cultural connections, and make informed decisions that align with their values and aspirations.