Defining the principle of technology supports

There are inequalities that exists for Indigenous Peoples in Canada. Access to technology is one of those inequalities. We understand the digital divide and work to explore technologies and make purposeful and collaborative decisions on how to use these technologies to support Indigenous Peoples. This will include new approaches to research by challenging and altering the ways researchers do research.

Fundamental knowledge of technology supports

• Indigenous learners are negatively impacted by the digital divide.
• Technology can increase access to Indigenous languages.
• Technology can increase access to Indigenous Elders, role models, and learning.
• Technology utilized must include Indigenous-owned, -designed, and -supported digital tools.

“Indigenous Peoples have experienced negative inter-generational impacts of colonization and socioeconomic stress, which has led to persistent subpar academic performance compared to non-Indigenous populations. This has prevented Indigenous Peoples from graduating high school and pursuing post-secondary education and professional opportunities. One of their most critical challenges is obtaining adequate language and literacy skills required for success in school and at work.”

The digital divide

The digital divide is the distance between those who can access computers and the Internet and those who do not have access or have very limited access.

“While Canada’s Indigenous population grows at four times the national average, over 60% of BC’s rural and remote Indigenous communities lack adequate internet connectivity.”

—Lisa Mueller, Founder of Nation2Nation Forum, February 22, 2024

Indigenous post-secondary students can play a key part in closing the digital divide and leading their communities into the digital present and future.

As educators, our job is to provide access to technology and lead students through Indigenous digital literacy in their education.