Before We Begin
We acknowledge that no single training can offer solutions to all the problems that relate to Indigenous Peoples, their Traditional Knowledges, and protocols. The processes and rules vary in each traditional territory and in each country. Cultural differences are too numerous and too region-based to be able to cover them all
It is an important process of reconciliation to not pan-Indigenize by grouping all Indigenous Peoples’ ways of being and knowing into one cultural identity.
There are 204 distinct First Nations in B.C. Each Nation has its own unique traditions, history, and protocols. Indigenous Peoples within B.C. live in exceptionally diverse territories that are intrinsically linked to their cultural heritage. This can include ideas, experiences, worldviews, objects, forms of expression, practices, knowledge, spirituality, kinship ties, and places.
Each module in the Indigenous Digital Literacies course presents its own unique problems. There cannot be a simple step-by-step process defined that will work in all cases.
We designed this course from a space of cultural and traditional practices that may be integrated into creating a safe digital space for Indigenous learners.
It is important to recognize that your learning only begins here. After this course, you will then collaborate with the host Nation. It is at this local level that you can begin to understand the traditions, history, and protocols that will become an important part of creating Indigenous digital literacy for your students.
Learner notes
With 204 Indigenous communities and more than 30 Indigenous languages, British Columbia’s six diverse and beautiful regions offer different ways of knowing and being. Connecting with the people and languages that have been spoken, collected the knowledge, and passed the stories of Indigenous communities in B.C. for thousands upon thousands of years, this vastness of cultures cannot be taught in the depth and richness they deserve in the time frame of this course. Each Indigenous culture is unique.
First Nations refers only to those who have Indian status under Canadian law as part of a recognized community. There are 634 recognized First Nations governments or bands across Canada.
Source and recommended reading: First Nations A-Z Listing – Province of British Columbia (gov.bc.ca)
