As I worked on trying to create a basis for starting a conversation about Indigenous perspectives and engagement at WC-EH, I added to the resources I had already gathered together in the fifteen years since we emigrated from the UK to Canada.
I was genuinely moved by the response to our efforts to put Indigenous stories front and centre and the feedback we received. Thank you!
So here are a few links that may encourage you to explore further and keep the conversation going.
Land Acknowledgement
We referred to a number of local sources for examples. The advice I was given was to look at what universities in the area are doing, though given that we were in Ottawa I also searched governmental sites.
- Native Land Digital has mapped traditional territories and is a great starting point to find out about the place you call home. It ” creates spaces where non-Indigenous people can be invited and challenged to learn more about the lands they inhabit, the history of those lands, and how to actively be part of a better future going forward together.“
Language
There are conversations to be had as to the importance or otherwise of incorporating Indigenous languages into WordPress. Indications from WordCamp are that this would be significant, though there are many, many languages.
- FirstVoices is a collaborative platform where Indigenous communities manage, curate and share their languages.
Indigenous Tech
There are some amazing Indigenous led tech agencies, whose values underpin both their work and their business model. Here are just a couple:
- Design de Plume is the creative agency co-led by our keynote speaker, Meggan Van Harten. Meggan spoke of their commitment to designing with purpose in the final campfire chat at the conference.
- Animikii is another strongly value based Indigenous company in the technology space. I was blown away by their 2022 Social Impact Report when I came on it during my research for the way in which it demonstrates trying to build the Anishinaabe Seven Grandfather Teachings into the way they run their business.
BUT
“In Canada, only 4.1% of the tech industry comprises Black and Indigenous representation. Indigenous tech workers earn significantly less than their non-Indigenous counterparts, and digital technologies often exacerbate issues of safety, privacy, and discrimination for marginalized populations.” (quoted from Indigenous Friends).
There are organizations working in this space. I had the pleasure of talking to a conference attendee from Indigenous Friends who is currently assisting Indigenous youth in learning fundamental skills in web development. The other two organizations I list are results from a quick search.
My question is, how can the WordPress community better support Indigenous engagement?
Courses
Four Seasons of Indigenous Learning – As offered by the Outdoor Learning School & Store. Beginning in the Fall, offered in partnership with over 50 non-profit organizations, this course serves to support participants in deepening their understanding of Indigenous knowledge and perspectives while strengthening connections with the local Land and supporting more respectful, reciprocal relationships.
I have just completed the first year of this, which has been a helpful consolidation of my existing knowledge. I have particularly appreciated the virtual speaker presentations. Whilst the facts are important, there is so much more to be gained by listening to or interacting with Indigenous people, hearing and experiencing the way in which they relate to and interact with knowledge, wisdom and the world. Although the content is geared to Canada, there seemed to be a number of participants, as well as some speakers, from South of the border.
Home on Native Land – a self-guided course about Indigenous justice in Canada that was recommended to me by someone who identified as Métis. It is on my to do list!
Through a series of 10 videos, cartoons & lessons, you’ll take a walk down the back alley of history — and the frontlines of legal action.
What leading First Nations thinkers, artists, and — yes — comedians reveal in their reflections is fundamental knowledge for anyone who is committed to living in a fair country.
Additional Resources
This is not an attempt to drive traffic to my blog! But, over the fifteen years since we emigrated, I have made my own collection of Indigenous resources which I offer here:
- Indigenous Artists – Canada blog (bearne.com)
- Indigenous Film, Television & Documentary – Canada blog (bearne.com)
- Indigenous Writers – Canada blog (bearne.com)
- Indigenous Web Links – Canada blog (bearne.com)
- My Indigenous Artists Playlist on YouTube Music
- Recently released Indigenous Playlist on Spotify curated by Celeigh Cardinal