Mi’kmaq Sun Dance
By
Jeff Ward
3275637
Professor G. Tucker English 1103
31 July 2007
The Sun Dance is a sacred ceremony that connects the First Nations people directly to the Great Spirit: The Creator. This ceremony is one of the most scared ceremonies known to First Nation peoples across Turtle Island (North America). Up until the last decade the Sundance was rarely performed, if at all, for the last 400 years. However, there are numerous theories and legends about its origin. Some believe that this ceremony had originated with the Minans or Aztecs. While the Plains Indians have oral teachings which say that the White Buffalo Calf Women came from the south to teach their people. However, according to the Mi’kmaq teachings this Sun Dance was known and practised since the creation of time. Now, by using the great resources of oral history, personal accounts, and pictographs the Mi’kmaq people are reclaiming the Mi’kmaq Sun Dance.
According to an old First Nation saying that has been passed down for centuries, one must walk a mile in another person’s moccasins before you understand their history. One must remember that the Mi’kmaq was one of the first tribes that came into contact with Europeans and other nations as they arrived and started to settle on Turtle Island ( North America) This was the beginning of assimilation and oppression. Therefore, a lot of the Mi’kmaq ways and traditions were lost, hidden or right out banned. For example:
Missionaries and government agents in the United States and Canada eventually condemned the Sun Dance, and it was officially banned in both countries. Subject to arrest, practitioners were forced to discontinued the ceremony or to practise it in secret. …Other pressures by the same individuals in the 1890s included holding an officially sponsored sports day to compete with the ceremony, threatening to deny employment to a traditional religious leaders and invoking the CANADIAN INDIAN ACT before it actually applied to the sun dance. ( Hirschfeld,A., Molin, p. 1992.)
Tragically this is one of many reasons why the Mi’kmaq Sun Dance ceremony was not practised up until the past decade since it has returned.
Today, as First Nation People become aware, the Sundance has been reclaimed in the hearts of the Mi’kmaq. This Sun Dance has a home is all our hearts. Like the returning to your grandmother’s home and smelling her home cooking. That inner feeling of peace and security. Or like being on a long road trip and arriving at your house with the feeling I am home again. This feeling is echoed by many Mi’kmaq people once they step into the Sun Dance grounds. In order to understand the true feelings one must understand the nature of the ceremony and its meaning. But the closest thread that can describe that can describe that feeling would also explain why one participates. Lawrence (2007) states:
“Sun dance participants strive to obtain supernatural aid and personal power through their sacrifice which will not only assure the accomplishment of desired outcomes but which will bring them a richer and more meaningful life as a member of their society. The sacred ritual reaffirms tribal membership and cultural identity and ensures that the people will prosper for another year. Following the sun dance, there is a renewed feeling of social harmony. And because of a world view that includes nature and all living beings within the realm of kinship that sense of harmony extends beyond human relationships to include the entire creation. ( Society & Animals Journal of Human-Animals Studies ) (2007,p3).
The Mi’kmaq Sun Dance is close to people’s heart because it brings a true sense of belonging. Like that picture at grandparents place that can be seen time and time again. That picture gives a sense of security and belonging.
Now that your home at your grandparents place and see a family picture on the wall you have seen over a thousand times but never really took the time to look at it and you notice that is picture has a significant meaning in my life. That is my family and that’s where I come from. This is similar to the awakening of the Sun Dancer when looks at the pictographs from Fairy Lake, New Grafton, Nova Scotia. One of the Authors of The American Naturalist stated that following after seeing one of these pictographs and stated that following:
The interpretation which has suggested itself is as follows : The likeness to a dance-mask or dance-tablet is so close that the possibility of its being a representation of some of the paraphernalia of the dances occurred to me…We may have here a presentation of an old dance figure wearing on the head a mask not like the masks still carried by the tribes which have preserved to the present day their ancient religious rites. If this interpretation of the head dress of the pictographs from Nova Scotia is a correct one, as seems plausible, it may give us an insight into the character of the dress of the dancers in ancient Micmac ceremonials. (Fewkes 1890.p997)
After reading this and seeing the picture of the pictograph, I can only see my own shadow. The head dress he spoke about represent the same type and style of head dress that I wore for four days. The dress that is spoken about represents a sun dance skirt or dress that I wore for four days. That pictograph is a of a young warrior dancing. He is not only Sun Dancing for himself, but all living things and non living things, his people, and his Nation.
It was through 400 years of oppression, assimilation, secrecy, hidden ceremonies, and the power of the Creator, that saved our Sacred Ceremonies. For the last decade the Sun Dance has returned to the Mi’kmaq people, Through pictographs, stories, oral history and personal experiences. Strong evidence suggests that the Mi’kmaq people conducted this sacred ceremony. Now it time for healing for all Nations.
Bibliography
Fewkes.W.(1890).A pictrograph from Nova Scotia. The American Naturalist.287, 998.
Hirschfeld, A. & Molin, P.(1992) The Encyclopaedia of Native American Religions. NY: Fast on File.
Lawerence, E. (2007) Sun Dance. Society and Animals Journal of Human-Animal Studies. Retrieved: 10/01/2007. from http://www.psyeta.org/sa/sa1.1/lawerance.htm/
Sunday, May 4, 2008
Chapter 4
Read Chapter 4 - Wikis: Easy Collaboration For All; Pages 59-74Answer the following questions on your personal blog.If blogs are about conversation and wikis are about collaboration/content, which of the following student projects would you use each tool for? Why?
Novel study with author participation
I would suggest a wikis for this, For the reason that it has the ability to go to the masses. It is quick and easy to reach millions of people. Also the Author would have the ability to share his/hers point of view.
Students at two first nations schools in New Brunswick and British Columbia recording and
sharing native stories and music.
I think a Wiki space would be idea for this. A prime example for this is our current wiki space for this class, there is 57 students and we are located all over NB and Que. It also allows us to put on videos, links, and all kinds of goodies.
Daily science journal.
This is definitely a blog type of deal. This will allow you to keep take of your progress of your journal. It will allow others to comment on your progress as well as make suggestions. Blogs are fairly short.
Student creative writing with peer review.
This is also would be a blog. Because you can always edit post that you have already created. It also will allow other to criticize your work.
Novel study with author participation
I would suggest a wikis for this, For the reason that it has the ability to go to the masses. It is quick and easy to reach millions of people. Also the Author would have the ability to share his/hers point of view.
Students at two first nations schools in New Brunswick and British Columbia recording and
sharing native stories and music.
I think a Wiki space would be idea for this. A prime example for this is our current wiki space for this class, there is 57 students and we are located all over NB and Que. It also allows us to put on videos, links, and all kinds of goodies.
Daily science journal.
This is definitely a blog type of deal. This will allow you to keep take of your progress of your journal. It will allow others to comment on your progress as well as make suggestions. Blogs are fairly short.
Student creative writing with peer review.
This is also would be a blog. Because you can always edit post that you have already created. It also will allow other to criticize your work.
Responds to RICHARDSON
What types of issues would you worry about in terms of students producing content for sharing with the world via the web?
Hate propaganda, rumors, dangerous actions, how to make dangerous weapons or bombs and how to cheat on tests, that would be the negative of sharing with the world by web. Anything that is morally wrong and that would hurt or harm another. Taking fictitious stories or untrue facts and pass it on to others, Many times it will tend to create a life of its own, and uneducated people will believe it s true. People tend to want to believe everything that is written. Another example on how harmful the web can be is, in the media last year, there was a kid that working on a project for school. He filmed myself doing a display for Star wars with the light saver, Another kid received a copy of it, tagged it and sent it out on the web. It got over a million hits and a million laughs. However it was not intended to be funny and dramatically hurt that child.
Identify three practices or "rules" that you believe would be good practice in protecting students on the web. Elaborate on why you have chosen each.
1. Create your own web tours before hand.
2.Make sure that students parents, and even administrators are clear about the expectations and the reasoning's for the blog and make sure everyone has the proper permission.
3.Read what they write and become the administer.
Hate propaganda, rumors, dangerous actions, how to make dangerous weapons or bombs and how to cheat on tests, that would be the negative of sharing with the world by web. Anything that is morally wrong and that would hurt or harm another. Taking fictitious stories or untrue facts and pass it on to others, Many times it will tend to create a life of its own, and uneducated people will believe it s true. People tend to want to believe everything that is written. Another example on how harmful the web can be is, in the media last year, there was a kid that working on a project for school. He filmed myself doing a display for Star wars with the light saver, Another kid received a copy of it, tagged it and sent it out on the web. It got over a million hits and a million laughs. However it was not intended to be funny and dramatically hurt that child.
Identify three practices or "rules" that you believe would be good practice in protecting students on the web. Elaborate on why you have chosen each.
1. Create your own web tours before hand.
2.Make sure that students parents, and even administrators are clear about the expectations and the reasoning's for the blog and make sure everyone has the proper permission.
3.Read what they write and become the administer.
Sunday, April 27, 2008
Responds Paper for this term
Responds Paper
by
Jeff Ward
ED 4862 (Information and Communications Technology II) February 15th 2008
Instructor Jeff Whipple
“It was the best of times, it was the worst of time.”, Is a quote that can clearly describe the challenges that we as individuals, parents, schools, business people and society are truly facing with respect to the futuristic ideas on how the nature of information will continue to change. Technology is evolving so quickly at times that in many situations many forms are becoming obsolete while they are still on the market shelves. What can we do as the masses to keep up with the changes? I believe that we need to focus on the following; education, updates of programs, keeping up with companies buying other companies, hybrid learning approaches, investing on technology smart, and most importantly stick to traditional learning skills.
Now there are many partnership that are currently out there that everyone must keep in mind. Major players such as Microsoft, Google, and Apple are just a few examples. One great partnership that just ended was between Microsoft and M.I.T., who are two major giants in the technology world. In an article written by Seely Brown, he stated the following “The conference was organized to mark the end next year of an eight-year partnership between Microsoft and M.I.T. explore the use of technology in learning.” Martin LaMonica 2006. It is about these partnerships that Seely Brown argues in following statement.
“ education is going through a large-scale transformation toward a more participatory form of learning. Rather than treat pedagogy as the transfer of knowledge from teachers who are experts to students who are receptacles, educators should consider more hands-on and informal types of learning. These methods are closer to an apprenticeship, a farther-reaching, more multilayered approach than traditional formal education, he said.” Martin LaMonica 2006.
In the article by Seely Brown, He argues a point on how education is enhanced by technology. He stated
“Some universities are using the Web-community approach as well. A Web site set up at Brown University called the Decamarom Web brings together experts on a novel by Boccaccio… Online communities are forming around a wide variety of topics. Amateur astronomers, for example, are sharing information among themselves and even with professionals….As you work shoulder to shoulder with other kids, all the work you do and work in progress is done in public. So others understand what you're thinking," Martin LaMonica 2006.
I agree with Browns point of view. For example of this course is a great example on how 57 students from 9 different First Nations, Two Different provinces, all to reach a common goal of further education. This is also great way to create partnerships in the business world. Many small companies could not afford to travel to make partnerships that would allow them to be successful. Another note for students this form of technology “gives undergraduate students "an apprenticeship platform" for learning the practice of scholarly debate,” Martin LaMonica 2006.
However one can look at the total opposite side of the scale. There are many arguments from researches that the following;
“Technology changes faster than educational researchers can study it. Although many researchers insist computers are valuable in schools, they readily admit they can't yet say whether technology actually helps kids achieve educational goals. Have schools jumped onto the technology bandwagon too soon? In this story, Education World focuses on some of the research that makes a strong case against the way technology is currently used in schools.” Glori Chaika 1997
This statement has truly created a shadow of a doubt. Also to add to the argument the article goes on to say,
“Educational psychologist and long time teacher and administrator Jane M. Healy, once an advocate of technology in the schools, sees many problems with the way educational technology is used today. It's become an idea that has taken over the public consciousness, helped, of course, by the mass promoting of these products to kids as young as a year-and-a-half." Glori Chaika 1997
Which also goes on saying “…the sparse objective evidence indicates that computers have thus far contributed nothing of note to the learning process.... There is no question that computers are 'motivating' to children -- but are they motivated to learn or just to play with the computer?" Glori Chaika 1997 . One would question that most programs are for sell and not for education. This is a easy fact to believe, considering the big companies are out there to make money.
In conclusion I believe that we need to focus on the following; education, updates of programs, keeping up with companies buying other companies, hybrid learning approaches, investing on technology smart, and most importantly stick to traditional learning skills. And like what was seen in the video in regards to the future, it can go any directions and we as society will all be a part of it, If we like it or not.
Reference:
http://news.zdnet.com/2100-9588_22-6140175.html Futurist: To fix education, think Web 2.0. By Martin LaMonica, News.com Posted on ZDNet News: Dec 1, 2006 9:07:00 PM
http://www.educationworld.com/a_admin/admin/admin121.shtml Technology in Schools: Some Say It Doesn't Compute!. Article by Glori Chaika 1997Education World® Copyright © 2006 Education World. 06/23/1997
http://www.albinoblacksheep.com/flash/epic. Epic 2015by Robin Sloan and Matt Thompson
by
Jeff Ward
ED 4862 (Information and Communications Technology II) February 15th 2008
Instructor Jeff Whipple
“It was the best of times, it was the worst of time.”, Is a quote that can clearly describe the challenges that we as individuals, parents, schools, business people and society are truly facing with respect to the futuristic ideas on how the nature of information will continue to change. Technology is evolving so quickly at times that in many situations many forms are becoming obsolete while they are still on the market shelves. What can we do as the masses to keep up with the changes? I believe that we need to focus on the following; education, updates of programs, keeping up with companies buying other companies, hybrid learning approaches, investing on technology smart, and most importantly stick to traditional learning skills.
Now there are many partnership that are currently out there that everyone must keep in mind. Major players such as Microsoft, Google, and Apple are just a few examples. One great partnership that just ended was between Microsoft and M.I.T., who are two major giants in the technology world. In an article written by Seely Brown, he stated the following “The conference was organized to mark the end next year of an eight-year partnership between Microsoft and M.I.T. explore the use of technology in learning.” Martin LaMonica 2006. It is about these partnerships that Seely Brown argues in following statement.
“ education is going through a large-scale transformation toward a more participatory form of learning. Rather than treat pedagogy as the transfer of knowledge from teachers who are experts to students who are receptacles, educators should consider more hands-on and informal types of learning. These methods are closer to an apprenticeship, a farther-reaching, more multilayered approach than traditional formal education, he said.” Martin LaMonica 2006.
In the article by Seely Brown, He argues a point on how education is enhanced by technology. He stated
“Some universities are using the Web-community approach as well. A Web site set up at Brown University called the Decamarom Web brings together experts on a novel by Boccaccio… Online communities are forming around a wide variety of topics. Amateur astronomers, for example, are sharing information among themselves and even with professionals….As you work shoulder to shoulder with other kids, all the work you do and work in progress is done in public. So others understand what you're thinking," Martin LaMonica 2006.
I agree with Browns point of view. For example of this course is a great example on how 57 students from 9 different First Nations, Two Different provinces, all to reach a common goal of further education. This is also great way to create partnerships in the business world. Many small companies could not afford to travel to make partnerships that would allow them to be successful. Another note for students this form of technology “gives undergraduate students "an apprenticeship platform" for learning the practice of scholarly debate,” Martin LaMonica 2006.
However one can look at the total opposite side of the scale. There are many arguments from researches that the following;
“Technology changes faster than educational researchers can study it. Although many researchers insist computers are valuable in schools, they readily admit they can't yet say whether technology actually helps kids achieve educational goals. Have schools jumped onto the technology bandwagon too soon? In this story, Education World focuses on some of the research that makes a strong case against the way technology is currently used in schools.” Glori Chaika 1997
This statement has truly created a shadow of a doubt. Also to add to the argument the article goes on to say,
“Educational psychologist and long time teacher and administrator Jane M. Healy, once an advocate of technology in the schools, sees many problems with the way educational technology is used today. It's become an idea that has taken over the public consciousness, helped, of course, by the mass promoting of these products to kids as young as a year-and-a-half." Glori Chaika 1997
Which also goes on saying “…the sparse objective evidence indicates that computers have thus far contributed nothing of note to the learning process.... There is no question that computers are 'motivating' to children -- but are they motivated to learn or just to play with the computer?" Glori Chaika 1997 . One would question that most programs are for sell and not for education. This is a easy fact to believe, considering the big companies are out there to make money.
In conclusion I believe that we need to focus on the following; education, updates of programs, keeping up with companies buying other companies, hybrid learning approaches, investing on technology smart, and most importantly stick to traditional learning skills. And like what was seen in the video in regards to the future, it can go any directions and we as society will all be a part of it, If we like it or not.
Reference:
http://news.zdnet.com/2100-9588_22-6140175.html Futurist: To fix education, think Web 2.0. By Martin LaMonica, News.com Posted on ZDNet News: Dec 1, 2006 9:07:00 PM
http://www.educationworld.com/a_admin/admin/admin121.shtml Technology in Schools: Some Say It Doesn't Compute!. Article by Glori Chaika 1997Education World® Copyright © 2006 Education World. 06/23/1997
http://www.albinoblacksheep.com/flash/epic. Epic 2015by Robin Sloan and Matt Thompson
Drums of Technology
Technology.....Has a great affect on all of society. I was at the Cape Breaton International Drum Festival this weekend. And I saw how technology has even changed Drums. There was a new set of drums there was all control by technology. It was a small set of drum that was all hooked up to a computer. This allowed the drums to always be tuned. A push of a button you can change up to 6 differnet sets of drums. It was light weight and easy you for travel. A little bit more expenisve. But I am sure that the cost will go down in the days to come.
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Technology Love
This a topic that was not touched upon. Technology love. We always hear about the crazy stories about stockers and preditors. What about love? that is found on the net. My friend met her husband on line. They were from other countries. Canada to Ireland. Now they are happily married and 3 kids later. He is a wonderful guy. That is turly beautiful. I never read about that on the front page on any paper or on any news cast. So there is good out there. On the net and through technology. We as people and human nature always tend to hear about the bad stuff and never the good. And did you see my Facebook today. My Girlfriend sent me the most beautiful message for the world to see, "you are truly the best man I have ever loved and been loved by...I am humbled by you...and honored to walk beside you...I feel blessed to have finally found you...and know in my heart that the creator has saved the best for last..." and thats after I sent her a poem on her facebook. " A falling star.....The Northern lights.....A rainbow after a storm....Thats Mother nature’s beautyBeauty to the truest,Nothing can compare,Time to time they appear.A reminder that beauty existence.Twinkle in your eyes....Beautiful smile...Compassionate, understanding and caring.Is what I see in you.Beauty to the truest......Nothing can compare.....Time to time they appear.A reminder the beauty existence.Now my eyes are open.....And to my surprise.....Beauty has graced me, You are my reminder that beauty existence.". So thats my take on Technology love. What is yours?
Monday, April 21, 2008
Technology is helpful or harmful
There are many advantages to technology. Improvment to the qualitly of life, the advancement of hearing aides, and many others technologies that help people with disabilities. The form of communitcation has also changed. You can text some one, email , MSN, Phone, cell, web cast, face book, and many more. However, there has to be an answer on the other end. If you forget to power up your back berry, then your not going to get your calls. You also need a form to check your messages. And if you have friends that are not on line or use these forms of communications then you have to rely on smoke signals i guess.
Technology is changing so rapidly. From IPODs to video games. I know personally, as a parent, purchasing and owning 4 different video games and 3 different IPODs and MPS. Game Cube, Play Station One, two and three (next), X Box, X Box 360. Nintendo, and so on...... Also the TV tecnology have also had its rapid growth. So whats next.
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Balance
Tecnology may cause strain on your personal life. When you wife starts making comments like....wow your not of facebook....why you talking to me?Is the internet down....you touch that labtop more then you touch me. ( I have never heard this personally....lol) I think it is time to relax from the net. One must creat a balance. The Net and Technology is great, but like everything in life, Use it in moderation. Or if your wife or partner is a tecno nerd too,,,,then I guess you got it make. Use you can communicate through the net and tecnology. Or are you a parent that your kids are sorry they taught you to use the computer, cause you tend to be on line more then them. I know personally my son thinks I am on line too much....as do I think the same of him. LOL
BALANCE people.
Later
BALANCE people.
Later
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
power of the pod cast
it s amazing how many pod casts that are out there and available. It can be a great way to educate. Just on how the pod cast on sweats shops. This is no sercret, but when you see it in that form, with that kind of music, it turly affects your feelings. I wanted to take off my Nike shoes and trow them in the garbage can, Than i thought, I dont want to walk home in my socks. But I am in the need to shop for new sneakers. Guess what, I am going to do some research first.
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
high speed or bust
After reading the article of the Navajo Nation situation. I would question if this is a true challenge of funding ? or is the company just upset that the natives are parking out front to get free service. Of course that would never be admitted too. Is this happening in Non Native communities? I hope that I don't sound like I am playing the race card, But it does not sound right for such an organizations to look into First Nations business and the only time its done is due to the loss of money. As for the rural and poor people of New Brunswick. The companies do not see the profit in setting up high speed in rural comm unties, therefore they may never see high speed Internet. I commend the Steve Graham and Liberal government for supporting such a company to create these unique jobs. However one seems to question of sustainability of such an industry. One sign of loss profit, they can easily pack up and head overseas for a cheaper work force. But I guess that's what you get for using up all the other resources. And how long is Alberta's boom going to last? I willing to wage not as long as companies estimate. They will never tell until the last minute, when all money is made and you receive a pink slip in the mail with your last cheque. Now this technology of working on line is the next great boom, and assessable to everyone with high speed. We are fortunate here in my community, And if we didn't have it, I know my community would not be the same and we would suffer greatly.
What types of challenges would this community face after losing the Internet?
Provide examples of economic, social and educational opportunities that are not available now (if your community does not have high-speed access) or would be lost (if you currently have it) if service was discontinued.
What types of challenges would this community face after losing the Internet?
Provide examples of economic, social and educational opportunities that are not available now (if your community does not have high-speed access) or would be lost (if you currently have it) if service was discontinued.
Sunday, April 6, 2008
Responds Paper that was sent 5 times to Instructor...this way it would not get lost
Reponds Paper
by
Jeff Ward
ED 3862 (Information and Communications Technology I) February 15th 2008
Instructor Jeff Whipple
The challenges faced by First Nation Organizations in the 21 st Century are vast compared to the global scale. One must relize that is wasn't until the last 35 years that First Nation Governments were able to control their own Band funds. Therefore, the last 30 years, First Nation Governments have been on a fast track trying to catch up with other government agencies and businesses. It wasn't until the last 10 years that First Nation governments were able to afford and and feel more privileged in using technology in the work place.
Like the Farmers in the world that relied on traditional methods, we as First Nation Goverments, by that I mean Band Offices, had to rely on the old methods of paper reports and actually book keeping in real books. I myself can remember the old fashion manual cheque presses. However, that this is not the case now, for my First Nation as well as the majority of First Nation's out there. This transition was fast for our people. This is same for the farmers of the world today. “Computer-savvy cattlemen and crop farmers are lining up to try out the latest gadgets, from tractor-mounted mapping systems to market reports delivered as podcasts.” First Nation Governments are now on high speed internet with computers in the majority of offices and are now contacting with other goverment agencies via e mail. Reports are now all created by computers. Cheques are now being printed by the computer. Just as the farmers now have evolved with the use of “Topics ranged from basic spreadsheet use for managing finances to implementing "precision agriculture" techniques to maximize crop yields through computer-driven soil testing and fertilizer applications.” We as First Nation Governments are now able to keep in touch with the rest of the world.
It may seem that Farmers are more advanced then many First Nation Governments, for example “ Lifelong farmer Norman Brown of Aledo, Ill., started a company that specializes in farm-friendly software to compile crop summaries, cost analyses, livestock feeding schedules and other specialized applications.” And, although First Nation Governments are able to use programs that are readily available on the market, they are more in need of specialized applications that would be more relavant to First Nation Goverments. However, because they only make up a small market for the industry one can see why these programs are not available. It has improved in the last few years, as the Federal Goverment has started to implement specialized programs that allow First Nation Goverments to become partners and more actively share programs. The Goverments are starting to see the need for First Nation Goverments to be online with agencies such at Health Canada and Indian and Northern Affairs.
As far as businesses in my community as well as other First Nation communities, it has been a hit and miss. It is promising that for the first time in history, businesses out there are looking to create partnerships with First Nation Communities and First Nation Goverments. However many of the companies are looking to do business on a Nation to Nation basis. As for example, “A Virginia-based company that specializes in "virtual call centres" in the United States it plans to hire as many as 500 home-based employees or contractors in the Ottawa area to work for this year. This company is doing what many other call centres do. It is capitalizing on that part of the workforce that finds not driving into a building every day very attractive,".
There are examples in some First Nations that are extending out into the business world. This is great for First Nation Governments and communities. However, many of the times these business agreements basically consists of land usage or leases of building on First Nation lands. For the First Nation this is only a baby step compared to the National scale.
As for the National scale, First Nation Governments and communities are at the bottom of the totem pole. In the Video speach by Daniel Pink titled “Abundance, Asia and Automation”, he brings up 3 very important points of consideration. As he puts it we must ask ourselves “Is somone over seas doing it cheaper, does a computer do it faster or does what you plan on doing meet the needs or wants of the population”? A fine example on how true that statement is and how First Nation Buisnesses are being under sold would be the selling of dream catchers and other Native arts and crafts. Now this is truely a First Nation products. But now you can go to almost any dollar store and buy a dream catcher for not only next to nothing because it is mass produced and made in China.
Why are we behind? There are many reasons as mentioned above. However there are many other issues that we face as First Nation People. Goverment Policies tended to surpress the First Nation Goverments. Big Industries tend to over flood the market, pressure Goverments to look at them rather then First Nation Goverments. Resourses are not shared. Call centers are pressured to move to bigger cities rather then smaller First Nation Communities.
One can see the challenges on the 21st Century that First Nation Governments, communities and People deal with on a global business environment. The challenges and opportunities may seem endless however it is up to our current leaders and future leaders to learn and capture the spirit of technology and bring it to our people.
References :
Articles:Farmer's Riding the Technology Wave, Associated Press, January 10, 2008Virtual call center to Hire 500, Ottawa Citizen, January 9, 2007Video:Daniel Pink: Abundance, Asia and Automation
by
Jeff Ward
ED 3862 (Information and Communications Technology I) February 15th 2008
Instructor Jeff Whipple
The challenges faced by First Nation Organizations in the 21 st Century are vast compared to the global scale. One must relize that is wasn't until the last 35 years that First Nation Governments were able to control their own Band funds. Therefore, the last 30 years, First Nation Governments have been on a fast track trying to catch up with other government agencies and businesses. It wasn't until the last 10 years that First Nation governments were able to afford and and feel more privileged in using technology in the work place.
Like the Farmers in the world that relied on traditional methods, we as First Nation Goverments, by that I mean Band Offices, had to rely on the old methods of paper reports and actually book keeping in real books. I myself can remember the old fashion manual cheque presses. However, that this is not the case now, for my First Nation as well as the majority of First Nation's out there. This transition was fast for our people. This is same for the farmers of the world today. “Computer-savvy cattlemen and crop farmers are lining up to try out the latest gadgets, from tractor-mounted mapping systems to market reports delivered as podcasts.” First Nation Governments are now on high speed internet with computers in the majority of offices and are now contacting with other goverment agencies via e mail. Reports are now all created by computers. Cheques are now being printed by the computer. Just as the farmers now have evolved with the use of “Topics ranged from basic spreadsheet use for managing finances to implementing "precision agriculture" techniques to maximize crop yields through computer-driven soil testing and fertilizer applications.” We as First Nation Governments are now able to keep in touch with the rest of the world.
It may seem that Farmers are more advanced then many First Nation Governments, for example “ Lifelong farmer Norman Brown of Aledo, Ill., started a company that specializes in farm-friendly software to compile crop summaries, cost analyses, livestock feeding schedules and other specialized applications.” And, although First Nation Governments are able to use programs that are readily available on the market, they are more in need of specialized applications that would be more relavant to First Nation Goverments. However, because they only make up a small market for the industry one can see why these programs are not available. It has improved in the last few years, as the Federal Goverment has started to implement specialized programs that allow First Nation Goverments to become partners and more actively share programs. The Goverments are starting to see the need for First Nation Goverments to be online with agencies such at Health Canada and Indian and Northern Affairs.
As far as businesses in my community as well as other First Nation communities, it has been a hit and miss. It is promising that for the first time in history, businesses out there are looking to create partnerships with First Nation Communities and First Nation Goverments. However many of the companies are looking to do business on a Nation to Nation basis. As for example, “A Virginia-based company that specializes in "virtual call centres" in the United States it plans to hire as many as 500 home-based employees or contractors in the Ottawa area to work for this year. This company is doing what many other call centres do. It is capitalizing on that part of the workforce that finds not driving into a building every day very attractive,".
There are examples in some First Nations that are extending out into the business world. This is great for First Nation Governments and communities. However, many of the times these business agreements basically consists of land usage or leases of building on First Nation lands. For the First Nation this is only a baby step compared to the National scale.
As for the National scale, First Nation Governments and communities are at the bottom of the totem pole. In the Video speach by Daniel Pink titled “Abundance, Asia and Automation”, he brings up 3 very important points of consideration. As he puts it we must ask ourselves “Is somone over seas doing it cheaper, does a computer do it faster or does what you plan on doing meet the needs or wants of the population”? A fine example on how true that statement is and how First Nation Buisnesses are being under sold would be the selling of dream catchers and other Native arts and crafts. Now this is truely a First Nation products. But now you can go to almost any dollar store and buy a dream catcher for not only next to nothing because it is mass produced and made in China.
Why are we behind? There are many reasons as mentioned above. However there are many other issues that we face as First Nation People. Goverment Policies tended to surpress the First Nation Goverments. Big Industries tend to over flood the market, pressure Goverments to look at them rather then First Nation Goverments. Resourses are not shared. Call centers are pressured to move to bigger cities rather then smaller First Nation Communities.
One can see the challenges on the 21st Century that First Nation Governments, communities and People deal with on a global business environment. The challenges and opportunities may seem endless however it is up to our current leaders and future leaders to learn and capture the spirit of technology and bring it to our people.
References :
Articles:Farmer's Riding the Technology Wave, Associated Press, January 10, 2008Virtual call center to Hire 500, Ottawa Citizen, January 9, 2007Video:Daniel Pink: Abundance, Asia and Automation
Friday, March 21, 2008
8000 drums
Today is a great day. 8000 drums drummed at the same time.8000 Drums.
"Let's all drum together. The purpose is to fulfill the OTOMI PROPHECY."
This event is planned to start at 12:00 pm on Mar 21, 2008 at wherever you are. I was at home with my children. We got out our hand drums and sang fours songs, Two Ancient Mi'kmaq songs, The Mi'kmaq honour song and Gathering Song. This prophecy is the beginning to start healing process of mother earth.
"Let's all drum together. The purpose is to fulfill the OTOMI PROPHECY."
This event is planned to start at 12:00 pm on Mar 21, 2008 at wherever you are. I was at home with my children. We got out our hand drums and sang fours songs, Two Ancient Mi'kmaq songs, The Mi'kmaq honour song and Gathering Song. This prophecy is the beginning to start healing process of mother earth.
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Advantges due to tecnology......
Got to love that tecnology and stroms. We missed numerous classes due to both. Now we have to add on classes to the end of the course. However there is great advantages. It alows us to take this course and not leave our families. Also we are able to stay at our full time jobs and update our education. This is a great way to advance or make changes to our carrees.
Sunday, March 9, 2008
miss my father
What a great march break for my son. He went to Calgary to spend time with my mother. Since the loss of my Dad, this would be a great chance for my son to relax. My father was very close to both of us. I still find it hard and to beleive he is not psyically here with us. I don t know if anyone knows how close we were as a family. He was not only a father, but a best friend. There was time that my father, my son and I, all lived together. We all have been through so much together. and now he will not be able to see my son graduate, me get married, my son get married, and the many things like that. I miss you Dad.
Thursday, March 6, 2008
Just a thought
I think it is important for Metepenagiag First Nation admistration to develope partnerships, programs, services and plans to foster the following enviroment: Staff Employment and Development. -The right people in the right jobs at the right time.-Workforce skills that serve the communtiy well.-Opportunities to grow and achieve.-Committed and competent leadership
- Efficient, effective and adaptable emloyment and deveopment services.
- Efficient, effective and adaptable emloyment and deveopment services.
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
Is the reserve a fake world??????
Professionalism. Now that is something we need in our community. But first the whole preception has to come from our people. The community has to beleive in it. How do reach that goal of professionalism in our community. We need to believe in each other. We the people need to believe in ourselves and need to believe in our people. We need to trust ourselves and the people next to us. Now that is hard for many. Our people have been so colonalized. Taught that our own people are not good engough for the job. And that the people that are good enough or educated enough are to be working off the reserve or for the goverment. Then there is the whole fact that we all grew up together. Therefore bring in old feelings or gurdes to the meduim. It seems that no matter on how many degrees you have, that it does not matter, cause they remember when you were younger, you made a mistake and you are painted with that the rest of your life or they always bring up some school yard issue. Heres a sercret people. It s like that every where. On or Off reserve. Its funny, the other day my cousin told me that is hard to make it out in the real world. I agreed, then I thought to myself, What do you mean the REAL WORLD. We are all in the same world. Just cause we live in a First Nation community, It;s not a fake world. Its a REAL WORLD TOO. but there it is again. another example of the people's preception. What is the REAL WORLD. is the reserve a fake world? Gee I didn't know i lived in a fake world.
Sunday, March 2, 2008
down loading
Is down loading music appropriate? I dont think it is. cause the music industries lose money. But also it is a medium to get your name out there. Free or not...If you have to pay for the music all the time to own it or listen to it, your music will not be bought. Once again to due think it also equal out the playing feild for the customer. For example, I remember when I was younger and would by a lot of tapes for all the music groups out there. Well Alot of times you bought a tape or Album that had only one good song and the rest were fillers. Now, The customer just has to download one song rather then buying the whole CD. Therefore is also keeps the artist and Recording companies on there toes to go guality work.
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Another Storm
Just when you thought the storms were over.......I hope it is St Patrick storm early....cause you know that ones coming too. Will it ever stop...I think by July it should be nice. lol. But you got to love storms. No school. jut time to chill. watch a movie....sleep in. Or still go to the office. I know I will be. But I think I will sleep in a bit. You would think that tecnology would try to control the weather. It does its best to give predicts, but even then, its not %100 sure. But what is life is. The only think constant in life is change.
Monday, February 25, 2008
lost profit
Technologys great once again,,,,when everything is working. Tonight is another fine example. Our class could not be online. We were sitting pretty for and hour. We called for the code to hook up get on line. Once we received that, there was still trouble.....Then finally it was noticed that the telecofence machine was not hooked up probaly......image that. The funny thing was that once we got on line, three other sites were dropped. So class was good, the end that we did see. As far as music being downloaded. I see where the musicians are losing profit. Being an artist myself and belonging to one of the oldest Chanting Groups....Thunder Eagle Singers. We see our songs being used by other groups. But for us it good because it shares our culture to the world. However if there is groups or artist using our music on there CDs and making a profit without acknowleging our group or the writer, we are in the loss.
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Reflective Blog......Once again it is the calm before the storm....Will it ever stop snowing? By July the snow should be gone...lol. That was an Elder told me today. Of all the years not to get a snow plow for the truck. Watch next year, I will get a plow and there will be no snow. Can tecnology control the snow. Forcast how much we are getting? Or do they reley on other methods like my last blog. Technology has help a lot of people who are disadvantaged or hanidcap as we learned in last class. I know myself personally, having a son with hearing loss and who wears hearing aids has help him tremendously. I do see the advantages and welcome them.
Monday, February 11, 2008
Technology needs a Power source, An Indian needs rocks.
How powerful is technology....Sometimes not as powerful as it may seem. The ulitimate power needs power. So what happens when there is no power source. Or Like tonights class, when they were not able to hook up to our video conference site. We lost out. We did manage to hear the class through the smart board, However the slide show was slower then the talk and we lost out again. THen the speaker was cutting in and out. It was not fun. It was fustrating. So technology is awesome, when its working right and you know how to use it. Other wise its like a having a big rock. However having 25 to 50 big stones, Benig Indian I could make a fire, make a lodge and have a sweat. I know the spirits will always be there online. LOL.
Saturday, February 9, 2008
What a beautiful day today....I guess its the calm before the storm. lol. I heard a big one is comming. It reminds me of a story......There was a Chief, he was a good leader, He was preparing his people for the winter, so he advised all of his tribe to collect as much firewood they could all week long, Then The Chief called The National Weather Department, and asked how is the winter going to be, The Weather guy responded by saying it going to be a long cold winter, therefore the Chief went back to his people and advised his people again to collect as much fire wood all week again. Then again at the end of week made a call to the Weather Department and once again was advised the same thing. This went on for 4 weeks and then finally the Chief asked the Weather Man, "How do you know its going to be a long cold winter" and He responded by saying, "Cause the Indains are gathering firewood like crazy." By the way I am Indain. Mi'kmaq.
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
Blog blog blog. I really do not know what to write today. I had a really really really bad day today. I can not talk about it. I sit here now and watch my son play his play station. and all I could do is worry about his future. Not only his future but the future of all First Nation Youth out there. I mean the challenges We face as First Nation People is herendes. Majority of us are raised on a reserve. There is the first challange. They are faced with so much of our own people sturggling and fighting with each other, then they have to face the world outside the reserve with all the challanges that is out there. We must all go out there and get education. But then where do they go from there. I am sorry if I sound bleek. I guess it was the day I had.
Last class was good. learned alot of great infromation. I didnt realize how good a MAC was compared to a PC.
Last class was good. learned alot of great infromation. I didnt realize how good a MAC was compared to a PC.
Monday, February 4, 2008
Reflective Thoughts from your Cousin
Well, How She Goin? The Very Best here. This is my first Blog.....My First time......geeeee.I enjoyed the first class, That Jeff is a good teacher, With a name like that, I see why....lol. I know it is requested for us to be reflective, which is fine, but I don't like to be personal. For the time being. I will say this. I love to MC pow wows. I started around 5 years ago, just for fun, and last pow wow season I MCed 8 pow wows. And have been know for my love of balonia......and saying like.....Hhhooooolllllaaaayyyyy and NOTEVEN. I would like to think I am serious with lots of humour. I am also a Grass Dancer/ Traditional dancer and drummer. I belong to Thunder Eagle Singers for the last 15 or so years. I dont know what else to say.
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