FNTC Discussion Forum

[phillipmanuel]

I have worked with First Nations for many years as a computer technician and through my experience, the answer is not simple. The reason is our societies (nationhood) are diverse with different sets of needs and realities. Add on to that complex structure, the relationship each individual First Nation band has with the governments of this country. As with most things that relate to First Nations, we need to start from the grassroots with each Nation. We need to build on the individual person first. Unlike western society, where global adaption to new technologies seem to happen on a daily basis, in our Native communities, we take things much slower. We select a small group (1-5 individuals) to test the water before we all jump in.

So the challenge here is how do we keep up with the technologies while respecting our peoples ways. How do we make technology "FIT" our society? In our history, great movements of change occurred only after our mothers saw the value of the thing that was being changed. So here is my suggestion - let us work with our mothers by creating technology to suit their needs as mothers and as women. Once they have the understanding, they will pass that on to their children.