The intention of this site was to show how technology can be used in a positive way to aid in Aboriginal cultural protection and facilitation. The authors of this site fully recognize that there are dangers involved in introducing any new technology. We also firmly agree with the fact that technology has been used to the detriment of Aboriginal people by those who wished to exploit and destroy cultures they did not understand or simply did not have the moral character to try to understand.
We believe that no society holds exclusive dominion over technology. Technology is used by many cultures to preserve traditions and we believe this is now happening in Aboriginal communities. As we looked through the initiatives we were inspired by the fact that true stories were being told. Natives were not depicted in a “frozen exotic past” or an “assimilated, degenerate present” (Marker 2006). Instead the overwhelming feeling we got was of cultures sharing their culture in a proud and critical way. The subject matter varied from celebratory to exposition of dark facts. But it was clear who was in control of spreading the knowledge and the voices we were hearing.
Though the concept of a global village is worthy of concern we believe that local traditions and communal ties can be maintained when their destiny is controlled by the people who care the most about them.
We believe that no society holds exclusive dominion over technology. Technology is used by many cultures to preserve traditions and we believe this is now happening in Aboriginal communities. As we looked through the initiatives we were inspired by the fact that true stories were being told. Natives were not depicted in a “frozen exotic past” or an “assimilated, degenerate present” (Marker 2006). Instead the overwhelming feeling we got was of cultures sharing their culture in a proud and critical way. The subject matter varied from celebratory to exposition of dark facts. But it was clear who was in control of spreading the knowledge and the voices we were hearing.
Though the concept of a global village is worthy of concern we believe that local traditions and communal ties can be maintained when their destiny is controlled by the people who care the most about them.