Media.Knet.Ca

Keewaytinook Okimakanak staff presented a paper and a powerpoint presentation to the APEC Telecommunications and Information Working Group (APECTEL) in Kuala Kumpur, Malaysia. The March 25 Broadband Workshop agenda, provided delegates with background information about the issues and developments concerning the deployment of broadband infrastructure in rural communities.

"Why Broadband for APEC Underserved and Unserved Rural Communities - Why Not!" was a paper prepared by Brian Beaton discussing some of the socio-economic benefits for bringing broadband services into rural and remote communities. The internet based video connection with the conference site was established using a software tool called Multimedia Conferencing System (MCS) and a separate Document Conferencing software package along with a live chat session. Due to the internet connections in Malaysia, everyone was able to see and hear the presentation fairly well but the return feed to Sioux Lookout from Malaysia could not provide a video image and the sound was garbled so the live chat was used as the prompt for the exchanges. The powerpoint presentation ended up being controlled by the technician in Malaysia because the document server was not set up at the conference site.

In preparation for the session there was a three hour testing of the system the week before the event where the powerpoint presentation was sent over to the firm organizing the A/V portion for the session.  Eric Tsang from the Communications Research Centre in Ottawa attended the event in Kuala Kumpur and wrote about there being problems with the audio but overall the presentation went well. Various people from Industry Canada including Susan Johnston, Kathy Fisher and Vicki Schouten worked on including the Keewaytinook Okimakanak story on the agenda.

Recently, KiHS staff members, Marlene Mckay and Jeremy Snihur, attended the Dreamcatching 2003 conference in Montreal.  Dreamcatching 2003 focused on educating First Nations youth in the areas of Mathematics and Science.  Each Dreamcatching conference also promotes a profession which requires a background in Mathematics and Science. This year's profession was Engineering and promoting Native access to Engineering programmes.

Many scientific and mathematic concepts studied today were originally used and discovered by First Nations peoples. Dreamcatching 2003 is looking to guide First Nations students in the field of Engineering. Engineers are involved in the design and construction of buildings, bridges, roads, engines and electrical machines. Engineers will be a vital resource for the development of many First Nations communities.

KiHS (Keewaytinook Internet High School) presented a workshop at the Dreamcatching 2003 conference. The KiHS workshop helped educators from all over Canada gain an understand of the role of KiHS and how KiHS is guiding First Nations students to post-secondary education.  KiHS provides local high school education through the use of computers and the internet. KiHS students have the unique opportunity of receiving high school credits while learning valuable computer skills.

To learn more, please visit the following links:

Native Access to Engineering Programme

Keewaytinook Internet High School (KiHS)

Ed and Maxine Wesley began MAX-WEAR from their home community of Ginoogaming First Nation many years ago. Ed travels across Northern Ontario visiting First Nations and their organizations to sell their beautiful fleece jackets and vests. Their operation has grown to include a Thunder Bay store front called Wolf Tracks. Everyone is invited to visit their store and their web site at http://www.tbaytel.net/maxwear.

From their web site: "WOLF TRACKS carries exclusive MAX-WEAR apparel and is convienently located in Thunder Bay's downtown core, 213 Red River Rd. Come in and view our selection of fine Aboriginal apparel including sweat-shirts, T-shirts, fleece vests, and more!

Designed and created by Maxine Wesley, a talented Ojibway artist inspired by her life's blessings...the sound of the flowing rivers, the visions of a calm lake and the cry of the loon.

Jackets are available in embroidered or applique style and come in a wide range of colours. Custom design jacket orders are accepted, including discounts on large corporate and organization jacket orders."

Contact Ed at maxwear@tbaytel.net or wolftrac@tbaytel.net