Media.Knet.Ca

APTN is now webcasting the 1pm ET and 7pm ET National News. Everyone is invited to watch the News LIVE or the archived session at http://www.aptn.ca/streaming

For example on Monday, July 24 News webcast watch:

• innovative housing for the poor and homeless in Winnipeg
• preserving the Aboriginal language in the Yukon
• ash basket making in the Atlantic provinces
• grassroots political movement demanding changes to the mainstream organizations gaining strength

Paul Otis, Manager of the Keewaytinook Okimakanak Water Plant Operator Training Program, spent the day in Sioux Lookout examining various e-learning strategies being used by the different KO programs.

The various e-learning demonstrations included a variety of communication tools that use the broadband network to support capacity building in remote and rural First Nations across Ontario. These include the use of:

• video conferencing for point-to-point and point-to-multi-point training and meeting sessions with archiving and web streaming;
• internet-based video camera monitoring and online point-to-point training support;
• Macromedia Breeze presentation platform (chat, video, powerpoint, whiteboard, archiving, etc);
• open source MoodleFN e-learning platform (http://moodlefn.firstnationschools.ca) with multi-functions and features for participant records and learning modules;
• Independent Learning Centre (ILC) correspondence courses for high school correspondence courses;
• KO's new Meeting Space at http://meeting.knet.ca for group sharing, presentations and discussions

Establishing a Kuhkenah Network connection at their training centre to enable the staff to develop and access these resources is now being planned.

For more information about the Water Plant Operator Training program visit www.watertraining.ca

VIDEOCOM Research Project  (Video Communications on Broadband Networks) is a collaborative research initiative lead by the Susan O'Donnell from the National Research Centre and Sonja Berley from the University of New Brunswick.

VIDEOCOM is funded by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council's Standard Research Grants 2006-2009, with in-kind contributions from the National Research Council, Keewaytinook Okimakanak, and Atlantic Canada's First Nations Help Desk. 

VIDEOCOM is investigating video communications on broadband in First Nations communities, looking specifically at the social inclusion and citizen engagement aspects.

From the project overview ....

Video Communications on Broadband: Social Inclusion and Citizen Engagement

Every year, more Aboriginal communities across the country gain the capacity to use broadband for video communications. There is potential for Aboriginal communities to use video communications on broadband not only for distance learning and telehealth but also for becoming active producers of video content - for example collaborating on community-designed videoconferences sessions that build collective knowledge and producing collective videos to disseminate community views and information. 

Key First Nations organizations are playing a leading role in developing, using and facilitating video communications in Canada. For example, the Keewaytinook Okimakanak (KO) tribal council and K-Net in Northern Ontario use multi-site videoconferencing to conduct meetings, and they webstream the archived sessions for later use. KO uses broadband for an Internet High School that allows students to remain longer in their remote First Nations communities, and for various telehealth uses such as remote diagnosing of common health complaints that reduces the need for expensive and disruptive trips by air to hospitals in larger urban centres. Atlantic Canada's First Nations Helpdesk uses multi-site videoconferencing to facilitate communications between students in First Nations schools and webstreaming to disseminate videos created by students. 

The VIDEOCOM project is led by Dr. Susan O'Donnell of the National Research Council and the University of New Brunswick in Fredericton, working with community research partners KO / K-Net / KORI in Sioux Lookout and Thunder Bay, Ontario and Atlantic Canada's First Nations Help Desk in Sydney, Nova Scotia. The project is funded by SSHRC (Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council) from 2006 to 2009, with in-kind contributions by the research partners. 

VIDEOCOM will develop case studies of these two community organizations - KO/K-Net and Atlantic Canada's First Nations Help Desk - to explore how they are using video communications to facilitate the inclusion and engagement of Aboriginal communities and especially of groups such as Aboriginal women and Aboriginal youth. 

The research will be designed to assist the two organizations and their communities to continue to develop their capacity to conduct research and to use video communications to support their local inclusion and engagement activities.

Click here to read a paper entitled "Broadband Video Communication Research in First Nation Communities" by Susan O'Donnell and Sonja Berley that was presented at the Canadian Communication Association Annual Conference in Toronto this spring.

From http://www.fnti.net/modules.php?op=modload&name=PagEd&file=index&topic_id=0&page_id=2

Aboriginal Media Program

Related links: Humber College - www.humberc.on.ca Promo Video - www.fnti.net/media/videos/mpromo1.wmv Carla Robinson Visits FNTI - www.fnti.net/media/Carla%20Robinson%20Story.PDF The Learning Track www.fnti.net/media/amsp/lt/2006/

About The Aboriginal Media Program was created in the spirit of telling our own stories. As with all FNTI programs the Aboriginal Media Program is rooted in Aboriginal learning styles and culture. This three-year post-secondary program leads to a diploma in Journalism-Aboriginal Profile from Humber College of Applied Arts and Technology . Graduates also receive a certificate in specialized Aboriginal Media Studies from First Nations Technical Institute. The program is delivered through in-class sessions on Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory and work placements in the Media industry. Learners may choose to do work placement in their home communities or elsewhere, depending on the availablity of media outlets. The extensive placement component in the Aboriginal Media Program (about 60 weeks over three years) is especially suited to Aboriginal learning styles. It also offers learners experience in a variety of media. Learners take on increasing responsibility and handle more complex assignments as their knowledge and experience increase. They become familiar with an organization and get a head start on summer and full-time jobs. The on-site sessions include hands-on small group workshops with experienced facilitators who are all media industry professionals. Classroom work, including one-on-one practice sessions, is stressed in first year, and gradually diminishes as placement time in real media jobs increase. Radio broadcast instruction includes time at Tyendinaga's community radio station, KWE Mohawk Nation Radio 105.9 FM. Print, television, video and multi-media skills are practiced on industry standard production equipment at FNTI. Telling Our Own Stories The first year of the program focuses on the art of "telling our own stories." During this introductory year, learners receive basic skills in various media disciplines including print, broadcast, radio, photography and the internet. Classes take a critical look at how the mainstream media covers issues affecting Aboriginal people in both printed and visual forms. At the beginning of each session, learners present on topics rooted in their own communities, nations and the global community. Second year has learners covering more complicated news stories in print, radio and video. They study the Politics of Self-Determination and Mainstream Media Coverage of Aboriginal Issues. In third year sessions learners work as team members on newspapers, magazines and video broadcast. Employment / Internship Opportunities With the launch of the Aboriginal Peoples Television Network and the growing number of Aboriginal-owned newspapers and magazines, learners will have a variety of employment opportunities upon graduation. The extensive placement component in the Aboriginal Media Program (about 60 weeks over 3 years) is especially suited to Aboriginal learning styles. It also offers learners experience in a variety of media. Learners take on increasing responsibility and handle more complex assignments as their knowledge and experience increase. They become familiar with an organization and get a head start on summer and full-time jobs. With the formation of the Strategic Alliance of Broadcasters for Aboriginal Reflection (SABAR), FNTI is now able to offer internship opportunities with some very high profile companies. CBC Radio, CRFB Radio Toronto and Ottawa), CTV, OMNI Television, Global Television, The Weather Network, CHUM, APTN, Windspeaker, The Eastern Door, Say Magazine, Spirit Magazine, Rogers Television, MCTV, just to name a few. Many of these companies have stations or satellite offices all over Canada. Prior Learning Assessment Learners with in-depth experience in any of the subject areas are encouraged to apply for prior learning assessment credit. PLA is a process that involves the identification, documentation, assessment and recognition of learning acquired through formal and informal study. This may include work and life experiences. The recognition of prior learning can be used toward the requirements of an academic or training program, occupational/professional certification or for employment/labour market entry purposes. For those wishing to explore the possiblity of PLA credits please call 1-800-267-0637 for more information. Admission Criteria Only 24 places are available. So apply early! Learners interested in enrolling should have their secondary school diploma or be mature students, 19 or over, with better than average communication skills. Applications must be accompanied with a $80 non-refundable application fee as well as applicants are asked to write a 250 word response to: "Why are you interested in the Aboriginal Media Program?" Cost The tuition is $3,000 a year (non-refundable and subject to tuition cost increases at Ontario's community colleges). This amount also includes all textbooks and related handouts. Learners should anticipate additional costs such as mandatory cameras and equipment, computer discs and CDs or DVDs, DVD tape and or video tape during the course of study. Also learners should know that there are a number of school related trips to be taken throughout the school year. Costs may include accommodation and food. Equipment Learners are required to bring a Digital SLR camera with flash as well as a portable digital or tape recorder. The Digital Rebel by  Canon is recommended. The camera should be at least 5 megapixels and have manual capabilities. Each learner will is also required to bring their own school suppies as well as DVDs, and CDs for thier assignments. Please feel free to call the AMP staff should you have any questions about these items. EMAIL: media@fnti.net Accommodations Room and board within the Tyendinaga community is available and reasonably priced single rooms may be available at FNTI's student residence. The cost is $75-$100/week. Learners must supply their own linen, dishes and personal effects. The FNTI residence is on a first come first served basis. Please apply early. Room and board availability will be sent monthly as updated. The Program Overview The Aboriginal Media Program is delivered through a combination of on-site class modules (for example, five sessions totalling 18 weeks in first year) and media work placements. The on-site sessions include hands-on small group workshops with experienced facilitators who are all media industry professionals. Classroom work, including one-on-one practice sessions, is stressed in first year, and gradually diminishes as placement time in real media jobs increase. The placement component is designed to provide integration and practice of skills and concepts introduced in class sessions. Each learner is required to complete a place component contract for each placement, and is to report weekly with updates.

Updated Thursday, June 08, 2006

Oshki and NAN are working with IBM to host a 3 day camp for young people (8 to 14 years of age) starting August 15. Everyone interested is encouraged to submit their application as soon as possible because there are only 20 seats available.

Click here for a copy of the complete registration package (PDF document)

August 1-3, 2006
Fort William First Nation and Online

The Northern Ontario School of Medicine is pleased to present Mii-Kwen-Daan – Continuing the Dialogue Workshop. It is an opportunity for participants, in-person and online, to contribute to the efforts of the medical school in serving the health needs of Aboriginal peoples, on and off-reserve. It will provide participants with the opportunity to comment on the progress that NOSM has made in addressing the issues raised during the first Aboriginal Workshop in the Anishinaabeg community of Wauzhushk Onigum (June 10 - 12, 2003). The workshop is part of a regional consultation that includes all members organizations that form the Aboriginal Reference Group of the medical school. Workshop participants will have the opportunity to comment on the work of the NOSM in five critical areas, including: Communications, Community Engagement, Curriculum, Research, and Admissions

Visit the conference website:www.meeting.knet.ca

► Agenda► Online Registration► Travel and Accommodation Info► Discussion Forums► Session Summaries► Other Links & Resources

The conference website will feature a live broadcast available to anyone with high-speed internet access to join from their home/office computer. Online participants will be engaged by an online facilitator throughout the conference to facilitate questions to presenters and online discussions. First Nations who are not able to attend in person are welcome to participate on-line. The website also facilitates ongoing discussion forums (pre and post conference) and all sessions will be archived for future viewing. More...

Carl Seibel, FedNor Telecom Officer spent Tuesday and Wednesday working with K-Net staff attending videoconferenced meetings and reviewing existing projects.

Three members of the Seven Generations Institute (http://www.7generations.org/) visited K-Net to identify strategies to ensure First Nations in Treaty 3 are able to access video conferencing services.

Click here to view pictures of Wayne, Christina and Lisa's visit.

Philipp Budka is visiting Sioux Lookout to learn about the possibilities of conducting his doctoral thesis and research about the Kuhkenah Network and the online MyKnet.Org community. Philipp describes himself as "a social anthropologist from Vienna, Austria" on his web site.

During this past week (July 7 to 16), Philipp sent time meeting with members of the K-Net team and various people who know about the work completed to support the development of K-Net and MyKnet.Org. He spent one day visiting the three communities in Lac Seul First Nation (http://lacseul.firstnation.ca) to learn about their network connections and attended the pow-wow in Wauzhusk Onigum First Nation.(www.ratportagefirstnation.com) over the weekend.

From Philipp's web site at http://philbu.net

Beside providing resources about the anthropology of cyberculture, this website focuses on the use of information and communication technologies by indigenous groups, organisations and networks.

Arranged and maintained by Philipp Budka, a social anthropologist from Vienna, Austria, this site gives an overview on his work and education.

More private as well as professional activities are documented in Philipp Budka's blog (in German but with lots of pictures).

Philipp Budka can be contacted via e-mail: ph.budka@philbu.net