Media.Knet.Ca

From http://netnewsledger.com/?p=7260

AFN Demonstrates New Ways of Communication

THUNDER BAY – It is a use of new technology, connecting people from across Canada, and beyond. Assembly of First Nation’s Chief Shawn Atleo hosted a first virtual round table meeting on the issue of First Nation Citizenship today. “Ten year old Baron, a young man from Fort Severn took over my desk and computer, to watch. This is a great way of using new technology to allow people to participate. Watching this young man was interesting, he sat one day with the Mayor of Thunder Bay and shared his ideas. That is the way it should be, listening to the youth and gaining from the experiences of the elders”.

The process involved discussion from the panel, with the live participation from people on chat as a part of the process. Comments from the participants were read into the process as well.

First Nations across the region have been gaining quickly in their use of the Internet as a means of communications.

With the use of new technology, like the live-stream broadcast, it is possible to take a local meeting and take it national, and international.

Baron made a few comments during the broadcast. He had to leave, his cousin is back and he wanted to go to see him.

I commented on the forum on how he had participated, the comment ended up getting read aloud into the record, and Baron’s thoughts were echoed by the National Chief as a part of the broadcast.

The thrust of the debate is that First Nations, not the federal government should be setting the agenda.

The process however of widespread technology to bring discussion and debate forward is one that should be copied by both federal, provincial and Aboriginal leaders to bring together people into discussion of ideas, and seeking solutions.

An archive of the webcast/chat will be available immediately following the webcast at www.afn.ca or directly on the portal at http://firstnationscitizenship.afn.previewsite.ca/