As an immigrant from India, I didn’t know what Indigenous culture is and what is the history behind it on these lands. It wasn’t until I started navigating the job application process that and encountered that there was always one option to identify if you belonged to an indigenous society. Not only this, there are categories in it as well. Then slowly and gradually, I realized that there are tons of policies and benefits too provided by the government to these communities. They support such things a lot. Through my journey of exploration and learning, I’ve come to deeply appreciate the traditions, artistic expressions, and technological innovations that Indigenous people have contributed to the cultural fabric of this country. In this blog post, I’ll share my personal experience and insights into the ways Indigenous communities are preserving their heritage and adapting to the modern world.
It is amazing to see that Indigenous culture is not confined to the history textbooks. It is a living entity. One of the most significant challenges Indigenous communities across the world face is the loss of traditional languages. According to UNESCO, three out of every four Indigenous languages in Canada are considered “endangered.” This represents not only the loss of a language but also the loss of cultural knowledge, oral histories, and traditional practices handed down through generations. Interestingly, Indigenous people are leveraging the technology but also modernizing their cultural practices and identity.
Technology has become an ally in the fight against language extinction. Some of the initiatives include the creation of language-learning apps, digital dictionaries, and web platforms where elders can record and share their knowledge in local languages.
Also, Indigenous creators are now leveraging other new mediums to tell indigenous stories. 400 Drums is an organization based out of Burnaby, B.C, that’s using a new form of digital art to invest in a better future — the well-being of youth in their community. The organization is using non-fungible tokens (NFTs) to monetize Indigenous art and fund programs that connect youth to their culture and traditional languages. The NFT sales helped gain some money which they then invested in creating workshops like drum making and other tools to inculcate the knowledge in new generations.
Recently, I attended an Artist Talk by Dr. Rodney Haring hosted by Arts Etobicoke During this discussion, Dr. Haring delved into his collection, sharing insights into the cultural significance of the lacrosse sticks and the artistic process behind their creation.
“Dr. Rodney Haring’s ‘Story Stick Collection’ exhibition beautifully showcases the fusion of Indigenous tradition and innovation. These Lacrosse sticks, blending Haudenosaunee knowledge with Western science, offer a profound insight into Indigenous teachings such as medicine, art, and community wellness. It’s a tribute to the enduring significance of Indigenous culture in our society.” – Michele-Elise Burnett (Director/Curator of Story Stick Collection Exhibition)
Working as a communications Coordinator in Arts Etobicoke and promoting the show on social media and across various mediums, I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to learn from and engage in ongoing dialogue and to witness the remarkable ways in which how one can always empower future generations.
