Niiganii

My ICANN Experience

2014-08-11T14:00:00.000-07:00

As the great gaggle in the sky shares with us,

when smaller communities come together,

unified as a larger community,

we can travel greater distances with a

shared mission and shared leadership.

-Philosophy of Geese

I find myself greatly honoured, as an Indigenous community representative, to have just been a part of my most intense– intellectually, emotionally, spiritually and physically - ICANN meeting experience within the three-month ICANN Mentorship Program. Although it appears that ICANN meetings are often subject to information overload for newcomers, ICANN50, which included ATLAS II, opened my eyes to the magnitude of the DNS industry and Internet Governance dialogues, and the opportunities that exist for the Indigenous community as a whole.

Initially, when I first received my invitation to participate in the Mentorship Program at ICANN 49 in Singapore, I was unprepared for the amount of new information about the DNS industry and Internet Governance topics that I must be familiar with prior to the meeting itself. This was due not to lack of effort by the ICANN staff or my mentor Eduardo Diaz, but to lack of time. Indeed, the global dialogue has been going on for years - and there is a change occurring that will affect us all - now is the time for the Indigenous community to become fully engaged in these discussions and policy development processes. It will be a milestone in history, when Indigenous people solidify their presence within the Internet Ecosystems – while maintaining the protocols that have preserved and disseminated Indigenous knowledge from one generation to the next, since time immemorial, and protecting their cultures within this expanding, open and connected virtual unseen environment.

On reflection, this program was the step in the right direction to empower Indigenous community participation. Without a doubt, the perspectives and feedback I provided throughout the ICANN experience can be the foundation to connecting with geo-graphic cultural groups on the marginal side of the social, economic, political and digital divides. Potential new participants will need the necessary supports within this mentorship program to facilitation their active participation in the ICANN multistakeholder community and global Internet Governance dialogues – possibility a much larger community with unfamiliar players - and an industry that will need to become accustomed to interacting with diverse geo-graphical cultural groups that have unique perspectives of the world around us. Moreover, Indigenous communities have centuries of environmental stewardship and consensus build experience beneficial, and needed, to guide the evolution of the Internet ecosystems and become leadership partners in this virtual industry.

It may be true that the original idea of the Pilot Program was to be offered specifically to First Nation participants, but once the program was approved, it provided an opportunity and experience for a group of three individuals – from different geo-graphical regions and backgrounds - that may not have otherwise come together without the support of this program. Even so, the Mentorship Program has great potential to empower participation from the Indigenous community and would be a positive investment for ICANN – should the program continue. Obviously, there was much discussion and planning within the ICANN community - particularly within NARALO – about developing and testing a fast track process for communities on the marginal side of the digital divide – before the three of us were selected. As experience has taught me, such programs can bring highly talented and confident community members to the table and it sometimes requires innovative approaches to be inclusive of groups and individuals – those who can make valuable contributions - that may not have the financial resources or may fall outside, or within the gaps, of the current engagement program design.

To be sure, I was faced with the challenges of thinking globally and adapting to a faced paced volunteer environment, including being an advocate for an under-represented diverse community. Indeed, while fulfilling my commitment, it was not without the support and collaboration of the ICANN Staff and ALAC members or Mentorship program leaders, each who offered information, connections and total support. Guided by Fouad to constantly challenge my own reasons for accepting the invitation – or to see a global perspective of the discussions- and my Mentor, Eduardo with the leadership teams of the RALOs - facilitated my active participation within the meetings. I also became an active member in the Accessible Taskforce at ICANN49 and a member of the At-Large Social Media Working Group for ICANN50, and Manitoba E-Association has recently received accreditation as an At-Large Structure.

I also would like to acknowledge the other two mentees, Gunela and Mercy – each brought a wealth of knowledge, enthusiasm and initiative to the program, and I am grateful to have shared this first experience of the ICANN Mentorship program with these two wonderful women. As explorers in new territory, we added our own distinctiveness to the program experience, and build upon the success of the each phase of the program to open the door for others join and participate within the ICANN community.

As for myself, there is no denying that this program opened my eyes to my role as an Internet Citizen and, instilled an awareness of our shared stewardship responsibility over the Internet. I observed the passion and dedication of each participating community member to raise the question of, and ensuring, the protection of end-user rights, and the divergent perspectives that discovered, or created, the various components necessary to make up the multistakeholder governance model – like the geese, we can travel greater distances together.

Although I am truly saddened that my participation in the Pilot Program is come to an end, I feel that there ultimately is an opportunity for my continued participation through Manitoba E-Association as an ALS, and for ICANN to assist and offer support to increase the Indigenous community participation and presence at the meetings, and in the policy development process. A big thank you to all those who support this program and to those who made me feel welcome. Kinanaskomitinawa!

February - A month of Love & Learning

2012-03-03T20:47:00.000-08:00

My wife and I just celebrated our 9th Wedding Anniversary on our 15th Valentine`s Day together. We`ve shared many special moments and experienced many interesting adventures. To my love, thank you for choosing me!

This month was also a journey of learning -- I met some amazing people at some awesome events!

My first stop was TEDxManitoba "(what) if x"!

TEDx Manitoba captured in one photo (Credit: Ian McCausland) www.ian.ca

The Speakers shared inspiring perspectives of our communities, our cultures and the environment around us.

I was so honoured to hear Wilma Derksen's story of "[W]hen Polarity in Forvieness Happens" - emotional journey of seeking justice. Thank you Wilma!

I also witnessed the growth of a community leader, Michael Champagne, aka North End MC, a young Cree man, showed us how one person can be the change in the community: "Oppression to Opportunity"- an amazing story of reclaiming and inspiring greatness in the young people of our community. Powerful words MC!

The theme for the next event, ICT Summit in Vancouver, was "Exploring New Worlds", too complement the keynote address by Commander John Herrington of the Chickasaw Nation - first Native American to walk in space.

Me and Commander John Herrington at the 2012 ICT Summit

It was a great honour to meet someone with such an amazing story to share. Kinanaskomitin Commander!

There was a presentation by the Nunavut Community Access Program (NCAP) Program, they officially released, "The Road We Travelled – Our Communities’ Voyage to the Future on the ICT Highway" - a collection of the best practices of how communities are overcoming the 'digital divide'.

Darlene Thompson, our courageous team leader, shared inspiring stories we collected from some innovated communities and passionate individuals.

NCAP story collection project

My story submission, and presentation at the summit was on "Persons with Disabilities Individualized e-Capacity Building" - I share my own experience of how Indigenous people with disabilities can find their voice in the social media world.

There was one awe-inspiring moment - a virtual sacred ceremony. My new friend and colleague, Tony Belcourt, arranged for an Elder from Brazil to video-conference into the Summit and present Commander John Herrington with a Sacred Rattle and song. The rattle was entrusted to Tony, who protected it for two years before this opportunity to pass on the Elders' gift to Commander Herrington. Awesomazing!

I've learned is ICT offers us virtual mediums to connect physically, emotionally, intellectual and spiritually. What a great summit! To the hosts, the organizers and sponsors -- Thank you for the experience!

Arriving home safe, I celebrated with my wife at The Keg! mmmm...good food!

My final stop of the month was at TRLabs's one-day event: ICTS 2012 - Convergence is Here....Now What? There was an inter-generational panel perspective of ICT technology adoption and insight into their behaviour on why they use it. I`m feeling older now....

Jordan Schidlowsky, Co-Founder of Noodlecake Studios shared his insight of Mobile Video Game Development - the future of vid-games is your mobile phone - I heard the term "freemium" business model for the first time.

Great job TRLabs team! I`m looking forward to next year!

Wow, what a great month!! These were the highlights of the many things I did this month. Thanks for reading, and check out my @niiganii -- tweeting event happenings to the community! Happy Leap Year!

Storytelling Season Begins!

2011-11-06T21:20:00.000-08:00

Honk, Honk, Honk! Within the next couple of days, the geese will be heading for the warmth of the south...*sigh*...wish I could take my family with them. Oh the snow, the snow!

The first signs of snow mark the beginning of storytelling season. A time to share our adventures, memories of someone, dreams, ideas, and thoughts with others. What exciting stories do you have to share? Share your stories with someone - anyone! Allow yourself to be creative. Let the storytelling season begin.

Just before Winter!

Leadership - through the lens of the goose

2011-09-09T13:13:00.000-07:00

Honk, Honk, Honk! I hear the geese greeting all of us….letting us know they are gathering…before they begin their journey south. I am a student of the geese. They share wisdom that is thousands of years old, passed on from generation to generation. I am also Swampy Cree from Pimicikamak Cree Nation a member of the Swampy Cree Tribal Council, represented by Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak. My ancestors lived in across the northern part of the Canadian Prairies. Their wisdom and their knowledge are infused in my blood, and the blood of my family. We will add our own wisdom and knowledge into this river of time, which will to be carried on to our children’s grand children’s great, great, great grand children’s children, until the end of time. And, like the geese, each generation adds something from their time to this enlightened instinct that strengthens the internal compass - a compass that brings together and guides a community in the same direction. One Community - One Direction.

There are many lessons that geese continue to share. One particular lesson is about leadership. In the gaggle, leadership is shared by all. This role is to be the one in front; interestingly my last name means “the one in front”. This shared leadership role is lead the community on the journey, not necessarily to the destination. Imagine if our communities empowered themselves with this philosophy – leadership is a share responsibility of each member of the community. What would it take?

For one, all geese honk to encourage and motivate each other and the one in front. If we encourage and motivate our leader, the one in front, think of the great things we can accomplish together. When the one in front can no longer lead, another goose readily takes the lead, while the other steps back into the flock and joins the chorus of honks. The geese may not always know exactly where they are going, but with their internal compass, and guidance from their elders, they always know which way to go and arrive together.

In Manitoba, the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs, the provincial political organization, is on a mission to represent our First Nation communities and inherent rights. No easy task for any leader. Our newly elected Grand Chief, Derek Nepinak (his campaign was “Of the Chiefs, For the Chiefs”) must be now appointing his advisors; those people who will be his eyes and ears in the community.

This advisory team will be honoured with the opportunity to bring the people’s voice directly to the Grand Chief. I look forward to seeing his vision of change reflected in his selections and decisions, guided by generations of wisdom and knowledge.

The community is here....connected....watching....discussing and sharing.

I congratulate Grand Chief Nepinak, and I look forward to working with him. Honk, Honk, Honk!

Trumpeting of Fall

2011-09-06T11:40:00.000-07:00

Honk, Honk, Honk! Well, its official the gathering of the Geese has begun. I've heard their call for a few days ago, I tried to deny it, but the fanfare resounded the coming fall. I began to wonder, what is in store for me this season?

It's the beginning of a new chapter, projects have been completed or moved into the next phase, and new stuff is starting to take shape. One of the projects I enjoyed doing this year was the E-Index, a wonderful community product of Function Four. I got survey households in communities, met some great people and learned more about the status of ICT in northern and remote communities.

Another great project is the "ICT Best Practices, in Remote, Rural and Aboriginal Communities" story collection. We heard some great success stories, innovative ideas, and wonderful opportunities for others to duplicate projects in their home communities. The next exciting phase is the publishing of the stories and a conference setting to share the best practices. I look forward to the final products and meeting new people at the gathering, which will be in Winnipeg, Manitoba sometime this fall.

The next project for me is learning more about digital storytelling, and how we share this knowledge with Aboriginal communities. I foresee digital storytelling as way to preserve culture and language, as well as a way to share traditional knowledge and stories through modern day technology.

I look forward to seeing what this fall season brings, and to hearing the music of a journey beginning as the gaggle passes over us. Honk, Honk, Honk!

Kinanaskomitin.