Traditional Knowledge Meeting Technological Teaching

Indigenous education can benefit through the use of technology. Technology continues to grow in its uses and accessibility. It may not be the best tool for hands-on experiences, but there are other uses that still preserve and share Indigenous knowledge and culture. Here are two examples of how technology can be used to learn Indigenous culture and language.

Inuit Uppirijatuqangit - ᐃᓄᐃᑦ ᐅᑉᐱᕆᔭᑐᖃᖏᑦ is an Inuit Mythology video game available online. It is a hidden-object game where you try and discover all the hidden Inuit myths in four different areas - the topic of the myths range from monsters to family. This game requires a low-skill level to play as it only requires a mouse to point and click for the entirety of the game play. It will also keep a log of all the myths discovered for reviewing. All parts of the game are in English and Inuktitut, which can help with language preservation. Finally, it will help preserve culture by sharing myths and stories - and which settings you might find them relevant, such as a myth relating to seagulls by the water.

Anishinaabemowin Niwasa is an Anishinaabemowin app designed to help learn the language. It has 24 categories of words - starting with numbers and ending with “survival phrases” (ex. How do you say this? What is that?). It also has games and quizzes to test your knowledge. The user can see the words written and hear it spoken. There is also a culture notes section that has songs, photos, and videos. This app’s main focus is preserving language in an English-dominated land. It is also trying to preserve culture through its culture notes section. It is a valuable app for learning and practicing Anishinaabemowin for beginners, as well as for anyone trying to brush up on the basics.

Technology can be used to preserve Indigenous language. As technology is more accessible than not, it allows for anyone trying to learn about the language or culture to access it. Technology has become a new way to share culture, knowledge, and stories in the 21st century world.