Canadian First Nation uses data center to preserve heritage
Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 21 Oct, 14:38 · Archive
Wiikwemkoong First Nation in Ontario installed a small data center to preserve recordings of Anishinaabe language and other cultural records.
The Wiikwemkoong First Nation in rural Ontario has installed a small data center, about the size of a single-car garage, to preserve its cultural heritage. The facility holds video recordings of Anishinaabe speakers and other digital files documenting Indigenous traditions and knowledge.
Chief Tim Ominika said the Anishinaabe language was one of the biggest things First Nations across Canada were losing. 'We will have our knowledge keepers, our language speakers who may be moving on to the spirit world, but their legacy is still going to be protected for many years to come by having our own data systems in place and protecting that,' he said.
Beyond language preservation, the data center stores the community's corporate documents, health data for residents, and security camera footage. Ominika said the purpose was 'having the ownership, access, control and possession of our information'. The concept of digital sovereignty has gained momentum in Europe among leaders wary of American Big Tech influence, but for Indigenous communities it also represents asserting authority over information after being historically excluded from its collection and use by colonizers.
How it is being reported
- A First Nation community in Canada is using a data center to preserve its heritageThe Wiikwemkoong First Nation in Canada is using a data center to help preserve its heritage.Clickorlando · 20 Oct, 18:23
- A First Nation community in Canada is using a data center to preserve its heritageThe Wiikwemkoong First Nation in Canada is using a data center to help preserve its heritage.News4Jax · 20 Oct, 18:23
In this story: Wiikwemkoong First Nation · Tim Ominika · Ontario · Anishinaabe
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