Increasing computer literacy and access to information is a valuable initiative, both within the aboriginal community and the larger community.  But I fear it will do little to address the very real and pervasive problems afflicting the aboriginal community.

I know the word "assimilation" has nasty connotations, particularly in the aboriginal community where unpardonable forced assimilation is such a large part of its history (and Canada's shame).  But the bottom line is that to take advantage of a society's benefits, one must be a part of that society.  Economics dictates that small and isolated communities--aboriginal and non-aboriginal alike--cannot expect the same degree of services to be found in a large population centre.  Moreover, language and cultures have their own life cycles.  They come and go, thrive and die with evolving circumstance.  Trying to keep dying languages alive is a hollow exercise if they no longer have independent utility.

Labels: moderation: safe