Links
Information is power
We think that indigenous people have never been in a better position to make positive change than they are today. Why? The internet and communications technology. Information on every imaginable topic is now available to even remote communities. Partnerships are possible with people in the community next door or on the other side of the world. And you can call them for free on Skype. Wow!.
Below is the beginnings of a links page which we will add to over time:
Community Development
Aboriginal Canada Portal
http://www.aboriginalcanada.gc.ca/acp/site.nsf/en/index.html
A government of Canada site providing a wealth of information on community development matters.
The Appreciative Inquiry Commons
http://appreciativeinquiry.case.edu/
A gathering place for practitioners of Appreciative Inquiry, a strengths-based approach to organization development used in New Earth Village.
Assembly of First Nations
A national lobby group working on behalf of Canadian First Nations. See their links for a listing of provincial and territorial organizations.
Business Development Bank of Canada, Aboriginal Bnkg
http://www.bdc.ca/EN/i_am/aboriginal_entrepreneur/Pages/default.aspx
Provides loans and consultation to aboriginal Canadians wishing to start a business
International Institute for Sustainable Development
Champions sustainable development around the world through innovation, partnerships, research and communications. See their use of Appreciative Inquiry with with the Scownan Nation of Manitoba,Canada.
Ministry of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation
A ministry of the government of British Columbia which negotiates treaties and promotes social, economic and cultural development. See their 'Aboriginal Organizations and Services in British Columbia' guide.
Health and Well-Being
Health Canada, First Nations, Inuit and Aboriginal Health
www.hc-sc.gc.ca/fniah-spnia/index-eng.php
One part of an extensive information site on all aspects of health and safety.
HealthLink BC Aboriginal Health
www.healthlinkbc.ca/aboriginal.stm
Lots of information on basic health issues including stress management, bullying, immunization, disease, diet and travel. Find the link to the 'First Nations Health Handbook.'
My Big, Fat Diet, CBC
http://www.cbc.ca/thelens/bigfatdiet/
The Namgis First Nation of Alert Bay, BC gives up sugar and junk food, returning to a traditional diet. Discover what happens....
Technology
Skype
A free long distance telephone service that uses the internet. You must have a microphone atttached to your computer and the free Skype software installed. Calls are free between Skype users anywhere in the world. That means you can talk to New Earth Village members (who also have Skype) anywhere at no cost!
Communications
The World Cafe Web Site and Community of Practice
The place to go to get information on world cafe technique and practice. World cafe is a way to quickly generate deep, meaningful conversations about what matters and gather the results of those conversations into a usable form.
Other sites recommended in the book The World Cafe, Juanita Brown and David Issacs:
The Berkana Institute
Supports life-affirming leadership around the world. Promotes the use of dialogue to build health, productive organizations.
Wisdom Circles
A wisdom circle is a way for small groups of people to create a safe space for dialogue - an atmosphere which is trusting, authentic, caring and open to change.
Economic Development
Voluntary Sector Knowledge Network
http://www.vskn.ca/index.php?/page/home
An excellent collection of websites aimed at nomn-profits but highly relevant for community developers. Topics include:
Starting a Non-profit
Governance
Leadership and Management
Community Relations
Government Relations
Fund-Raising
Finance
Accountability and Evaluation
Managing Staff
Managing Volunteers
Information and Communications Technology
The site also also offers free online professional advice ('Ask a Mentor').
