Welcome to the Ethnos Project

[I installed the map above to get a picture of where people who visit this site are located - 3 July 09]

The Ethnos Project is an advocacy and information resource focused on the ways information and communication technologies (ICTs) are being used around the world to

a) affect social change,
b) sustain and stimulate the rapidly disappearing traditions of Indigenous peoples, and
c) improve the quality of life of people on their own cultural terms.

This site is for scholars, activists, government agencies, non-governmental cultural organizations, indigenous groups, and others interested in ICTs for development (ICT4D), ICTs for social change, Indigenous Knowledge management (IKM), open source, and other mindful solutions.

The word "ethnos" is coined for the purpose of this project. Along with providing a definition of the word ethnos, it is important to outline some principles that have helped to shaped the development of this site:

• Participation: The resources highlighted on this site are ones that are initiated by Indigenous groups or that are focused on the needs of the Indigenous group (as opposed to the 'outside' organization or corporation sponsoring the effort).
• Ownership: The resources must respect the ownership rights of the Indigenous groups they serve. In other words, efforts that attempt to make Indigenous Knowledge known to a wider audience against the wishes of the Indigenous groups are not included here.
• Ideology: The introduction of non-Indigenous technology into the practices of Indigenous people will doubtlessly change the nature of those practices. Preference is given to efforts that are guided by the traditions and ideology of the Indigenous populations served.
• Sustainability: The best resources reflect long-term, sustainable design. Technological quick fixes may solve immediate concerns, but may also create greater problems and unintended consequences down the line.
• Attention: A few of the resources here serve to bring attention to Indigenous issues - especially in regards to the use of technology - but do not necessarily reflect efforts being made by or on behalf of Indigenous peoples.
  

NOTE FROM MARK OPPENNEER, ETHNOS PROJECT DEVELOPER:

If you would like to be a part of this site's development, contribute to the database, or help establish a community, please introduce yourself (email mark at ethnosproject.org). At this time, this site is unfunded. Please consider supporting this endeavor by contributing time, energy, or funding to cover hosting costs.

I created The Ethnos Project in November 2008 during the process of earning a doctoral degree at the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in New York State. My research interests include ICT4D, ICT for social change, tech4dev, open source solutions, oral traditions, indigenous knowledge, technology, online communities, human computer interaction and interface design. I hold a BA in English Education, a MALS in Mythology and Oral Traditions, and I am presently working toward an MS and Ph.D. in Communication and Rhetoric.

My interest in Indigenous Knowledge issues grows from my experience researching for my MALS degree as well as through the relationships I developed while serving as Education Director for The Ndakinna Education Center (05-08) and as organizer of The Saratoga Native American Festival (06-07).

I currently own and operate Fine Mind Design (http://www.fineminddesign.com), a web development and design outfit. In what little free time remains, I am also a musician.