The Indigenous Society

The Indigenous Society provides both computers and computer training to qualified individuals and community organizations. We also provide assistance in projects that are aimed at preserving indigenous culture and/or language. Click on the links to find out more about how to receive computers, how to schedule training, or how to get help with your project.

The Transforming Lives with Computers Program (TLC) provides computers and training to economically disadvantaged, under-skilled and unemployed adults, single parents, and other community members. Through TLC these individuals can gain the computer skills and obtain access to educational resources needed to secure and maintain skilled jobs with which to support themselves and their families. We receive used computer donations from companies and individuals. These computers are then refurbished and upgraded to a level suitable for learning basic computer skills needed in the job market and educational arena. The computers are then placed at community and outreach centers, and training is provided on essentials such as word processing and spreadsheets, as well as the basics of the Internet and e-mail.

The Technology Access Program (TAP) addresses the need for families and individuals to have a computer in their home. Although there exists resources by which individuals can access computers, e.g. work, school, community centers, libraries etc., for some these resources are still mostly inaccessible. Some reasons include having no access to computers at work, having no time to attend school, being single parents without childcare, or having physical disabilities. This inability to access technology resources contributes immensely to the digital divide. The goal of the TAP program is to work with local community organizations to identify individuals and families in need, and provide them with a refurbished computer for use in their home. Providing computers to these individuals opens the door to learning job skills through self-study in “at your own pace” courses, as well as educational opportunities for children in school and for adults through distance learning.

Preserving Art and Culture with Technology (PACT) is a program that utilizes new and existing technologies to preserve, document and perpetuate ancient or indigenous art and culture. Examples of this are: The use of interactive web based media tools to teach and perpetuated indigenous languages. The use of digital video to document and preserve art and cultural practices. The creation of an Internet site to document the cultural significance and use of traditional medicines and herbs.