MyKnet.org

Some pretty broad questions here Philipp but I thought I would share my perspective in the hope that others will add theirs, as well ...

1)    What is global and what is local/regional in the case of the KO/NAN communities?

I think everyone involved with MyKnet knows that by creating a homepage that they are taking a step onto the 'global' stage to share something about themselves with anyone and everyone who has access to the internet. But I also understand that most people requesting a MyKnet homepage is doing so because they will be able to join a community of Aboriginal people who consist of family members, friends and others who live, work and play within a region that spans northern Ontario and northern Manitoba. MyKnet is a community of Aboriginal people and their friends who share a unique geographic environment as well as special, yet similar circumstances and experiences because of where we live, work and play.

2)    What is the role and significance of aboriginal culture(s) in practicing/using internet technologies and services such as MyKnet.org?

MyKnet is simply a tool that provides a safe medium and an environment where the participants are able to share and express themselves, their interests and experiences with others. As 'Aboriginal culture' evolves within the individuals, communities, the region and nationally, each MyKnet member is able to express their own unique place within that community through their homepage. Whether it is with their work, the music they listen to, the stories and experiences they share, the 'culture' is being expressed and shared for others to explore and interpret.

Questions:
3)    How are global / popular culture(s) presented on MyKnet.org homepages?

I have seen homepages that are include drum groups, singing, religion, poetry, family, dancing, music, violence, love, relationships, community, personal experiences, philosophy, sports, hobbies, ... the list is endless. Personally, I think much of the content on MyKnet is affected by popular, mainstream culture and what content is available elsewhere on the web. BUT that said, if one looks "between the lines" on every web page there is something that is unique and special that belongs to the individual who wants to share something about themselves and who they are ...

4)    Why do young First Nation members incorporate global culture(s) and its artefacts such as songs and pictures of Hip Hop artists on their homepages?

My guess ... it is popular today and it is a nice means for many to express how they feel about what is happening around them. It is reality that is shared by many and provides a medium for using their own voices and images to show others how they are feeling at this point in time and in their lives. Hopefully some MyKnet users who post this type of music and who display these pictures will also type to answer this question.

5)    What is the relationship of global popular culture(s) and local native/indigenous culture(s)?

From my experience ... everyone is influenced by the mediums (ie. TV, the internet, radio, etc) and the cultures that we are exposed to and those that we are able to relate to. So we each adapt where we come from and our own 'cultures' with those cultures and people who we choose to surround ourselves with and with whom we are able to relate. For example, when I was drinking, I was surrounded by drinkers [smiles] and my life and decisions were influenced by that environment and 'culture'. Similarly, I believe we each choose the culture and environment in which we wish to be surrounded and influenced by and what works for each of us at different times in our lives.

6)    How is global popular culture(s) and its artefacts as mediated through MyKnet.org experienced by adults and elders?

The MyKnet hopepages are watched by many ... maybe not understood or accepted by everyone ... but each of us who look is influenced by what we see when we visit the different sites and take the time to try to understand what is being shared. Just take a look at the monthly statistics with over half a billion hits each month and you have to know that people are looking at each other's pages.

7)    What is the role of the internet and MyKnet.org in distributing global cultures in the local communities (in comparison with satellite TV e.g.)?

With the proper infrastructure and network connections, everyone is able to access information, stories and experiences about what is happening anywhere in the world. Within the online environment, everyone is able to pick and choose what they look at and where they choose to get their information. The one great thing about having the proper infratructure to access the internet is that this medium becomes a two-way street, where the people are now able to share their stories, their culture and their communities with others around the world through their MyKnet homepages. As the producers of the content on their MyKnet homepages, everyone is now able to create their own images of themselves and their interests to share this with the world!

8)    How does local culture as presented through MyKnet.org contribute to global (internet) cultures?

Again ... this is a two-way highway where visitors are able to learn about what is happening in this part of the world as well as be influenced and affected by what they see and experience online within the different MyKnet homepages.