The talk with Nodin Cutfeet went over digital literacy and how it applies to indigenous peoples. One of the most interesting points that was brought up early in the talk was how generative AIs like chatgpt have a negative effect on indigenous communities and cultures. They spoke on how genAIs give inaccurate information and perspectives on indigenous cultures and seem to homogenize them, and give a poor view, even if asked about a specific people they tend to blend several cultures together. It brought to mind to me how even if new technologies and perspectives claim to be ‘colorblind’ or unbiased they often take the prevailing views that existed before, and in doing so, reinforce them.
Nodin Cutfeet specializes in workshops in underserved communities to teach digital literacy. The Waniskâw Foundation, founded by Cutfeet, is an organization which sets these workshops. They host workshops that teach digital coding and art classes. A very interesting part of the talk was the difficulty that they encountered in hosting workshops in communities that are underfunded and lack resources. They mentioned how many of their students lack a conventional computer, often using Xboxes and other game consoles for their web browsing features. It shows how a good teacher isn’t one who demands specific equipment of their students but rather is one who accommodates for their students’ specific situations and what they have on hand.