Newhouse, David R.

Contemporary struggles with Indigenous identities in Canada are deeply rooted in the historical and ongoing impacts of colonization, which have left profound and lasting effects on different geographical regions across the country. These struggles are multifaceted, encompassing complex questions surrounding who qualifies as Indigenous and what criteria are used to authenticate claims of Indigenous heritage.

In the modern era, the digital landscape has become an integral part of our daily lives, revolutionizing how we interact with the world around us. Digital spaces, including the vast expanse of the Internet, various social media platforms, and mobile applications, have transformed how we communicate, conduct business, seek entertainment, and share information. These virtual environments offer unparalleled opportunities for connectivity, collaboration, and the exchange of resources and ideas.Within this digital realm, social media platforms have emerged as powerful tools for self-expression and exploration of identity. Individuals increasingly use these platforms to delve into the complexities of their identities, including their intersectionality and connections to specific geographic locations. Research has shown that this exploration often leads to a reclamation and revitalization of Indigenous identities, serving as a form of political resistance against the ongoing legacies of colonization. Through social media, Indigenous individuals and communities are able to reclaim their voices, assert their autonomy, and challenge dominant narratives.

This research delves into how digital spaces, mainly the social media platform of TikTok, shape Indigenous identity formation, maintenance, and resurgence. By employing a mixed-methods approach, this study analyzes various dimensions of this phenomenon, including the role of storytelling, community building, and cultural expression in digital spaces. Moreover, the research explores how these digital platforms can empower Indigenous communities to reclaim, revitalize, and reconstruct their identities and notions of community. Ultimately, by examining the impact of digital spaces on Indigenous identity, this research provides valuable insights into contemporary practices of identity revitalization and proposes strategies to support Indigenous futures in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.

This research used the Medicine Wheel, adapted from the research of Dr. Kathleen E. Absolon, Anishinaabekwe from Flying Post First Nation, in her article Indigenous Wholistic Theory: A Knowledge Set for Practice, as a framework to explore the dynamic interplay between Indigenous identity and the digital age. It highlights how each quadrant—East (birth and rejuvenation), South (relationships and advocacy), West (challenges and resilience), and North (wisdom and healing)—provides unique insights into the cultural preservation, self-discovery, community engagement, and integration of traditional knowledge with modern technology. Indigenous communities leverage digital platforms to rejuvenate cultural practices, foster relationships, advocate for social justice, and empower their voices while navigating the complexities of online spaces and ensuring cultural authenticity.

The findings emphasize the transformative potential of social media in preserving and revitalizing Indigenous cultures, advocating for critical issues, and empowering different generations. Ethical engagement in digital spaces is crucial, as well as promoting cultural respect and addressing historical injustices. The research underscores the importance of balancing traditional values with modern technology to foster resilience, empowerment, and holistic well-being within Indigenous communities.

Author Keywords: Colonialism, Identity Resurgence, Indigenous Identities, Online Communities, Self-Determination, Social Media

Indigenous men are disproportionally incarcerated in the Canadian criminal justice system. A disproportionate number of Indigenous men who are incarcerated have also been through the foster care and adoption system. A good deal of them are disconnected from their cultures, traditions and communities. For many the prisons are the first times that they encounter Indigenous Knowledge (IK), Elders, and Knowledge Holders, and the introduction to IK can be a watershed moment for them. Reconnection is a critical first step in a healing journey that many Indigenous men begin in prisons. The healing journey is about healing from their history, traumas, and the actions that led them to prisons, but healing is also a process of healing towards a better life and better future. It does not stop once they are beyond the prison walls. This research project focuses on the Indigenous Healing Programs and Services that support the men that are on this healing journey. Using the Haudenosaunee framework of Kan'nikonhrí:io (the Good Mind) and Wake'nikonhrèn:ton (the Crooked Mind), this project endeavours to understand how these programs and services understand and support healing, how masculinity factors into the delivery of these programs.

Author Keywords: Community, Good Minds, Haudenosaunee, Healing, Social Programming, Social Work