The Prairie region in Canada includes the three western provinces of Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba. The Indigenous peoples in this region include Métis, First Nations represented by several main nations, namely; Cree, Blood, Ojibway and Blackfoot, Dakota, Lakota, Slave, Chippewayan, Beaver and Sarcee(1).
An example of New Media in the Prairie Provinces is evident in the longstanding existence of the Aboriginal Multi-Media Society devoted to being an Aboriginal communications society designed to serve the Aboriginal people across Canada. Incorporated in 1983 under the Alberta Societies Act, the Aboriginal Multi-Media Society has continued success and maintained a commitment to the quality of its products and people. One of the leaders in Aboriginal communication the Aboriginal Multi-Media Society provides training, support and encouragement to Aboriginal groups, communities, and societies wishing to establish their own communications facilities(7). One of the New Media initiatives that has just begun in March 2009 is Buffalo Spirit-Culture Online and is designed as an accessible online resource for those on a journey of self-discovery of one’s cultural and spiritual roots(8).
This article is a non-comprehensive and living document that provides an overview of artistic activities in the region. It will be revised as necessary as part of our ongoing process of continuous updates.
1) http://www.aboriginalcanada.com/firstnation/dirfnab.htm
7) http://www.ammsa.com/ammsahistory.html
8) http://www.ammsa.com/buffalospirit/February-2000/welcome.html