I am an educator, researcher, and critic/advocate for the use of technology in Indigenous knowledge preservation and cultural sustainability. I am the founder of the Ethnos Project, an initiative that explored the intersection of Indigenous knowledge, cultural heritage, and information and communication technologies (ICTs). The project focused on how digital tools could be used to support Indigenous communities in preserving and sharing their languages, oral traditions, and cultural practices while maintaining self-determination and sovereignty over their data.
My research interests encompass the cultural impacts and implications of open source databases for Indigenous Knowledge management, new and emerging technologies for intangible cultural heritage, information and communication technologies for development (ICT4D) initiatives, social media used by Indigenous communities for social change, and mobile technologies used for language preservation, among other topics.
I hold an MS in Communication & Rhetoric from the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, an MALS in Mythology & Oral Traditions from Empire State University, and a BA in English Education from the University at Albany.
The Ethnos Project (2008-2018)
The Ethnos Project was a research initiative and online resource hub that collected case studies, academic papers, and discussions related to:
- Indigenous language revitalization through digital platforms.
- Ethical considerations in ICT use within Indigenous communities.
- Open-source and low-cost technology solutions for cultural preservation.
- Digital repatriation efforts in museums and archives.
- Decolonizing digital methodologies in research and development.
The project also curated a large online bibliography of scholarly work and practical case studies, making it a valuable resource for researchers, activists, and Indigenous community members working at the intersection of culture and technology.
Although the Ethnos Project website is no longer active, its research and discussions continue to influence conversations about Indigenous data sovereignty, digital humanities, and ethical tech development.
contributed by Mark Oppenneer