A CIRCLE OF STORIES will share the personal,family and traditional stories of Indigenous people through short videos made with new media,smartphones,tablets and digital video.Facilitating inter-cultural dialogue and increasing community interactions,these online stories will deepen public understanding of Native Americans as multi-dimensional individuals.
Topical focus:
Country:
What locality or neighborhood will your project focus on?
Cherokee, NC
Describe the specific community with whom you will be working.
For Indigenous people,our stories are our strength.Since mainstream media rarely mentions my home reservation,new media is a dynamic and visible venue for us to tell our own stories.As a Native woman,my culture and traditions are the focus of my life and cultural preservation is imperative.I want to increase respect for tribal cultures, initiate dialogue within our communities and educate non-Natives by recording and sharing our vibrant stories.
What kinds of news, stories and other content will be created?
Storytelling is an integral aspect of First Nations culture.While historical events and stories from the past are documented,many everyday stories are not.This project will record personal stories,family stories and tribal stories.From an elder sharing memories of a grandparent to children explaining what happened at a powwow,citizens will record a story that is meaningful to them.Sharing these stories online shows Natives as multidimensional.
What technologies and digital tools do you plan to use in the trainings?
Describe the connections that you or your organization have already established that will contribute to the success of the project.
Wells of Victory,Inc. is a 501(c)3 non profit charity, which will administrate this project. Partnerships with Spiritcare,Inc., Sanctuary,Inc, Wright's Creek Baptist Church,Native Hoop and additional non profits will enable this project to enjoy increased success.
How many participants do you think will be involved in your project?
The goal is to train 12 participants and equip them to record stories. In a community where the majority of residents are not technologically trained and lack access to the means of production for media, a dozen participants creates a significant impact.Participants will be trained to teach their newly acquired skills to other tribal members in an effort to save stories and share them.Social media will further connect participants.
Besides the microgrant funding, what other resources and support are you seeking for your project to ensure its success?
Any and all suggestions for resources and support are appreciated.
Contact name
Dr. Dawn Karima Pettigrew, Ph.D.
Organization
Wells of Victory, Inc.