The public launch of PathoftheElders.com on Wednesday, March 24th was celebrated by the project’s collaborators and select members of the public at Carleton University’s Art Gallery.
Terry Hoganson, member of BlackCherry Digital Media, describes the event as magical: “It was amazing to have all of these people, who have dedicated countless hours and limitless energy into making On the Path of the Elders a reality, come together and share their stories. Really inspirational.”
Speakers included Mr. John Mark Seck, president of BlackCherry Digital Media; Stan Louttit of Neh Naak Ko; Greg Spence of the Mushkegowuk Council; Dr. Kimberly Matheson, Carleton University Vice-President (Research and International); Franziska von Rosen of Our Incredible World (formally Pinegrove Productions); Dr. Elaine Keillor and Dr. John Medicine Horse Kelley Cle-alls, co-directors of Carleton's Centre for Indigenous Research, Culture, Language and Education, known as CIRCLE.
Each of the speakers spoke with a passion and intensity that demonstrated their deep commitment and dedication to PathoftheElders.com.
Amongst the many memorable moments were:
Dr. Cle-alls performing a opening prayer.
Mr. Louttit vividly describing his own experiences growing up, and the need to give today’s youth access to Aboriginal perspectives on history.
Ms. von Rosen recounting with obvious emotion the experiences she and her team had while interviewing and recording Elders for the website.
Dr. Cle-alls giving an impassioned speech about the disconnect in Aboriginal communities that has arisen as a result of disastrous colonial interventions such as residential schools, and the need for resources such as PathoftheElders.com to show Aboriginal youths that they are part of a deep and meaningful tradition and culture.
Mr. Seck unveiling the site’s stunning graphics and high-quality animation to a captivated audience.
But what was most striking about the launch party was the vision everyone was carrying for the future.
It was clear that each person at the launch believed PathoftheElders.com will make a difference in helping Aboriginal youths reconnect with their culture and history.
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Created in partnership with BlackCherry Digital Media, Archives Deschâtelets, the Doug Ellis Collection at Carleton University, Our Incredible World (Pinegrove Productions), the Mushkegowuk Council, Neh Naak Ko, the Archives of St. Paul University, Carleton University, and Wendy Campbell, Educational Consultant (Learning Methods Group).
This project was made possible with the support of the Department of Canadian Heritage through the Canadian Culture Online Strategy. Created with additional financial assistance from Indian and Northern Affairs Canada and the Inukshuk Fund.
