Towards an Indigenous vision for the Information Society

摘要

The very concept of the "Information Society" is a cultural expression, originating in the context of the evolution of the industrial into a "post-industrial" world. Accordingly, its core elements - knowledge, information, communication and Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) - are in fact culturally defined practices. However, the global approach of the evolving Information Society in an advancing Network Age makes these transformations a global issue. Societies with a different cultural, social and/or economic background, such as many Indigenous Peoples around the globe, are already affected by its dynamics - so far largely without being part of developing its philosophies or applications. To become truly global, and to avoid a new level of assimilation, colonization and marginalization, Indigenous Peoples must be equal partners in building the Information Society. Thus, the "Information Society for All" will have to embrace Indigenous concepts and visions in both its general conceptions and its implementations.