Themes

Audio-visual learning materials are produced by the use of the new information technologies, imitating traditional methods of transmitting knowledge from one generation to another. This kind of oral inter-generational transfer has worked until the present day in the given local circumstances. This is why the knowledge recorded in indigenous languages is not only presented in writing but also through audio-visual documentaries that have served as a basis for the other means of recording. Open access to the online publication of learning materials is possible via different digital terminals, and also in hard copy, where needed. The films are distributed among indigenous communities as DVDs for the time being, but more stable Internet access will make downloads available. These DVDs are used in class and during cultural events in Kamchatka.

The website Digital Humanities of the North has been designed as a user-friendly portal first and foremost for indigenous communities of the North. Most films are made available with subtitles in several languages. Digital Humanities of the North also offers indigenous communities the opportunity to digitally view objects belonging to their cultural heritage which are located in collections in western European museums. The digital presentation and transmission of cultural content on the Internet will hopefully also contribute to communication and cultural dynamics among the indigenous peoples of the North.

These concepts had been discussed at workshops of the Foundation for Siberian Cultures and presented at a symposium at the Hokkaido Museum for Northern Peoples – and have been realized since then by the consortium of international partners.