Understanding Indigenous People's Information Practices and Internet Use: A Ngarrindjeri Perspective

Abstract

Little is known about indigenous people’s interactions with the Internet as well as their attitudes, values, and skills in using the Internet and information and communication technologies to retain their knowledge. We present the preliminary results of the research undertaken with Ngarrindjeri people living from the Lower Murray River Lakes and the Coorong areas in South Australia, and then review the implications of these findings for designing interventions. Twenty-one Ngarrindjeri volunteers participated in the questionnaires, interviews and field observation. The results show that, following family members, the Internet was considered to be the second most important source for obtaining various sorts of information. Though having types of hesitation and cultural cautions, the indigenous participants embraced the Internet and online resources with great enthusiasm. The findings suggest that it is critical to adapt Internet technology to incorporate indigenous cultures including their information and social practices when we design and deliver information products and services for indigenous people.