Victoria resident reaches aboriginal youth with technology
Jeff Ward is using the Internet to teach ancient aboriginal languages
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Updated: July 02, 2009 4:03 PM
Jeff Ward is using the Internet to teach ancient aboriginal languages, and that has led to recognition for being a role model from the National Aboriginal Health Organization.
"Spectacular" is how Ward described last week's awards ceremony at the Museum of Civilization in Ottawa. "It's definitely an honor, I'm very grateful," he said.
Ward, a 29 year old Métis, has done extensive work with non-profit aboriginal organizations. He created a website called LearnMichif.com to help preserve the Métis language, and helped develop FirstVoices.com, a site that archives 38 different indigenous Canadian languages.
He conducts workshops for aboriginal youth on music, web design and entrepreneurship.
He has also created software to teach "cultural competency" to provincial health authorities working with aboriginal communities.
Ward has been persuaded to give technology a break and get back in touch with his roots.
As children, Ward and his brother Scott were the youngest hoop dancers in Canada. Hoop dancing is an indigenous art of storytelling through dance. "After reading my bio and seeing 'former hoop dancer' my dad has taken it upon himself to get me back into hoop dancing."
The National Aboriginal Role Model program was established in 2004 to strengthen aboriginal identity and leadership. This year 12 young role models across Canada were recognized.
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