Developing digital stories is a compelling approach to the challenge of revitalizing aboriginal languages – and a perfect fit for the 2011-12 OPDF.

The project, led by Vancouver Island University, seeks to develop language instructional materials and course curriculum by community-driven and community-supported research and design. VIU director of aboriginal education, Sharon Hobenshield, explained in a Skype interview recently that the funds will support the development of graphic audio and e-books that will capture the remaining fluent speakers telling traditional stories in the Hul’q’umi’num language.

The OPDF 2011-12 committee was also impressed that the project arises out of authentic partnerships between VIU, Royal Roads University, the Coast Salish Employment and Training Society, the Nanaimo and Region School District and the Cowichan Valley School District.

The digital stories, praised by the OPDF adjudicators as “great use of technologyfor accessing culturally-appropriate teaching and learning,” will be available for smartphones, MP3 players, tablets, e-readers, computers as well as in print form for all kinds of learners: home, grade school, secondary and post-secondary.

The OPDF 2011-12 committee was also impressed that the project arises out of authentic partnerships between VIU, Royal Roads University, the Coast Salish Employment and Training Society, the Nanaimo and Region School District and the Cowichan Valley School District.

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