As a knowledgeable source- who is already the field, AI in the context of digital Indigeneity is part and parcel of OneFeather Founder, Lawrence Lewis' daily work routine. Even quite 

AI tool for Council Elections, with the Elections Estimator

 which populates a budget and timeline estimate according to information the user inputs. This results in a quick and easy way to get a proposal ahead of an upcoming election.

Lewis acknowledges that AI comes with good results, like the speed, precision and time it can save with some tools. But also the challenging results, for example when AI is informed by the internet's search engines. The outcomes can be skewed, discriminatory and inaccurate due to its dependence on what the most popular source of information (and propaganda) is- which is detrimental, particularly to Indigenous communities.

In this candid conversation with the What's That Noise'?! crew, they dive into the importance of being careful with how you use AI, the ways to make it a complimentary tool, and also the need for more Indigenous AI, in order it tailor it for their communities' use, and to nurture the narrative for the digital space.

https://www.youtube.com/@onefeatherapp/videos

https://open.spotify.com/show/0SW489x40xOpZD2r4WbAQ0

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/whats-that-noise/id1364610122

What's That Noise?! Trio on AI within Digital Indigeneity

What is your role at OneFeather, and what does a typical day look like?

My role is Client Project Manager, and I often have 1-3 client meetings per day, checking in with team members throughout. Other than that each day looks different!

I originally joined as a member of our Field Staff. I was referred by a family member who is also currently Field Staff. As a member of the Métis Nation of Alberta, my family and I were familiar with OneFeather's work and intrigued by the opportunity to travel to voting events.

I really enjoyed attending polling stations in First Nation Communities- it was an opportunity to see parts of Turtle Island that I had never been to before, and it was exciting to see the vote day unfold, and the nations receive their results.

When the Client Project Manager position at OneFeather became available, it was suggested that I apply for it and I'm so grateful that that I did. I enjoy working with our clients for longer periods of time and learning how to support them in their own unique circumstances.

OneFeather is one of the very few companies that I believe chooses not to be extractive in the way they make decisions. OneFeather manages to strike a balance between ensuring a sustainable future while making choices that are guided by Indigenous ways of knowing and being.

How would you describe the team culture at OneFeather?

The entire team that makes up OneFeather aligns on one main vision- we want to use our talents to serve First Nation, Métis and Inuit peoples in their journeys towards self determination. We care deeply about our work and strive to make decisions that will positively impact those we work with and the world at large. We also take care of each other, if someone on the team needs support we all make an effort to provide it whenever possible.

If you could work on any project at OneFeather, what would it be and why?

I'm currently enjoying my work with Elections Services and would like to stay here long-term. I would like to grow my knowledge by working with nations we haven't yet supported.

What are you most excited about in the upcoming year at OneFeather?

I'm looking forward to my one-year anniversary of working here, as well as seeing the team again at our next summit.

Can you share a memorable project you’ve worked on?

Our team is currently supporting MNBC's General Election. I work remotely, so I don't always see what happens in our offices. I've been blown away by the incredible output of the Election Services team in our offices in Victoria. They've managed to create more than 22,000 mail-in ballot packages while juggling all of the other ongoing projects.

Thanks so much for sharing, Melissa! And stay tuned to learn about more of our 🪶 staff members, folks. 

Meet Our Team: Client Project Manager, Melissa Hardy

In commemoration of Truth & Reconciliation, also known as Orange Shirt Day we share events happening on 

 that are free across the country, for Indigenous peoples.

 Royal Athletic Park 1014 Caledonia Ave, Victoria.

Art Making with Indigenous Artist Christine Mackenzie

Arts Umbrella Bannock Breakfast, Reading and Art

 (Granville Island) 1400 Johnston St, Vancouver . 

Carving, Sugarcane Screening and Exhibitions.

 (Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre) 4584 Blackcomb Way, Whistler 

*Discounted Sugarcane tickets for Nation members.

Artist Christine Mackenzie of Kwakiutl Nation

 (tickets are still required, but are of no-cost). 

Indigenous Legacy Gathering with Creative Workshops.

 Anemki Wajiw/ Mount McKay Scenic Lookout, Mt McKay Lookout Dr, Thunder Bay.

Telus World of Science: Various Activities

Alberta Aviation Museum Event Hanger) 11410 - Kingsway NW, Edmonton.

Bob Bahan Soccer Field) 4812 14th Ave SE, Calgary.

RBC Convention Centre: Healing Walk and Ceremony.

(SaskTel Centre) 3515 Thatcher Ave, Saskatoon.

Sending lots of 🧡 from OneFeather to you, we hope it's a time you feel particularly held with family and friends and can come together in community to share Indigenous joy, truths and traditions.

Free Events for Orange Shirt Day

British Columbia

Ontario

Alberta

Manitoba

Saskatchewan