Rhizoverse

Communication systems and secure relationships within and across indigenous communities have deteriorated in a multitude of ways since the colonization of the americas. A series of events over the span of centuries has rendered indigenous people disconnected from themselves and each other.

Much of this impact can be traced to the deliberate efforts of colonizing institutions and systems. This impact and legacy is felt by indigenous people throughout the world. Divide and conquer strategies used across Turtle Island included the disruption and elimination of relationships and communication within and between indigenous communities/nations.  

Displacement and isolation have become commonplace in indigenous communities. Effects of the indigenous experience can be evidenced across many domains: housing & food insecurity, demographic changes, water accessibility, family disruption, addictions, mental health needs and so on. 

To repair and reconcile our past, present and future, we must reunite and strengthen our historical relationships and connection with each other.  Our collective root system has been disrupted and needs to be tended to. The digital space provides a new opportunity for a fresh start.

Indigenous People represent 6% of the global population.  The recently recognized Qalipu First Nation represents over 25000 Mi'kmaq people from the Island of Newfoundland. The Port au Port ward is comprised of approximately 4000 First Nation members, and unknown number of non-status members.

The creation of a robust online digital indigenous community ecosystem that is built with evolution in mind.  Created with stringent security, data management and indigenous sovereignty as pillars guiding the creation of an environment that promotes cultural programming, content and services that support daily life.

What is Rhizoverse?

A solution that emulates root communication systems through technology. The digital solution proposed is intended to gather our indigenous  roots  and create conditions to foster cohesion, safety, protection and ownership in a digital world.

“The digital ecosystem” is committed to restoring safe & engaged communication networks to connect indigenous people with each other-regardless of where they may be. The Digital ecosystem is a place indigenous people can come together and tell their own stories, support each other, collaborate, communicate, collect, create & develop commerce opportunities to meet social, economic and community development needs. 

So What?

This digital village community ecosystem is a place where indigenous communities see themselves reflected & immersed in their own knowledge, support, and connection. It is where the past, present & future converge, creating a functional multiverse focused on activities that reinforce communication, and connection.

Relationships & connection must remain the core of resiliency and healing efforts. This innovative approach prioritizes collective cohesion through mutual support, personal and collective identity, safety, sovereignty and self-determination. By blending elements of the past with modern-day dynamics, Rhizoverse will foster a sense of belonging and unity while empowering individuals to actively participate in this unique digital space. The 'two-eyed seeing' approach in action.

Digital assets and data and technical innovation capacity can be used to create economic gains & initiatives that are for us, by us and with us.

The fully realized solution will work to meaningfully improve the lives of all indigenous people throughout the Canadian diaspora.

The Starting Community:  Port au Port Indian Band

The Indigenous communities that comprise the band include:  Kippens, Aguathuna, Boswarlos, Fox Island, Felix Cove, Port au Port East, Port au Port west, Point au Mal, Campbells Creek.  Total active band members: 695. This is indicative of a potential disconnection of 3300 known members.  

The local Mi’kmaq communities that makeup the  Port au Port Indian band, have a long history together that span centuries.  The last century has seen significant change in the social fabric and way of life of the region.  Displacement, disconnection and separation are factors that impact social cohesion and community identity today after decades of outmigration.

Reconnecting members who are not in the physical territory is possible with basic technology. Reengaging cultural practices and restoring relationships is possible with emerging technology.

Distance and current challenges have eroded family and community roles & functions. This is evidenced locally in by knowledge & communication gaps, higher social isolation & increased reliance on formal supports for seniors and elevated addiction issues across ages. Where kinship relationships thrived,  communities now struggle to exist.  

Over the past 25 or so years, the community has been coming to understand its historical complexities & experiences through various times in history. Indigenous members went through a formal recognition process during the formation of the Qalipu First Nations Band that altered family cohesion and connections.  Divisions within families based on federal status vs non status recognition outcomes has hurt the community.

In the 1940s, in response to WW2 efforts, the region, then a British Colony, would undergo major change with the arrival and build of the largest American Airforce base located outside of the continental USA. {bases for destroyers agreement} Original members of the community would be displaced and their property expropriated for lease. Those born during this era were raised during a period of foreign occupation and great change.  The layers of colonization and militarization and its impact to the community psyche & identity, has yet to be understood by themselves and the larger community or province. 

Today, the same communities anticipate hosting Canada's 'first of its kind' Mega Hydrogen and Wind Farm Mega Project in its transition to a carbon neutral future.  The community is sitting on the edge of great change and great risk in its effort to save the world.  We need to come together in ways that cannot be torn apart.

The interplay historically between Britain, USA, Canada and Indigenous people make this community a natural starting place.   The residents of these communities are among some of of the first people contacted by the original explorers & navigators and the longest colonized.

Susan O’Quinn resides in the community of Kippens, Newfoundland located in the Port au Port Band territory and is a long standing member.  Susan is a First Nation, Mi'kmaq woman, and a founding member of Qalipu First Nation.

Susan was born and raised within the community, and contributes to its fabric. Susan worked in helping roles throughout her formative years in the community, gaining a deep understanding of the values and priorities of the area.   She began her career as a Child Development Specialist providing family support in the local area. 

In 2020, the pandemic would bring her back to the community after a 20 year departure.  Susan returns with knowledge in human centered programming, online service delivery, data and privacy legislation, business development and corporate processes underutilized.

Susan currently volunteers as an advisor on a local data advisory committee for empowering indigenous women. This provided insight into the communities level of awareness and implementation of data sovereignty and its implications. 

With a business background in social work, corporate operations and online program development, Susan is uniquely positioned to lead this project.  Being positioned in the local community with support of the local band, she is able to seek direct guidance from the community and examine the identified and existing community priorities for alignment.

In collaboration with the Port au Port Indian Band, the project will be guided by  the needs assessment of the community. 

The Rhizoverse is a concept that needs to be further refined.  At this time, a  prototype has not been developed.   

Activities that are in progress or completed include:

• Defined Vision
• Development of Content
• Identification of Key right holders, stakeholders, and future users
• Created Framework for Community Wellness Program (Community Thrives)
• Identified Key rightholders
• Pilot of Personal Wellness Program "Thrive with CORE MC5"
• Engagement with the Port au Port Indian Band Council
• Researching (in progress)

I am seeking this opportunity primarily because I sense that yours is a development team that I can put my trust in.  Over the years, I have met a variety of people with skills.   At no time have I had access to a multifaceted team of change makers who understand the complex variables in motion (data sovereignty, self determination, privacy and legal consideration and so forth)  that need careful consideration for optimal human centered, ethical outcomes.

With a strong network and access to resources, I feel I can contribute to making the world a better place and addressing pressing needs that I cannot ignore.   With the diverse skillsets outlined,  I would be honoured to be a member of your community and to have an opportunity to impact real change.

These are the main reasons I am applying and turn to you for support and parternship.

• Expertise:  Direct advice and recommendation for design & planning technical solution that supports data sovereignty and indigenous self determination needs. 
• Financial:  Development budget and resource needs for development and ongoing operation of a basic framework.
• Legal:  User agreements, jurisdictional considerations, policy development, governance practice and guidance regarding data sovereignty and indigenous self determination considerations.
• Human Capital:  Development & operational/technical assistance
• Mentorship: Business Model and leader guidance/support

Susan O’Quinn was born, raised and resides in the community of Kippens, Newfoundland. Kippens is located in the Port au Port Indian Band territory. Susan is a First Nation, Mi'kmaq woman, who is a long standing member of the Port au Port Indian Band and also a founding member of Qalipu First Nation. 

Susan completed secondary school in the neighbouring community of Stephenville and has a social network within the community.  Susan began her career within the region and has a professional network within the communities and beyond. 

Susan is an active member in the Port au Port Indian Band, a knowledge keeper and has connection with the youth and elders within the region. She will be able to capture sensitive oral history accurately and traditional knowledge within the community. 

Susan volunteers within the community as an advisor on a local data advisory committee for Empowering Indigenous Women. This role provided insight into the communities level of awareness and implementation of data soveriegnty and its implications. 

Susan is an indigenous artist, who advocates for Indigenous Rights within our community, nation and the world stage. She advocates through both her music and art. The Province of Newfoundland has not adopted UNDRIP or Canada’s adapted version. 

With a business background in social work clinical interventions, corporate operations and online program development I believe I am uniquely positioned to lead this project.  

The solution proposed seeks to be both complex and simple in its design.    It is meant to be simplistic for users while the back end is loaded with cutting edge technology that facilitates engaging communication and connection capabilities.  The level of interactivity and real life simulation capacity  (to be built over time) will will increase engagement and impact.

The solution is innovative because it addresses an issue that is not being dealt with in society.   While society is able to look at the difficult outcomes familiar to the indigenous communities, it is very difficult for them to explore the roots of these difficulties.   

There are no known secure spaces for indigenous people to gather that is outside of the mainstream dominant cultural view.  This solution is about creating safe space that can foster healing from within and with each other. 

At the same time, it recognizes the open and universal nature of the internet and online environment.  Varying access options would be considered to enable diversity while ensuring a protective and safety first environment for core users.

With time, this solution provides an opportunity for indigenous nations to come together and learn about each other. Shared values and interactive activities such as music performances and art installations can help bridge connection and strengthen relationships.  Over time, connections can lead to collaborations on shared areas of interest. 

I envision, this digital ecosystem to being a daily fixture in indigenous households and community settings.  Whether families tune in to connect with others or to ask for help it is the meeting place for indigenous daily living.

Extensive research reinforces social connection as a basic unit of personal and community wellness.  According to the Center for Disease Control, "social connection with others can help improve your ability to recover from stress, anxiety, and depression. Promote healthy eating, physical activity, and weight. Improve sleep, well-being, and quality of life." 

Indigenous people and their communities continue to suffer an increased burden of illness and are considered disadvantaged in comparison to non-indigenous peers.

As an indigenous social worker who understands human healing and functioning, I feel that I can help position a digital community network to support and stabilize growing communities.  

Using a multiverse approach, individual band councils can develop a self contained space that ensures their control, protection & ownership. 

Digital connectivity is increasing throughout the land and smart devices are integrated more and more into daily life. Usage is only expected to continue.  

1. Facilitate connection and belonging in a tangible and measurable way. [etc. engagement data, account activity, band support and use]

2. Create digital environment for communities to reconnect to displaced members in order to recall human assets. [60's scoop, foster children, MMIWG, justice system, work migrants and non status/status]

3. Develop community safety measures such as alert systems or news announcements.

4. Intergenerational & Interactive engagement activities

5. Elder knowledge sharing.

6. Library of traditional knowledge, teachings, research data, membership and history.

7. Community Stars Page to highlight success and strengths

8. Community Services & Support Delivery

9. Cultural practices and ceremonies as appropriate.

10. Enhancing Personal and Community Wellness

I am applying as a way to obtain the resources and supports needed build a robust system that facilitates and strengthens community identity and connection.  

I seek  guidance to determine the best technical solutions and practices to advance this solution in a way that strengthens indigenous data sovereignty and self determination.  I am hopeful that futuristic and advanced technologies can be included over time, [vr/augmented reality/etc] that offer immersion and interactivity.

With your help, I hope the digital community presence can reflect the community and its strengths back to itself.  From this place of worth and strength, may we grow together.

Currently, information sharing, communication, connection in the defined target community is varied and relies on multiple technologies:  telephone, Facebook, website and online automation.  Minimal traditional documentation has been digitized and the digital literacy level is lower than average due to the aging population.

I envision a community APP that is built with data sovereignty, data as a resource and safety/security in mind in order to facilitate safe communication and connection.  Functionality and features will be built out over time based on community need.   Similarly, interactive and engaging technology could be used to facilitate real-life interactions and service provision in under serviced areas.

Susan O'Quinn Professional Services program services for individuals, families and organizations throughout Canada.  Susan is a registered social work service provider in Ontario and in Newfoundland.  Susan has provided services throughout the word.   My music has been released worldwide.  I will be developing this solution further in western Newfoundland.

No expansion plans until pilot and prototype are completed.  

>12 Months:

Traditional Mikmaki territory extends across the Canada/USA border.  A portion of Mikmaki territory includes the province of Nova Scotia.  Nova Scotia has advanced rules related to data residency and ownership.  This feels like a natural alignment.  Expanding into other Mi’kmaw communities in Newfoundland and Mikmaki territory is the priority following pilot and prototype in place.

At the present time, I am a solopreneur. 

This solution has been recently been conceptualized.

The knowledge that informs the solution has been gained through a 30 year professional career in social services, online intervention delivery and ongoing research.  Susan's perspective has expanded from child & family intervention to community and the nation. 

As a social worker who has made helping and healing others my life work, I am comfortable and confident in my ability to seek and embrace diversity in all its forms.  I have gained significant understanding and insight about diversity & inclusion through my clinical work in family and developmental intervention.

Employment Equity groups include women, indigenous people, visible minorities and those with disabilities.  We would prioritize indigenous people as members of the team. 

To ensure diversity and inclusion within the team :

• establish fair and inclusive policies  (best practices followed)
• seek consulting services to ensure a diverse team 
• provide equal opportunities
• provide education and training 
• support work-life balance 
• ensure accessibility needs are met
• ensure all team members have an equal opportunity to contribute and participate
• encourage feedback and accountability
• ensure mechanisms to address any issues or conflicts that may arise
• seek guidance as required

Indigenous people are the fastest growing demographic in Canada. 

IMPACT:

• Respecting the Rights of Indigenous People (Call to Action: 92)
• Connectivity and usage within the individual bands 
• For indigenous bands to be able to quickly determine membership and affiliations
• Social Support & service delivery functionality
• A platform to develop and deliver educational programming
• Safety & Protective measures for community surveilance and risk reporting
• Platform to serve as secure base for band economy and engagement 
• A foundation for self government
• Help enhance feelings of belonging, inclusivity
• Ability for collective advocacy
• To connect all indigenous people in a platform that is built upon inherent rights and protections
• Empower Indigenous people by providing them with the knowledges and resources they need
• Instant access to information and assistance for indigenous people
• Indigenous communities can determine their exposure and engagement in the digital environment

REVENUE: 

• The indigenous digital asset 'warehouse' 
• Data Analytics and Data Governance Practices 
• User Levels or Layers: Varying access depending on user role
• Social Enterprise
• E-Commerce Opportunities: To sell wares, for artistic and creative performances, for hosted events, for job announcements.
• Capture a percentage of business revenue for all transactions
• Cultural and supportive programming

This project will use a phased approach to financial stability. 

Financial Stability:

• Accessing available Grants
• Exploring Partnerships
• Selling Products or services
• Donations in Kind
• In the long term, revenue streams 

Phase 1: Connectivity and Access.

• Grants and donations as a way to develop prototype and establish proof of concept and to connect users.   
• For example, it is possible that device access and teaching will be necessary for a community's success.   
  • In this case, in addition to the technology solution, the users journey may bee additional support in order to bridge this barrier (seniors). 
  • Similarly, wifi access may be an infrastructure need that would benefit from hardware solution or financial sponsorships.     

Phase 2: Content development, functionality and operability.

• During this phase, revenue streams will begin to be defined by community priorities.  
  • Each community may have different activities and areas of interest. 
• Social enterprise within the communities can begin to further refine revenue opportunities. Hosted events, and localized programming.
• Corporate advertising, sponsorship and engagement will be main source of funding.

Phase 3: Interoperability, partnerships and social enterprise.

• During this phase, social enterprise will be source of revenue.  
  • Plan to have a commerce section for local business sales. Percentage of sales retained
  • Data analytics and data products to be used for marketability 
  • Group initiatives to create campaigns and to drive traffic

Success to date:

• Private Contracting 
• Group Based Wellness Workshops (Thrive CORE MC5)
• Collaboration with Diverse Networks across Turtle Island (Music and Art)
• Subject Matter Expert for Indigenous organizations (Atlantic Region)