(NAPSA)—While technology is hailed by manyfor its potential to advance today’s society, others are encouraged by the promiseit holds to help sustain languages and cultures several centuries old. Thanks to one program, Native Americans now have a chance to explore what embracing technology can mean for their families, in accessing the oppor- tunities of the present while preserving the past. A study released by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration found that Native Americans “are not able to access the important information resources via computers and on the Internet that are quickly becoming essential for success.” As the Rural Assistance Center, a product of the U.S. Department of Health and Hu- man Services’ Rural Initiative, points out, programs that promote or create expanded access to the Internet could “enable tribes to enhance their workforce development, economic development and social service delivery efforts.” “With studies indicating that access to computers among many Native American households lags behind the national average by 15 percent and access to the Internet by roughly 19 percent, it’s clear that more has to be done to make Native American families aware of the advantages and opportunities associated with bringing technology into their lives,” said Terry Braun (Seneca Hawk), director, Americas Solution Design Center, IBM Global Services. The 2005 Native American Family Technology Journey (The Jour- ney) will provide American Indian families with an opportunity to not just hear about technology, but also i] : E Technology can now be used to help preserve a people’s heritage. to experience it. Sponsored by IBM and Career Communications Group (CCG), The Journey will play host to a numberof events that will provide Native Americans residing in urban centers, rural areas and on tribal lands technology access and training. Amongthe activities that will take place during The Journey are computer workshops, technology events for students, technology demonstrations, museum and labo- ratory tours and health and educational seminars. The Journeywill also establish a forum in which American Indian people can learn more about technology’s potential to help pass the languages, stories and customs that distinguish their tribes from one generation to another. IBM, for example, is partnering with the Indigenous Language Institute to establish a Language Materials Development Center that will assist various tribes in preserving, teaching and sharing their language. To learn more about the Native American Family Technology Journey, call (410) 244-7101 or visit www.nativeamericanfamily net.net.
