How did we live without going online?

Article Origin

Windspeaker Publication

Author

Windspeaker Staff

Volume

Issue

Year

2001

Page 25

The Internet has grown in awareness and use over the last seven years since it became the newest technological tool introduced to business and public use. There are no signs of it becoming just another fad as the use of Internet has become critical to business, much like the fax machine did in the 1980s. The Internet is everywhere. Businesses are finding the speed and ease of sharing documents and other information with clients, employees and suppliers indispensable. It's hard to imagine that we were sending everything via mail and couriers less than 20 years ago.

The Internet has also revolutionized research work. Whether collecting data on political issues, current events, the safest new cars, or investigating your next business contact, the Internet is everyone's fastest and most convenient source to find what you are looking for- anywhere and anytime. How good the information is depends on who is providing it and how seriously they view the importance of Internet use.

One thing is certain; most people who are regular Internet users can't imagine how they managed without it. If your company hasn't created a detailed online portfolio, you are quickly developing a disadvantage compared to competitors who have made the Internet connection. In today's business atmosphere, speed is of the essence and keeping the customer waiting is almost like locking your doors on your clients. The Internet provides the instant fix many want in their busy schedules.

The Aboriginal community on the Internet has been growing too, as more Aboriginal companies and organizations start to understand the advantage a website gives their clients, associates and members. People who have moved away from their home communities can feel connected by accessing an online resource from the community. One of the best resources for Aboriginal people is their local news publication accessed via the Internet..

The following short list should help you get started on exploring Aboriginal resources on the Internet. One thing to keep in mind is that most websites also provide links to other sites and some of the best websites will show up in these lists and not on the popular search engines.

The other method is the use of portals (a very large collection of resource links usually arranged by topic), which unfortunately are only as good as the host's dedication to updating them regularly. Portals are excellent places to find lots of links in one place. If in doubt you can always push that SEARCH button on your web-browser and key in words with your specific topic inquiry.

If you are still unsure or nervous, you may want to start on Windspeaker's web site at http://www.ammsa.com/windspeaker.

Government

Indian & Northern Affairs

http://www.inac.gc.ca

Assembly of First Nations

http://afn.ca

Metis National Council

http://www.metisnation.ca

Congress of Aboriginal Peoples

http://www.abo-peoples.org

Associations and Special Interest Groups

Aboriginal Nurses Association of Canada (ANAC)