| Summary: | Land claims, increased control over natural resources and movement towards self-government
demand that First Nations produce maps that bring local knowledge into planning and
governance processes. For their mapping needs, First Nations are turning largely to geographic
information systems (GIS), complex and expensive computer-based spatial database systems.
They are, however, developing their technical skills independently of each other, rarely
experiencing the knowledge-sharing benefits characteristic of an integrated community. To
address this problem, and to help build mapping capacities in general, the Aboriginal Mapping
Network was created by Ecotrust Canada, an environmental non-governmental organization, and
several First Nations. Using the medium of the World Wide Web, the Network seeks to create
linkages between First Nations mappers and to provide a space for the sharing of knowledge.
This thesis uses a formative program evaluation framework to assess the strengths, weaknesses
and potential of the nascent Network. The evaluation draws on interviews with First Nations
mappers and network developers. Conclusions are drawn on how effective the Network is in
developing communications linkages and facilitating knowledge sharing, and how this might
continue in the future. Concurrently, the Network is used as a case study in the democratization
of mapping. Capacity building in GIS technology, it is argued, will allow First Nations to
produce unconventional maps that articulate local worldviews and perceptions of place. As
embodiments of local knowledge, these maps will in turn be used in planning, negotiations and
governance to empower First Nations on their own terms. === Applied Science, Faculty of === Community and Regional Planning (SCARP), School of === Graduate
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