Cybersecurity Through Indigenous Lens

By Emeka Ezeh

My name is Emeka Ezeh. I was born and raised in Abuja, the capital city of Nigeria. I graduated with a Bachelor’s in International law and diplomacy from Babcock University in Nigeria. I am a second year MDP student at the University of Winnipeg. I am doing my field placement with Brandon University on expanding the knowledge of cybersecurity through an Indigenous lens.

This project entails carrying out a community engagement with First Nations communities in Western Manitoba. The project incorporates knowledge-sharing initiatives with a public audience and an emphasis on cybersecurity. A "Cybersecurity 101" mini-curriculum that will be used in a series of one-hour courses targeted at diverse groups is being developed (these public workshops may include a wide range of participants). The training curriculum includes methods for learning assessment. In an effort to close accessibility gaps for Indigenous communities while working to build lasting, mutually beneficial relationships. We have developed educational and promotional pamphlets, posters, lesson plans, and feedback forms.

My task includes redesigning the pamphlet which contains the engagement of what the project entails. The pamphlet will be a knowledge sharing activities with the public particularly for the Indigenous people. The pamphlet also talks about the initiatives of facilitating Indigenous communities in creating and building relevance within cybersecurity knowledge sharing and education to their cultures and communities with focus on social media as a means of understanding research in cybersecurity.

I have had a great time working with the team and also learning about a new field. In the area of technology, Indigenous communities still have room for growth and advancement. Learning about this field (cybersecurity in particular) made me realize its importance in safeguarding and preserving the data of Indigenous peoples and communities in Canada.