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Developed in a spirit of friendship,
the goal of this directory is to promote understanding between
First Nations and non-First Nations peoples. It is hoped too
that First Nations will find it useful for intercommunication.
Initially, this directory took a full six months to put together
and is now a continuing project... If I had to describe First
Nations Seeker in one word, it'd be "complicated".
And I'd also say it is a "hobby" activity for me.
Not all First Nation communities are
listed in First Nations Seeker. The key criteria for a specific
band or community to be listed is that they need to have an active,
online "portal website"! As pertains to Native Americans,
"legitimacy and recognition status" of bands, groups,
or nations is not a factor. All are welcome to be listed!
Motive for creating First Nations Seeker:
Living in North America, I am aware of the post-contact history
of First Nations. Given my specific skills set, creating First
Nations Seeker and accompanying map is just something that I,
as an individual, could "readily" do to assist in helping
circumstances progress and improve. I hope it inspires people!
And yes, the project has been really interesting to do too!
Viewers may now gain a sense of the
First Nation borders. Check green on
First Nation pages or go here to view the main
continental map. (There are also links off of the homepage.)
It is important to state that aboriginal "territorial"
concepts do not easily conform to 20th century concepts such
as “territory” and “boundary.” This difficulty
is apparent with regard to overlapping usage and claims. The
map is focused at the time of "first contact " so as
to provide maximum number of nations presented...in as natural
state as possible, unaltered by external European influences.
Of course, many borders have changed since then, as they did
before First Contact, with North American history continuing
on. Whenever possible, links
are provided to maps created by others. Check gray on
First Nation pages. These maps can be regarded as both source
maps for First Nation Seeker's maps, and other points of view.
A key element of this style of linking is that you will be able
to track down the cartographers of the maps. Incidently, you
can buy the continental map as poster!
I would also say, that the process of making the continental
map helped make a better website, and vica versa.
So, what's with the teepees? There are
a lot of school children visiting the site, and I'm just trying
to connect with them! One teepee equals 5000 people. Thence,
the relative population sizes of the different first nations
can be readily seen. For example, the Cherokee
are a veritable First Nations superpower!
I regard First Nations Seeker as larger
than myself. It's more the case that I am it's servant and have
been assigned to keep it functioning smoothly and to make improvements.
Ultimately, control of First Nations Seeker will be transferred
over to a suitable First Nations organization or individual....
Please do not hesitate to make submissions
or send your comments. It would be interesting to hear from you!
Bryan Strome
Kamloops, Secwepemc Territory
bstrome@searchenginecolossus.com
 This
smaller logo can be used to create a link from your website to
First Nations Seeker, if you wish. Thank you!
Bryan Strome,
Bachelor of Arts: Geography - Webmaster of First Nations Seeker |
