Bridging Cultures Over-Under: Digital Navigation to Create Liminal Spaces of Possibility

Abstract

In this paper, we as educators of Indigenous students transitioning into post-secondary education, reflect on our collaborative pilot project: Bridging Cultures Over-Under, a connection of Indigenous students in similar preparation for university programs at the University of Lethbridge in Lethbridge, AB, Canada, and at Batchelor Institute in Darwin, NT, AU. Unbeknownst to the students, the story of attempted assimilation of Indigenous peoples in both countries, and the resultant socio-economic conditions, is both parallel and similar. Through Skype sessions, Indigenous students in polar opposite countries shared their own experiences, culture, history, stories, dreams and desires and some of their academic work. The goal was to understand their shared experience and further build on these relationships so they might learn from and support each other through peer mentoring. Outcomes of this project have lead to a continued connection and the development of a secure Facebook site so that the students can further build their relationships and develop a more extensive network as they continue on their academic journey.