Expressions of Intent for International Polar Year 2007-2008 Activities

Expression of Interest Details

PROPOSAL INFORMATION

CANADA #85: Searchable Alberta Metis Database  (SAMDAT)

Outline
The Searchable Alberta Metis Database (SAMDAT) is intended to be a searchable database about Alberta Metis. It will focus on the historical and contemporary development of Metis political structures, legislation, self-government, and land-base and include cross-references to significant Metis and non-Metis individuals, events, legislation, organizations, and dates. The database will be useful to students at all education levels as well as to individuals and organizations interested in Canadian Aboriginal issues. Internationally, the database will be important to students of land claims and aboriginal self-government by providing a history of relations between the Metis and government. The Project will begin during Alberta's Centennial year and will be developed over four years. Three phases are proposed. Phase One is concept development, December 2004 to March 2005, during which the description will be stabilized, as will the identification of potential partners and funders. This Phase will also develop a plan for Phase Two. Phase Two (March 2005 to March 2007) will be the development of a pilot/test database with content focusing on Alberta Metis Settlements legislation of 1990. This Phase will involve: 1) the development of a set of principles and protocols to guide research, data collection and input, and database searches; 2) the development of a strategic plan for Phase Three; 3) the initial collection of data on a specific event: Alberta's 1985 Resolution 18 which led to the 1990 Metis Settlements' legislation. This data will be stored at the University of Alberta under the auspices of the Canadian Circumpolar Institute; 4) the following potential partners on a steering committee: the Canadian Circumpolar Institute, the Circumpolar Library, School of Native Studies, the Metis Settlements General Council, the Metis Settlements Appeals Tribunal, the Metis Nation of Alberta, the Alberta government through a Department such as Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development, a northern research centre from outside Alberta, and D. Wall Research Group (Edmonton and Ottawa) - the developer of this concept and Chair of the Steering Committee. The result of Phase Two should be a user-friendly pilot database accessible on-line through the Canadian Circumpolar Institute/Circumpolar Library at the University of Alberta. Phase Three (March 2007 to March 2009) is the final phase with research content focusing on the Alberta Metis following a plan developed in Phase Two. Staff at this point will likely include a Director, secretary, an assistant and 3 graduate students, and 1-3 individuals responsible for data input.

What significant advance(s) in relation to the IPY themes and targets can be anticipated from this project?
Change: The project will allow researchers to identify significant points of social change regarding the Metis in Alberta as well as significant events, individuals and organizations involved. Global linkages: The project has the potential of being a resource for those interested in aboriginal self-government and land claims in other regions of the world. Human Dimension: The project will allow researchers to identify significant historical events, relationships and social processes, points of social change, that have helped an important group of aboriginal peoples move toward self-government in a peaceful manner, while reinforcing their identity within a larger nation.

What international collaboration is involved in this project?
None is known at this point - however, there is significant potential for the development of relationships particularly regarding a. technological transfer, b. the model developed in this project, and c. the teaching potential of the database in comparative and interdisciplinary programs.

FIELD ACTIVITY DETAILS

Geographical location(s) for the proposed field activities:
The fieldwork will take place in Alberta. Approximately 80% of which will be in Northern Alberta from Edmonton north to the 60th parallel and the rest (20%) will take place south of Edmonton.

Approximate timeframe(s) for proposed field activities:
Arctic: Pilot Phase Two: 03/05 – 03/07      Phase Three: 03/07 – 03/09      
Antarctic: n/a

Significant facilities will be required for this project:
The significant support required will include: office space at Canadian Circumpolar Institute, University of Alberta, transportation and computer and technological services from the University of Alberta Computing Services or from private database developers.

Will the project leave a legacy of infrastructure?
The project will develop a searchable database that will require maintenance to keep it up-to-date; if no funds are available for maintenance after its development, the database will leave an infrastructure that can be used as an historical research tool and model for other such databases.

How is it envisaged that the required logistic support will be secured?
Own national polar operator
Commercial operator
Own support
Other sources of support

The project will involve partnerships each of which is likely to provide support of one kind or another.

Has the project been "endorsed" at a national or international level?
This pre-proposal has been reviewed and is being submitted by the Canadian Steering Committee (CSC). Ongoing discussions will integrate this pre-proposal into a larger network of related national and international initiatives. The CSC has initially sorted this pre-proposal into: THEME: Educ, Out & Comm SUB-THEME: Ref tools & Matls

PROJECT MANAGEMENT AND STRUCTURE

Is the project a short-term expansion (over the IPY 2007-2008 timeframe) of an existing plan, programme or initiative or is it a new autonomous proposal?
Expansion

The project began in December 2004 with draft concept development (Phase One) and it is hoped funding can be secured for the development of a pilot project (Phase Two) so that the full-fledged project (Phase Three) can then be supported during the IPY timeframe.

How will the project be organised and managed?
Phases One and Two (December 2004 to March 2007) will be managed by a Director and a part-time assistant. A steering committee of key partners/stakeholders will be identified. During this period funding, planning, research and data protocols, and pilot development will take place. During Phase Three, March 2007 to March 2009, the project will be in full swing with staff, office space, and research and technological expertise in place. This part of the project is likely to comprise a director, assistant and secretary, contractors, office space, research expertise (3 Graduate students), and technological expertise (equipment, software etc.).

What are the initial plans of the project for addressing the education, outreach and communication issues outlined in the Framework document?
The complete project is educational. Once the pilot has been developed, it will be advertised to national and international educational institutions and libraries directly, through notice boards such as that operated by Canadian Polar Commission, and other means to be identified through the planning of Phases One and Two.

What are the initial plans of the project to address data management issues (as outlined in the Framework document?
The plans are to store pilot data in a working database such as Microsoft Access. The original research documentation will be stored in a secure environment and, if appropriate, eventually deposited at the University of Alberta. In the end, the working database will be point of public access to data.

How is it proposed to fund the project?
The budget will be approximately $100,000 in the conceptual and pilot phases. No funding has been identified at this early conceptual stage. The conceptual development is initially supported by private funds. The third phase will require a budget of approximately $250,000 per year for two years. Potential sources in all Phases include: The Alberta government departments, national agencies, and scholarship programs for graduate students.

Is there additional information you wish to provide?
None

PROPOSER DETAILS

Dr Denis Wall
260 Crestview Rd.


Ottawa, On
K1H 5G5
Canada

Tel: 613-731-2460
Mobile: no
Fax: 613-731-2460
Email:

Other project members and their affiliation