Abstract

The Eastern James Bay Cree nation is at crossroads in terms of social and economic development. Endogenous and exogenous pressures may frustrate developmental schemes if they are not addressed in an effective and timely manner. Information and communication technologies (ICTs) present community members and the administration with feasible and effective tools that may aid in overcoming some of the challenges faced. This study examines the utilization of ICTs, particularly the Internet, among the youth of the James Bay Cree community of Nemaska, northern Quebec. It presents an account of local native representation, utilization, and appropriation of the Internet, as assessed and expressed by community members. The study concludes with community members' suggestions for enhancing capacity building among Nemaska youth that would aid in their well being as well as contribute to an improved quality of life within the Nemaska community more broadly. The results show that community members are open and willing to integrate ICTs in daily life but issues of access to information and infrastructure as well as skill development still need to be addressed in order to maximize the potential offered by the Internet.