Communication for Social Change in Indigenous Communities; Limitations of Community Radios and Other Proposals Igloolik Isuma Productions

Abstract

The radio is the most used means of communication in social change projects in indigenous communities. Communities who depend exclusively on this media seldom broadcast their messages outside their environment. They are doomed to a paradoxical isolation within a new international society where most local needs have global causes and solutions. This chapter analyzes the sample from the Inuit film company Igloolik Isuma Productions. It describes the strategy used by this private, independent company to become an economic, social and political force of change within its indigenous community since 1990. This objective has been partially achieved thanks to Isuma TV online, which links and offers services and contents to indigenous producers all over the world. Igloolik Isuma is a great example of success for experts in communication for social change who are reticent to accept the tremendous possibilities offered by new technologies and hybrid projects based on Internet usage. Keywords: community radio; Igloolik Isuma Productions; indigenous communities; international society; social change projects