Dal Libraries hosted a Wikipedia edit-a-thon in the Ko'jua Okuom at the Killam Library last month focused on improving Wikipedia and Wikidata content related to Mi鈥檏maw people and Mi鈥檏maki.听
Dr. Stacy Allison-Cassin, an assistant professor in the Faculty of Management, guided participants in learning the basics of Wikipedia article creation and editing. She then led the group in a collaborative effort to enhance entries on notable Mi鈥檏maw people and organizations.
A total of 19 Wikipedia articles were edited, 50 references added, and more than 3,300 words contributed during the event, sponsored by the Department of Information Science and supported by a grant from Wikimedia Canada.听
Edits and additions were made to articles about fiddler Lee Cremo, artist Ursula Johnson, activist Anna Mae Aquash, the first Mi'kmaq elected as Grand Chief, Gabriel Sylliboy, and more.
Building a more inclusive internet
Participants also learned about Wikidata and the importance of First Nations, M茅tis, and Inuit representation in the knowledge base, which provides structured data to support Wikipedia and the Wikimedia movement.听
Participants discussed what kinds of content is appropriate for Wikipedia and what is not. For example,听Wikipedia authors should stick to public figures, clear public information, and avoid Indigenous traditional knowledges or sensitive and sacred community information.
The edit-a-thon, held during National Indingeous History Month, aimed to increase Indigenous representation, improve accuracy, and contribute to a more equitable and inclusive internet.听
The initiative not only enriched Wikipedia with Indigenous content but also equipped participants with the skills to continue contributing to the platform. 听
The event underscored the importance of accessible and accurate information, highlighting the role of digital platforms in honouring, preserving, and promoting Indigenous histories and peoples.
