Cartography and GIS for Indigenous Toponymy

SquirrelRidge.org 🐿️ is seeking a team of learners to undertake a cartographic project focused on the modern mapping of Indigenous ethnolinguistic contexts. The goal is to create a series of maps that accurately represent Indigenous languages, using correct orthography and demonstrating cultural sensitivity. This project aims to bridge the gap between historical and contemporary understandings of Indigenous territories and languages. Learners will apply their classroom knowledge of cartography, cultural studies, and linguistics to produce maps that are both informative and respectful. The project will involve researching existing ethnolinguistic data, consulting with Indigenous communities, and utilizing GIS software Felt.com to create visually compelling and accurate maps. This initiative not only enhances learners' technical skills but also deepens their understanding of Indigenous cultures and languages.

Indigenous Toponym Cataloguing

SquirrelRidge.org is seeking to develop a comprehensive catalogue of Indigenous toponyms found within a collection of archival primary sources. The goal of this project is to identify and document place names of Indigenous origin, which are often overlooked in historical records. This project will provide learners with the opportunity to apply their skills in archival research, data organization, and cultural studies. The team will work with a curated selection of scanned documents, focusing on extracting relevant toponyms and contextual information. By doing so, learners will contribute to the preservation and recognition of Indigenous cultural heritage. The project will enhance learners' understanding of Indigenous history and the importance of place names in cultural identity.

Phonetic Bridge: Unified Orthography System

The project aims to develop a system that translates diverse orthographies into a unified International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) dataset. This system will enable accurate phonetic interpretation of language variations across different languages and historical periods. The challenge is to create a tool that can handle the complexity of multiple writing systems and their phonetic nuances, providing a consistent phonetic representation. The project will involve researching various orthographies, understanding their phonetic structures, and designing algorithms to convert these into IPA. The goal is to facilitate linguistic studies and applications by offering a reliable phonetic conversion tool that can be used in educational and research settings. This project will allow learners to apply their knowledge of linguistics, computer science, and data analysis in a practical setting.