Free Knowledge Day!

Honestly, before attending this information session I was quite unsure what to expect. Would the workshops be academic-based, politically-focused, or a little of both?

Furthermore, the session that drew interest was "Indy Media" by Patricia Elliott. The focus of this session was simply to inform people on how to not only access independent media, but how to be directly involved. She started by introducing an organization called Independent Media Center which was formed circa late-1990s in efforts to aid in the Seatle WTO Protests. It is essentially a tool for people to voice opinions and create awareness of issues that are often filtered or distorted by corporate-driven mass media. Anyone can create a membership and begin creating posts and comments within minutes. This new kind of media form was based on a decentralized network that gives a fairly uncensored free-speech opportunity with a socialist and/or anarchist vibe.

Since the development of the IMC many other sites have arisen. In particular, Act up in Sask is Saskatchewan's own independent media resource. It was started in 2005 in Saskatoon as result of activism targeting business ownership of mainstream media. The primary goal of Act up in Sask is to provide an easily-accessible open forum which not only shares skills in journalism, but promotes active democracy.

The workshops at free knowledge day covered some very important relevant information and issues from Saskatewan's economy to fair and ethical trade. However, I felt the presentations could have been more structured and focused. On the bright side, the zine and project dealing with "fair trade" was excellent. It is great to see 12 and 13 year old students care about and tackle such an important issue!