ABSTRACT
This chapter examines issues related to access and use of GIS by marginal societies. Marginal societies are defined as those groups that have been oppressed, exploited and denied access to the fundamental resources to enhance their everyday lives (Kozol 1991; Shiva 1997; Athanasiou 1996). Three different case studies are examined and evaluated to consider use of and access to GIS, as well as underlying issues related to data development, training and implementation. Common themes from the case studies are compared to identify larger conceptual issues related to GIS implementation. These case studies include the Maori communities of Panguru, Pawarenga and Whangape in Northland, New Zealand; the Arapaho-Shoshone Indian Nations of the Wind Rivers Reservation, Wyoming, United States; kindergarten through 12th grade (K-12) teachers in the Poudre School District, Ft Collins, Colorado, United States.1
