b'CONNECTIVITYWith the Councils success so far, it is now looking to help other First Nations on a path towards building their own internet capacity, whether that involves training programs, IT upkeep certifications, or sharing advice on first steps. Were looking to partner with First Nations and rural communities alikewe want to empower and provide a template any way we can in order to build capacity, says Panther Bone. Technology is everywhere and were proud to empower people. MORE WORK AHEADWhile these are constructive steps being taken by government, business and Indigenous groups to bridge the digital divide, wiping it out completely is a goal that remains a far way off. Still, the pandemic laid bare the inadequacies of internet access across the country in a graphic manner, and this has added an urgency to solving the problem. Indigenous communities and businesses are rising to the occasion and looking for grass-roots solutions. Without equal access to essential services, Indigenous commu-nities will continue to struggle to compete in an ever-global digital economy and interconnected society. The lack of connec-tivity exacerbates socio-economic inequalities, employment challenges, quality education and access to e-commerce. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the gap due to the rapid reli-ance on web-based communication and commerce during times of social distancing. The pivot to a predominantly online world for education put those without internet access at risk of falling behind academ-ically, while a shift towards online health care service put their The Blackfoot Tech Councils training program in action: teaching IT skills tophysical wellbeing in jeopardy. Meanwhile the explosion community residents to build capacity and self-sufficiency of e-commerce left under-connected communities behind economically. It was the perfect storm, and something that still with speeds dropping well below the 50/10 goal established byneeds to be fully addressed. the government. (In 2019, Ottawa released targets of 50 Mbps download and 10 Mbps upload broadband internet speedsOne of the biggest ongoing barriers for isolated First Nations across Canada, including rural and First Nation communities.)and Indigenous communities when it comes to tackling the Connectivity Gap is infrastructurea massive financial commit-After seeing how the COVID-19 pandemic put an ever-increasingment is required to develop the physical means of delivering strain on their community, in 2021 a group of 10 Siksika residentshigh-speed internet to distant communities, whether through formed the Blackfoot Tech Council. It draws from existing IT andfiber cables or wireless towers.telecommunication specialists on the Nation for its member- Internet service in Canada is normally provided by the countrys ship. Were a volunteer group, says David Panther Bone, wholarge telecom companies like Rogers, Telus, Bell or SaskTel, but works in the IT department at Siksika Health. Im the Wi-Fi guy!they predominantly focus on urban areas where it is profitable The Council is currently developing a plan to expand andto operate. Expanding to remote, under-connected communi-ties comes with the massive cost of constructing Wi-Fi towers enhance internet access within the Nation and has been activelyand installing fiber optic cables across large expanses of terrain. fundraising for it. At the same time, it is building capacity. TrainingLarge internet service providers (ISPs) do not always consider it programs have been introduced to teach members every aspecteconomically feasible to embark on these projects. Or alterna-of ISP and IT maintenance. Graduates of the program learn instal- tively, the cost is passed on directly to the customers, making lation and maintenance of internet lines, Wi-Fi and networking.the internet expensive and unaffordable, while smaller ISPs provide unequal service speeds.Courses are offered for those with no IT skills to start, as well as those who want to improve on their existing skills. All theAs a result, the projects outlined hereand others like them courses are aligned with the certification on offer by CompTIA, are vital in giving the Indigenous peoples of Canada equal an American trade association offering IT certification. Sinceaccess to the online economy, as well as health care and educa-the programs start, three cohorts have graduated, and all havetion. The lessons learned from the pandemic show that the found meaningful employment or paid practicum placementsinternet is essential for communities to participate equally and on the Nation.without systemic disadvantages in the spirit of reconciliation.70A CCAB PUBLICATION2023'