b'GUEST COLUMNAN INDIGENOUS INCLUSIONSTRATEGY FOR CONNECTIVITYI a n D a l y o n t h e c a s e f o r s u s t a i n a b l e I n d i g e n o u s i n c l u s i o n i n t h e d i g i t a l e c o n o m yI n an increasingly interconnectedThe obvious answer is to begin byliving. It not only benefits the community world, access to the internet hasconsulting with Indigenous communitiesbut also strengthens its position in nego-become a fundamental necessity.and engaging with their leaders. Creatingtiations and collaborations with other Itenablesustocommunicate,local partnerships with Nations caninterested parties, including govern-learn, work and access essentialprovide valuable insights into communityments and private enterprises. services. And its something that mostdynamics and nuances. Digital literacy, people take for granted.training, affordability, local employ- When Indigenous communities demon-ment, and ongoing community engage- strate the ability to manage and operate While the digital age has transformedment are all things to consider. But whatinfrastructure effectively, it invites outside many aspects of our lives, it has alsotruly needs to be at the forefront of theinvestments, partnerships or develop-exacerbatedexistinginequalities.discussion is ownership over broadbandment opportunities, further fuelling Nowhere is this more evident than ininfrastructure, economic inclusion, andeconomic growth and prosperity.rural Indigenous communities, wherelong-term sustainability. limited connectivity remains a barrierECONOMIC INCLUSION to progress and inclusion. Last year, theOWNERSHIP What comes to mind when you read federal government reported that moreIf done with consideration for long-termeconomic inclusion? In the context than three-quarters of households insustainability, ownership can greatlyof broadband connectivity, some may Indigenous communities do not haveand positively impact many Indigenousthink its about affordability and ensuring access to connectivity.communities in Canada. By owning andthat economic status doesnt act as a controlling the broadband infrastruc- barrier to digital participation. Thats the Indigenous communities have longture, communities grant themselvesshort answer. What it is really about is faced social and economic margin- the ability to create long-term mean- creating an environment with a more alization. The lack of reliable internetingful employment while following aequitable and inclusive economy, where further separates communities frompath to self-determination and fostering community well-being.everyone has the opportunity to thrive economic empowerment, hinderingand contribute to their fullest potential. community growth and developmentInfrastructureownershipprovidesThe reality is that the internet access as well as educational opportunitiesIndigenous communities with a stablein rural Indigenous communities is across the country.andsustainablesourceofincome.not affordable, and we need to think This can help reduce dependency onin broader terms when we talk about So how can we begin to close theexternal sources of funding, making theeconomic inclusion.gap of connectivity in Canada, specif- community more economically resil-ically within First Nations, Mtis andient. Economic development throughIdeally,communitieswillhavethe Inuit communities? What do we needinfrastructure ownership empowersability to take part in Canadas digital to consider when setting up broad- Indigenous communities to take controleconomy through ownership and partic-band infrastructure in rural Canada andof their financial destinies, reduceipating in the construction of Canadas Indigenous communities? poverty, and improve the standard ofnetworks, create businesses within their 42A CCAB PUBLICATIONWinter 2024'