b'OP-EDEmpowering By Shannin Metatawabin, CEO, NACCAIndigenous EntrepreneursPromoting digital equity through support and awarenessA chieving digital equity is aIn its submission on the Governmentnial practices and policies that have prerequisite for implementingof Canadas Innovation Agenda, thefailed to recognize Indigenous rights. Indigenous rights in the digitalCanadian Radio-television and Tele- The FNTC refers to digital equity as a age. As work, education, health andcommunications Commission (CRTC)state where every Indigenous person, business services move online, accessemphasized the transformative naturecommunity and Nation has both access to devices, software and reliableof broadband access. Insufficientto and proficiency in using technology. internet are crucial to the success ofbroadband access hinders innova- Digital equity encompasses our ability our peoples. Yet, Indigenous commu- tion and creativity. It also underminesto influence the trajectory of technology nities are often rural and remote. Thiscompetitiveness, prosperity and theand its impact on our societies. means that they are disproportionatelybusiness prospects of Canadians that affected by a digital divide, which onlylack it. Here at NACCA, we recognize the exacerbates the existing socioeco- pressing need for digital equity for nomic disparities between IndigenousAccording to the First Nations Tech- Indigenous entrepreneurs. NACCA pro-Peoples and non-Indigenous Canadi- nology Council (FNTC), the digitalmotes awareness and support of digital ans. It also affects Indigenous inequity that our peoples experienceequity for Indigenous business owners business competitiveness. has resulted from the legacy of colo- in several venues. By prioritizing digitization and connectivityin our programs and advocacy, NACCAis taking active steps towards realizingdigital equity.- Shannin MetatawabinThe first venue is a collective one. The National Indigenous Economic Strategy for Canada, developed in 2022 by over two dozen Indigenous organizations, Building Today. for Future Generations calls for the prioritization of broadband As a proud corporate supporter of NACCA, T.E. Wealths dedicated Indigenous Servicesservices in rural and remote commu-team provides unbiased advice in the development of customized and comprehensivenities. This call is one of 107 Calls to investment and trust solutions including: Economic Prosperity. The strategy also calls for collaboration with major Planning and DevelopmentInvestment Manager Search & Selection telecommunications providers to Investment Policies & Guidelines Independent Performance Monitoring address access and advance research on connectivity in remote Indigenous communities. The joint strategys calls Learn More in this space are vital steps towards achieving digital equity.For more information please contact 1-866-430-0537 NACCA itself is also acting to pro-mote digital equity. Our strategic plan 18INDIGENOUS PROSPERITYIssue #2, 2023'