Across Canada, First Nations are building broadband systems and using them to deliver services in their communities. Outside of major centres, many remote and rural First Nations remain underserved. The experiences of the early adopters of these tools and systems help create new opportunities for those starting their first mile broadband connectivity journey. The First Mile website is a place to share best practices and lessons learned. Together, First Mile’s contributors are conducting research and publishing the stories of how First Nations are putting First Mile concepts into action so that everyone may learn and grow together.
THE ‘FIRST MILE’ REFERS TO LOCAL BROADBAND SYSTEMS: INFRASTRUCTURE AND NETWORKS.
The First Mile focuses on local connectivity from the perspective of a community. Across Canada, First Nations are building broadband systems and using them to deliver services in their communities. To be effective, these systems must be designed and implemented with local communities from the very start. Community members need access to bandwidth and proper training. They can help shape technologies to meet local needs.
First Mile shares a wide variety of publications, policy advice, community success stories, and online education related to First Nations connectivity and digital development. Everyone is invited to participate and learn – and you can read the full spectrum of First Mile’s work by visiting FirstMile.ca.
SWIFT celebrates First Mile as a wonderful example of the achievements and diversity of remote and rural First Nations as they develop Indigenous information and communication technology solutions for their communities.
SWIFT also encourages readers to follow the hashtag #NADCanada and explore opportunities to recognize and celebrate the important contributions that Indigenous peoples to our country’s social, economic, and cultural landscape.
*This information was originally published at www.firstmile.ca. You can read more by visiting First Mile’s website at that location.
