Conference Papers and Proceedings
#47 (2012)
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Publication #47 2012, November - Democratic Ideals Meet Reality: Developing Locally Owned and Managed Broadband Networks and ICT Services in Rural and Remote First Nations in Quebec and Canada
Abstract: This paper is based on a keynote presentation at the 2012 Community Informatics Research (CIRN) conference in Prato, Italy by Tim Whiteduck, Technology Director at the First Nations Education Council (FNEC). The paper was co-written with the FNEC research partners. First Nations in Canada are part of a complex web of relationships and networks that share information, resources and learning related to broadband and Information Communication Technologies (ICT). First Nation community leaders, through their national organization the Assembly of First Nations (AFN), have adopted the eCommunity as an overarching approach for broadband development. This development is fueled by the desire by First Nations to own,control, and manage their local infrastructure. Regional organizations, including the regional management organizations (RMOs) for the First Nations SchoolNet program, are key players collaborating with communities to support their use of broadband and ICT. In particular, the videoconferencing network built by the RMOs in collaboration with the communities was and continues to be a catalyst for increased broadband development. FNEC, the RMO for Quebec is discussed in detail, including its technology development and related activities. FNEC works with partner organizations across Canada, notably the Keewaytinook Okimakanak (KO) tribal council in northwestern Ontario and Mi'kmaw Kina'matnewey (MK) in the Atlantic region. Together the three organizations are also partners with the University of New Brunswick and Simon Fraser University on several research and outreach projects, two of which - First Mile and VideoCom / First Nations Innovation- are briefly discussed.