The First Mile

Supported by the SSHRC-funded First Nations Innovation Project

Aboriginal Connectivity Strategy (AANDC)

Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada (AANDC) (formerly Indian and Northern Affairs Canada, or INAC) has been tasked with developing an Aboriginal connectivity strategy. Although AANDC began administering the First Nations SchoolNet program in 2006, the department has only had broad authority over broadband infrastructure and connectivity development as of 2009, when it became part of the broader First Nations Infrastructure Fund (FNIF) portfolio. 

Connected to these developments, AANDC recently established the Connectivity and Partnerships branch, which is working to bridge the access divides facing many First Nations in Canada. One way it does this is through facilitating private-partnerships supported by matching funds from agencies like Industry Canada (through Broadband Canada) and Provincial and Territorial governments. 

The Connectivity and Partnerships branch has also been mapping connectivity levels in Aboriginal and Northern Communities in Canada. To measure connectivity levels, the branch utilizes a broadband standard established in 2001 by Industry Canada: 1.5Mbps. The map measures connectivity at a community-level point-of-presence, and does not include related issues like affordability. 

Map Created by AANDC

It is not clear if and how the Aboriginal Connectivity strategy will be connected to the Government of Canada's emerging digital economy strategy. Various consultation papers draw attention to the importance of a strategy that acknowledges the unique technology needs of First Nations communities (For example see: Aboriginal Connectivity Strategy & Ensuring Aboriginal Involvement in Canada's National Digital Strategy). However, at present the Government of Canada has not yet publicly released details about the digital economy strategy. It is therefore unclear whether the strategy will address broadband infrastructure (capital expenses), connectivity services (operating expenses), or both. Furthermore, there have to date been no opportunities for First Nations and Inuit groups to participate in the development of the strategy through targeted, formal consultations.