First Nations Innovation - Publications

Conference Papers and Proceedings
#1 (2006)

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Publication #1 2006, June - Broadband Video Communication Research in First Nation Communities

Reference: S. Perley and S. O'Donnell. (2006). Broadband Video Communication Research in First Nation Communities. Presented at the Canadian Communication Association Annual Conference (CCA 2006), York University, Toronto, Ontario, June.

Abstract: This paper provides an overview of policies and strategies for broadband infrastructure and access, and broadband video communication development and use in First Nation communities in Canada. Although using broadband for video communication remains underdeveloped in First Nation communities as a whole, successful initiatives have been underway for many years, particularly in the areas of distance education and telehealth applications. The research conducted to date on broadband video in Aboriginal communities has focused almost exclusively on evaluations of distance education and telehealth applications, which have primarily been positive evaluations. There has been little research on other kinds of applications. The authors discuss approaches to doing research with Aboriginal communities. Clearly there are many opportunities for researchers to investigate and explore the possibilities of broadband video communication for First Nations across Canada. However researchers working on these projects in First Nation communities will face a number of challenges. The authors discuss these challenges and outline some ways forward. Before First Nation communities develop broadband video communication applications, concrete First Nation community-specific planning and development that looks at the needs, priorities, and long-term goals of the community and its members must be fully addressed.