First Nations SchoolNet

Another one of Industry Canada's Connecting Canadians initiative was First Nations SchoolNet. This program funded connectivity, equipment, content development, software, and IT helpdesk services. At its peak, it supported some 600 First Nations schools and learning centres, 5,000 teachers, and 80,000 students. Below, you can watch a short video about First Nations SchoolNet produced by KNET.

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An important component of First Nations SchoolNet was the capacity-building initiatives it supported. This led to a series of regional non-profit Indigenous technology organizations that often partnered to support mutually-beneficial development efforts. In 2002, these organizations gained control over First Nations SchoolNet's program design and delivery. These so-called regional management organizations set up a national network to discuss challenges, best practices, and strategic development. The network became known as the Assembly of First Nations' ICT Working Group. Over the years, these organizations have collaborated on many ICT4D initiatives.

First Nations Regional Management Organizations

Region	Organization	Acronym and Link
B.C.	First Nations Technology Council (in partnership with the First Nations Education Steering Committee)	FNTC
Alberta	Technical Services Advisory Group	TSAG
Saskatchewan	Keewatin Career Development Corporation	KCDC
Manitoba	Keewatin Tribal Council working with Broadband Communications North	KTC (BCN)
Ontario	Keewaytinook Okimakanak K-Net Services	KO-KNet
Quebec	First Nations Education Council	FNEC
Atlantic Region	Atlantic Canada’s First Nation Help Desk	FNHD

But as was the case with CAP, despite positive evaluations from government funders and support from communities, First Nations SchoolNet faced continual funding challenges. In 2006/2007 responsibility for the program was transferred to Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada. There, it became part of the broader New Paths in Education initiative. At present, the long-term sustainability of New Paths in Education remains uncertain. Although the national network of regional management organizations do not meet as regularly as they once did, many remain in contact through the AFN’s ICT Working Group.

Connecting Canadians initiatives are just a few of the ways that government has sought to implement ICT4D in Canada. Recently, this work has been reflected in government funding initiatives associated with broadband infrastructure development. For example, AANDC's First Nations Infrastructure Fund supports initial infrastructure builds, as seen in projects like the Northwestern Ontario Broadband Expansion Initiative.

A news article from CBC (Mar. 25, 2014) describes a recent funding announcement for Aboriginal broadband from the federal government's 2014 budget. The government announced a five-year, $305-million plan to improve connectivity to 280,000 households and businesses. It suggests that community-driven broadband initiatives may support infrastructure development.

Many other examples exist, but are beyond the scope of this unit. Instead, we turn to focus on one of the First Nations non-profit organizations involved in these initiatives, K-NET services.

The video below is a conversation between the late Margaret Fiddler and Brian Beaton, two friends who were involved in KNET since its earliest days. Later, we’ll hear more from people who are working for the organization today.

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