Broadband policies and First Nations
The provision of broadband-enabled public services by First Nation organizations is restricted by complex jurisdictional and administrative frameworks. Ongoing challenges include conflicting responsibilities and mandates among government agencies and First Nations organizations. As discussed in past units, tensions between private and public sector service delivery models also shape these developments. Finally, funding for First Nations broadband initiatives can be short-term and uncertain, which makes it difficult for service providers to plan and deliver services.
At the same time, First Nation organizations are working with government agencies to establish mutually beneficial partnerships. For example, health services in many First Nations are funded by Health Canada’s First Nations and Inuit Health Branch (FNIHB). Various organizations work closely with FNIHB to develop online health applications, guided by the agency’s Health Infostructure Strategic Action Plan (2012). According to this strategy, FNIHB plans to transfer responsibility for health services-related connectivity planning, sustainability, and upgrades to First Nation governments.
In the area of education, funding for First Nations schools is also a federal responsibility. This is due to the fiduciary relationships established through treaty and Aboriginal rights. As a result, First Nation governments work closely with federal agencies in shaping educational services. Historically, this process has involved several government agencies. For example, while AANDC was responsible for funding ‘brick and mortar’ schools, Industry Canada funded connectivity through First Nations SchoolNet. But in 2006, responsibility for this file shifted from Industry Canada to AANDC, and FNS became part of New Paths for Education. Several First Nation organizations expressed their concerns about this transition, and in particular the impacts it may hold for the program’s administrative and funding sustainability.
The provision of broadband-enabled public services by First Nation organizations is restricted by complex jurisdictional and administrative frameworks. Ongoing challenges include conflicting responsibilities and mandates among government agencies and First Nations organizations. As discussed in past units, tensions between private and public sector service delivery models also shape these developments. Finally, funding for First Nations broadband initiatives can be short-term and uncertain, which makes it difficult for service providers to plan and deliver services.
At the same time, First Nation organizations are working with government agencies to establish mutually beneficial partnerships. For example, health services in many First Nations are funded by Health Canada’s First Nations and Inuit Health Branch (FNIHB). Various organizations work closely with FNIHB to develop online health applications, guided by the agency’s Health Infostructure Strategic Action Plan (2012). According to this strategy, FNIHB plans to transfer responsibility for health services-related connectivity planning, sustainability, and upgrades to First Nation governments.
In the area of education, funding for First Nations schools is also a federal responsibility. This is due to the fiduciary relationships established through treaty and Aboriginal rights. As a result, First Nation governments work closely with federal agencies in shaping educational services. Historically, this process has involved several government agencies. For example, while AANDC was responsible for funding ‘brick and mortar’ schools, Industry Canada funded connectivity through First Nations SchoolNet. But in 2006, responsibility for this file shifted from Industry Canada to AANDC, and FNS became part of New Paths for Education. Several First Nation organizations expressed their concerns about this transition, and in particular the impacts it may hold for the program’s administrative and funding sustainability.
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