Coastal First Nations Connectivity Network
Connecting remote Indigenous communities in coastal B.C. to the world.
Project Overview
The Problem
More than 20 years ago, leaders from eight First Nations on British Columbia’s North and Central Coast and Haida Gwaii formed Coastal First Nations, a unique alliance to protect the Great Bear Rainforest, one of the largest temperate coastal rainforest systems in the world. Coastal First Nations is also dedicated to improving the quality of life for its citizens and maximizing economic growth potential. One important way to do that is by improving the connectivity in their remote communities to support opportunities for remote work, education and telehealth.
How We Are Solving It
In support of this objective, Coastal First Nations is partnering with Microsoft, LlamaZOO, Rogers Communications, First Nations Technology Council, Vancouver Island University, Innovation Island and Taking IT Global to introduce the Coastal First Nations Connectivity (CFNC) Network. This project will first hire and train four Coastal First Nations members for technology leadership positions focused on:
- Hosting community engagement sessions to discuss topics such as digital, infrastructure and broadband needs, as well as technical skills and trades required to support a digital economy
- Creating partnerships with B.C. technology companies to fulfill requirements captured from remote coastal B.C. Indigenous communities
- Deploying digital infrastructure and providing IT and digital training throughout the remote region
- Collaborating with tech leaders to support Coastal First Nations in establishing digital priorities and supporting investment opportunities with Indigenous businesses
- Running the CFNC Network
The plan is to hire an additional eight tech leaders locally in the second year of the project to explore other digital opportunities as well as further support economic and social development. Ultimately, this growing team of experts will create the foundation for the future Coastal First Nations digital economy and serve as a winning model of collaborative innovation for other Indigenous communities across Canada.
The Result
This project helped expand 5G connectivity in underserved communities, fostering greater technological and community development. The project partnership with Rogers resulted in expanding connectivity infrastructure in Skidegate, Bella Bella and Haida Gwaii. The Coastal First Nations-Great Bear Initiative and their member communities were also able to leverage the project to attract additional investments in digital readiness for their communities.
As an unanticipated outcome due to the project engagement, Old Massett Village Council passed a motion to deploy LlamaZOO’s Guardian tool to explore how it can be used to support planning for cultural data preservation, digital repatriation of artefacts, placement of solar panels for the energy project, and flooding and forestry monitoring (examining 100 years of forestry data to visually see impacts for decision-making).
Project Lead
Project Partners
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“Coastal First Nations hold the keys to transforming B.C.͛s future. As communities along the central, north coast and Haida Gwaii get connected through high-speed internet and gain access to today’s global digital economy, there is a wealth of cultural wisdom, prosperity and world-renowned stewardship leadership to be shared. As we build B.C.’s coastal economy while protecting our environment for future generations, the CFNC Network project will bridge the digital divide in our remote communities by supporting long-term careers and opportunities in technology to create Indigenous-driven connectivity services and innovative solutions.”
CEO, Coastal First Nations Watch the Coastal First Nations Video -
“We see true prospects for transformative change through capacity building with ownership and local management of connectivity initiatives and all of the possibilities it opens, a leapfrog moment to grow sustainable economies that are empowered by tech partnerships and solutions. The Heiltsuk are already savvy tech users and consumers, now we seek to become makers and creators."
Economic Development Officer and Constitution Advisor, Heiltsuk Nation Read the News Release