FMCC members presented a workshop at the 2017 CANDO conference in Fredericton on October 26. CANDO is the Council for the Advancement of Native Development Officers. Our workshop title was: Innovation in Telecommunications and Digital Infrastructure in Remote and Rural First Nations. In our workshop three FMCC members and our coordinator presented a summary of our research and policy development on innovative solutions to digital infrastructure and services with and in rural and remote regions and communities across Canada. This workshop included analysis and examples from our research project, First Nations Innovation, our work with Industry, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED) and recent decisions for funding telecommunications infrastructure by the CRTC.
Workshop presenters:
- Sally Braun, General Manager of the Western James Bay Telecom Network based in Moose Factory, Ontario.
- Penny Carpenter, Director of KNET Services, the telecommunications and digital services division of the Keewaytinook Okimakanak (KO) First Nations Council in Northwestern Ontario.
- Tim Whiteduck, Director of Technology for the First Nations Education Council (FNEC) based in Wendake First Nation, Quebec.
- Rob McMahon, Secretary of the First Mile Connectivity Consortium (FMCC) and Assistant Professor at the Faculty of Extension at the University of Alberta.
Workshop Description (from CANDO 2017 conference site)
Innovation in Telecommunications and Digital Infrastructure in Remote and Rural First Nations
Tuesday, October 24 – 3:00p – 4:30p Nashwaaksis A
Sally Braun, Western James Bay Telecom Network; Penny Carpenter, Keewaytinook Okimakanak KNET Services; Tim Whiteduck, First Nations Education Council; and Rob McMahon, University of Alberta
The First Mile Connectivity Consortium (FMCC) is a national incorporated not-for-profit. In our workshop, our members – First Nations Internet service providers from across Canada and university and private sector researchers- will present a summary of our research and policy development on innovative solutions to digital infrastructure and services with and in rural and remote regions and communities across Canada. This workshop will include analysis and examples from our research project, Frist Nations Innovation, our work with Industry, Science, and Economic Development Canada (ISED) and recent decisions for funding telecommunications infrastructure by the CRTC. The workshop will inform participants of the First Mile digital developments being undertaken by First Nations across Canada.
Sally Braun is the General Manager of the Western James Bay Telecom Network. Based at the WJBTN office in Moose Factory, Ontario, she is responsible for overall management of the Western James Bay Telecom Network including sales, (NOHFC) marketing, customer service, regulatory compliance and community relations. Prior to WJBTN, Sally was a consultant to Attawapiskat Resources Inc. (ARI). She prepared the business case and funding proposal (NOHFC and OMAFRA) for remote First Nations to develop and manage a community-owned cellular telephone system. She has consulted on education and training initiatives and programs with Attawapiskat First Nation and the Attawapiskat First Nation Education Authority. Sally holds a degree in Law and Justice (Honours) from Laurentian University and an Honours Diploma in Library and Information Technology from Georgian College.
Penny Carpenter is Director of KNET Services, the Indigenous-owned and operated telecommunications and digital services division of the Keewaytinook Okimakanak (KO) First Nations Council in Northwestern Ontario. Working in various capacities from Business and Finance Manager, First Nation Financial Advisor, Telehealth Director at KO, Penny worked with the different program managers to develop and successfully operate their programs serving the remote First Nations including the innovative Keewaytinook Internet High School. She has an honours degree in Business Administration from Lakehead University. She is a member of the Lac Seul First Nation and she lives in Sioux Lookout, Ontario with her family. She is the recipient of the PARO Enterprising Women Award 2012 in northwestern Ontario.
Tim Whiteduck is Director of Technology for the First Nations Education Council (FNEC) based in Wendake First Nation, Quebec. FNEC represents and serves 22 First Nations communities. FNEC aims to achieve full jurisdiction over education while “respecting our unique cultural identities and common beliefs, and promoting our languages, values and traditions.” A core element of this vision is to use technology effectively to support the autonomy and democratic development of First Nations communities. Tim and his team have been developing strategic partnerships to design and install community broadband infrastructure in First Nations, deliver online and IT training programs, and support the delivery and engagement of broadband-enabled community services including education, health and many others. Tim is the Chair of the First Mile Connectivity Consortium.
Rob McMahon is Secretary of the First Mile Connectivity Consortium (FMCC) and Assistant Professor at the Faculty of Extension at the University of Alberta. Rob has coordinated many FMCC regulatory interventions. He is a co-investigator with the First Nations Innovation Project based at the University of New Brunswick. His work focuses on the appropriation of broadband and internet technologies by First Nations and Inuit communities. Rob’s award-winning research highlights the many innovations taking place at the so-called ‘peripheries’ of the emerging network society. Rob’s journal articles and book chapters, include collaborations with First Nations and Inuit community researchers. Through the First Mile Project, Rob facilitated the production of over 80 digital media stories showcasing Indigenous-led technology initiatives. Rob has a PhD (Communications) from Simon Fraser University.
Penny Carpenter, KNET Services, presenting at the CANDO workshop:
The FMCC team at the CANDO conference:
