The previous topic focused on the operations and maintenance of First Mile broadband systems. Here, we look at the different ways that communities are using these tools. Through broadband-enabled public and community services, Indigenous peoples are leveraging digital ICTs to support their self-government initiatives.
In 2012, a group of Youth ICT Workers from different First Nations in Ontario produced videos about how their communities are using broadband. After a digital media boot camp in Thunder Bay, project participants brainstormed, scripted, filmed and edited videos. The following quote guided their work: “It is not enough for a community to simply be ‘connected’; a community must also be connected in ways that support sustainable, locally-driven projects.”
Ten years later, this work continues with Digital Innovator videos produced by Kyle Napier, a Dene/nêhiyaw Métis from Tthebacha, Denendeh (Fort Smith, Northwest Territories) for the DigitalNWT project. In highlighting the work of some of the many digital innovators living in the North, these videos point out that many NWT residents see connectivity as a means to support their desires, interests, and as conduits to their enthusiastic participation in the digital world. These videos illustrate the potential that comes with equitable access to Internet infrastructure and digital literacy. Watch the videos below to learn how Indigenous leaders, technical experts and artists share their personal experiences of using the Internet to leverage their own projects to achieve personal and community goals.
As you watch the videos below, think about the themes they highlight. What are some common goals shared by people in these different communities? How are these digital innovators developing and using broadband-enabled applications in different ways?
Agnes Mitchell
(Uploaded Oct 8, 2020)
Leanne Goose
(Uploaded Sep 25, 2020)
Leanne Goose is a Dene/Inuvialuit musician from Inuvik, and is now the Director of NACC. Leanne uses digital technologies to share her music, and now to support other musicians in their emerging journeys. Leanne is now also a student with the University of Alberta pursing a Master of Arts in Community Engagement.
Jacey Firth-Hagen
(Uploaded Oct 29, 2020)
Sydone Okheena
(Uploaded Apr 1, 2021)
These videos have been created with, by and for people who share their distinct and varying experiences with the Internet, digital divides, and digital literacy. These stories have been created and subsequently approved by each featured digital innovator for public release. The videos also feature music licensed from NWT musicians. This page houses more videos, and includes links to learn about the DigitalNWT project.