Next week, the Indigenous Connectivity Summit (ICS) will be a unique event focused on connecting Indigenous communities in North America to the Internet. This community-led forum will showcase success stories of Indigenous community networks in Canada, the United States and around the globe to help find solutions to improve Internet access for all.
The event is free of charge, and a livestream of Nov 8-9 will be available at the ICS home page.
Several FMCC members will be contributing their expertise as presenters and panelists at the event.
Nov. 6-7: Pre-Summit Training Session
A two-day training session will be held on November 6-7 for Indigenous people who are currently operating a community network, or who are planning to deploy one.
Nov. 8-9: Connectivity Summit — Livestream Available
On November 8-9, we’ll explore themes including community development and sustainability in a two-day series of panels, presentations and discussions. Click for a link to the agenda.
The Indigenous Connectivity Summit is an initiative of the Internet Society, the Internet Society New Mexico Chapter, the 1st-Mile Institute, New Mexico Techworks, and the First Mile Connectivity Consortium. Senator Udall of New Mexico is serving as an Honorary Co-Host. Currently, he serves on the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs and on the Communications, Technology, and the Internet Subcommittee.
Who should participate?
When it comes to connecting communities, we need everyone on board. The Indigenous Connectivity Summit will gather community network managers/operators, Indigenous-owned Internet service providers, community members, researchers, policy makers and Indigenous leadership to join the conversation. We’ll discuss ways to ensure Alaska Native, American Indian, Inuit, First Nation and Métis communities have affordable, high-quality and sustainable Internet access, and how it can support social and economic development.
Visit the Internet Society’s Community Networks page to learn more about the Internet Society’s activities on community networking.