Better internet is coming for 10 First Nations communities in British Columbia including the Lheidli T’enneh First Nation.
Telus will receive up to $3.58 million from the Connecting British Columbia program for projects to improve the speed and reliability of internet access in First Nations communities.
The company has received conditional approval for $2.44 million in grants for improved Internet services for people in the Lheidli T’enneh territory.
Whereas Ashcroft Indian Band will receive up to $67,500 and Upper Nicola Band, Cook's Ferry First Nation, Shackan Indian Band and Douglas Lake will receive up to $789,508. Bonaparte First Nation up to $98,280. Saik'uz First Nation will receive up to $567,790 and Kitselas First Nation and Coldwater Indian Band up to $185,173.
"Working together with First Nations, the private sector and all levels of government, we are seeing steady progress toward a future where all Indigenous communities have the fast and reliable internet access they need," said Murray Rankin, Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation.
"These investments will enable the broader use of technology - from making video calls with friends and family to remote learning or job training. This will open doors to new economic and social opportunities for people as we emerge from the pandemic."
Internet service provider ABC Communications has also been approved for a Connecting British Columbia program grant of up to $322,010. The grant will support a project to improve high-speed internet access in Yekooche First Nation territory.
The investment is apart of B.C.’s economic recovery plan which includes investments to improve high-speed internet access and expanded cellular access along provincial highways.
In September 2020, the Province made its largest contribution to the Connecting British Columbia program, with $90 million in new funding under StrongerBC.
Northern Development Initiative Trust (NDIT), a regionally operated economic development funding corporation for central and northern British Columbia, has been the fund administrator for Connecting British Columbia since its start in 2015.
"The Connecting British Columbia program continues to bring reliable, high-speed internet to communities across British Columbia, and the commitment to First Nations is a key component of this program. These projects will bring multiple benefits and provide opportunities now and well into the future,” said Joel McKay, CEO of NDIT.
