Federal Tribal Broadband Connectivity initiatives are extending digital connectivity to a growing list of indigenous peoples. As Michigan Advance reports, the latest recipients are the Bay Mills Indian Community and Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians, both belonging to the larger Ojibwe tribe. Grants of $599,850 and $500,000, respectively, have been announced by The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA).
The NTIA also awarded grants to 10 other tribal organizations. The recipients are located in California, Kansas, Oklahoma, Oregon, Washington and Wisconsin. Grants awarded to expand internet access for these groups range from $355,000 to $500,000.
“This program is popular in Indian Country because it’s about serving tribes in the way that they want to be served,” Adam Geisler, Director of the Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program and a citizen of the La Jolla Band of Luiseno Indians in southern California, told Michigan Advance. Approximately 146,000 tribal households across the U.S. have benefited from the program so far.
“Reliable internet is critical to keeping our communities connected and strong,” said Senator Gary Peters (D-MI). “That’s why I’m proud to have supported the legislation providing this funding to lay the groundwork for expanding high-speed internet in these communities, which will help ensure tribal members can access telehealth and educational and economic opportunities.”
So far, the tribal broadband program, which launched in 2021, has awarded 147 grants totaling $1.67 billion, Inside Towers reported.
“The NTIA Connectivity Program has only begun to address the broadband disparities in Indian Country,” stated Bay Mills President Whitney Gravelle. “With these funds, Bay Mills Indian Community looks forward to beginning the long process to upgrading critical information technology infrastructure within our rural community. Tribal Nations provide many critical services to multiple surrounding communities and populations, and as such Tribal Nations should also be empowered to provide broadband.”
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