Bell announced Monday a new reconciliation agreement with National Indigenous Connectivity Inc. (NICI) that aims to advance high-speed internet and wireless access in underserved rural and remote First Nations communities.
NICI is a 100-per-cent indigenous-owned technology company that advocates for all First Nations to have access to wireless spectrum and high-speed broadband. Its nine board members come from First Nations communities in B.C., Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec and Yukon.
“In response to the 2024 Assembly of First Nations (AFN) and Indigenous Services Canada report, Closing the Infrastructure Gap, Bell and NICI will work together to expand infrastructure and service delivery in underserved First Nations communities by 2030,” a Bell press release said, adding Bell will work with NICI on long-term broadband and wireless deployment plans.
This agreement builds on Bell’s ongoing commitment to reconciliation with indigenous peoples and First Nations communities, the release said. Bell is also reaffirming its commitment that employees working with indigenous communities complete training aligned with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Call to Action #92.
“Bell fully supports the National Indigenous Connectivity Inc.’s goal of closing the digital infrastructure gap in rural and remote First Nations communities,” said Michele Austin, vice president of public affairs at Bell, in the release. “To close this gap, we need stable, long-term public policy and a regulatory environment that enables private sector investment in telecommunications networks. Together with NICI, we can build, grow, and connect Canadians to support continued private investment in critical network connectivity to First Nations communities.”
“Many Indigenous communities still lack reliable, high-speed internet, limiting opportunities and essential services,” said Leoni Rivers, NICI’s CEO. “We believe that connectivity is a fundamental right — essential for education, economic development, healthcare, and self-determination. The National Indigenous Connectivity Initiative (NICI) is committed to advocating for all remote and rural First Nations across Canada to have access to spectrum and high-speed internet.”
