COAST SALISH TERRITORY, VANCOUVER — B.C.’s Coastal First Nations (CFN) and Rogers Communications announced today a partnership agreement to support the growth of a conservation-based economy through improved connectivity for underserved, rural and Indigenous communities, as well as to advance CFN’s environmental stewardship work through technology and academic research.
The partnership includes several initiatives that will be announced between today and into 2022, says a press release.
One of the first initiatives will see Rogers build five new cell towers to provide more than 100 kilometres of new service coverage along Highway 16 from Masset through Port Clements to Queen Charlotte, as well as improving wireless connectivity throughout Haida Gwaii.
In addition, Rogers will invest in and support CFN’s environmental stewardship work “supporting a long-standing sense of collective responsibility to care for our lands and waters,” reads the press release.
Rogers Sports and Media will use its media outlets to promote awareness of CFN’s Great Bear Rainforest initiative by showcasing storytelling, music, arts and culture. Specifically, an upcoming music festival involving Indigenous artists and performances will help raise awareness about the environmental challenges facing the Great Bear Rainforest, including the threatened salmon population, says the release.
Rogers’s Today’s Shopping Choice (TSC) “Let’s Shop Better” platform will help to support new opportunities for Indigenous entrepreneurs from CFN communities.
“This partnership is the beginning of a meaningful collaboration between Coastal First Nations and Rogers to create a strong foundation for future generations,” said Christine Smith-Martin (above, left), executive director of CFN, in the press release. “The Coastal First Nations board is excited to partner with Rogers as we move forward with our digital strategy and action planning.”
“We are incredibly honoured to build a true partnership with Coastal First Nations that will improve connectivity across Haida Gwaii and Highway 16, support environmental stewardship and help build a strong, vibrant conservation-based economy,” said Joe Natale (above, centre), president and CEO of Rogers Communications.
“We’re deeply committed to Canada’s Indigenous communities and with partners like Coastal First Nations, look forward to making a meaningful difference through our $1 billion Rural, Remote and Indigenous Connectivity Fund when we come together with Shaw next year.”
Other aspects of the collaboration with CFN will see Rogers engaging in research and training initiatives, partnering with CFN to support community events, increasing its local presence, and providing employment opportunities for youth and local entrepreneurs, according to the press release.
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Photo borrowed from Rogers’s website here.
