First Nations leaders say ISED isn’t listening to them
WINNIPEG – The federal government’s plan to boost high speed Internet in Manitoba First Nations communities appears to have hit a snag with First Nation leaders voicing concerns over federal involvement in the project.
A statement issued by Indigenous-owned network operator Clear Sky Connections (CSC) says that after a partnership in the project broke down (the statement doesn’t say which company left the partnership) and another started in its place, Innovation, Science, and Economic Development Canada (ISED) has since “continued to ignore direction and community governance processes from First Nations on the project” which it says is “impacting the project and CSC’s ability to continue its work.”
As Cartt.ca reported, CSC is to receive $33.5 million under the Federal Government’s rural broadband program Connect to Innovate to provide 72 communities, including 37 First Nations communities, with access to high-speed Internet services that are comparable with those in urban areas in the province.
In a statement Wednesday, CSC co-chair chiefs David Crate and Nelson Genaille say that they are asking to meet with ISED Minister Navdeep Bains to communicate their concerns.
“It is our duty to ensure that First Nations who have supported this project are consulted with, their decision making processes are respected and that we are part of the project from beginning to end,” said CSC vice-chair chief Crate, in the statement.
“This is very important to many First Nations and surrounding communities. We will not be the products of economic genocide. Those days are gone. With the blessing of the Chiefs, we are calling on the Prime Minister and Premier to immediately rectify the situation at hand and honour the sovereignty of our communities.”
When contacted by Cartt.ca, an ISED spokesperson said that CSC advised the ministry on June 8, 2018 of its intention to submit a new broadband application for broadband services in northern Manitoba under the Connect To Innovate program, despite that the program’s application period officially closed on April 20, 2017.
"ISED is working in good faith with Clear Sky Communications on the approved project, which includes consultation with impacted First Nations communities to explain the project and hear their views", reads the emailed response. "We take our obligation to consult Indigenous communities very seriously. We encourage all to work together to maximize the benefits to their communities."
