Bridging the Digital Gap in Indigenous Businesses and Communities

The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has brought to light the ongoing issue of digital technology inaccessibility on remote and reserve lands. With the pandemic lock downs occurring around the world, there is a growing awareness of the inequity marginalized groups experience through their inability to access the technology that helps keep us all safe and connected. The Indigenous communities that exist in rural or remote locations are particularity impacted by this inequity, and with a second wave on our doorsteps, the need for uninterrupted access to; education, tele-health, banking, COVID patient tracking, civic engagement, and business services is becoming increasingly imperative.

Historically marginalized, rural, and low-income communities report among the highest disconnected demographics, and although Canada has one of the highest standards of living in the world, our Indigenous communities are a glaring caveat. Without the ability to do business, work, or attend class, these already vulnerable communities further widen achievement gaps, cripple local economies, and contribute to community brain drain.

Indigenous start-ups, established businesses, schools, and students, are all experiencing how a lack of access to digital services and connectivity can impact their livelihoods and their futures. Despite these obstacles, there are many examples of how Indigenous communities and corporations have come together to create opportunities in broadband deployment, through investment in infrastructure and public-private partnerships. CCAB and Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) will bring together experts in the field to understand how Indigenous communities have found innovative ways to bridge the gap in digital access, and how corporations are supporting their efforts.