Capacity Building and ICTs in Remote First Nations Communities in Canada: a case study

Richard Smith & Jean Hébert. Simon Fraser University, Vancouver, BC, Canada

Abstract
In this paper, we present the results of a year-long study looking at the challenges faced in providing all remote First Nations communities in British Columbia with high speed internet access. Lessons that can be drawn include (1) the value of local consultation at every step of the ICT rollout (from conception to capacity building to long range planning), (2) understanding the policy and bureaucratic framework of the various levels of government through which resources and key personnel can be effectively mobilized to ensure the project’s success and (3) utilizing software, hardware, and IT resources that are relevant, useful and appropriate to the specific needs and circumstances of each community affected by such projects.

position paper pdf

Not presented at the workshop