Bridging the Gap: Why Digital Equity Matters for First Nations Communities in Canada
by Alice Joe • Oct 26, 2024
In the age of the internet, access to digital technology is no longer a luxury, but a necessity. It's the key that unlocks the doors to education, employment, healthcare, and beyond. Yet, for many First Nations communities across Canada, that key remains out of reach. The digital divide – the gap between those with access to computers, the internet, and digital literacy, and those without – disproportionately affects Indigenous peoples. It's a complex issue rooted in systemic inequities and historical injustices. Addressing it head-on is crucial for the future of First Nations in Canada.
The State of Digital Access in First Nations Communities
The statistics paint a troubling picture. According to the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC), in 2020, only 44% of households in Indigenous communities had access to broadband internet, compared to 87% of households nationally. Even when service is available, it's often unreliable and expensive. A 2020 report by Connect to Innovate found that the average cost of internet per month in First Nations communities is $626, compared to $105 in urban areas.
This lack of access has far-reaching consequences. It hinders students' ability to complete homework, participate in online learning, and access educational resources. It limits job opportunities, as more and more employment requires digital skills and online application processes. It creates barriers to healthcare services, which are increasingly delivered virtually. And it isolates communities, making it harder to stay connected with loved ones and engage with the broader world.
My Story
I know firsthand the challenges of navigating the digital divide as an Indigenous person. I grew up on a small First Nations reserve in the interior of British Columbia. Even now, in 2024, many areas of my community still lack cell service and reliable internet. As a freelance graphic designer, I'm acutely aware of how much my livelihood depends on a fast, reliable internet connection. When I visit home, I have to severely limit my stay because I can't work effectively without the ability to send files, communicate with clients, and access the design tools I need.
It's painful to have to cut visits short, missing out on precious time with family. And it's frustrating to feel like my career success is at odds with my desire to be present in my community. I know I'm not alone in this struggle. Many First Nations people feel the pull between pursuing opportunities in the digital economy and staying connected to their lands and cultures.
The Importance of Digital Equity
Digital equity – the principle that all people should have equal access to digital technology and the skills to use it – is about more than just access to devices and the internet. It's about ensuring that First Nations communities can fully participate in the digital world and reap its benefits. It's about bridging the socioeconomic gaps that have been entrenched by centuries of colonization and marginalization. And it's about empowering Indigenous peoples to shape their own digital futures and preserve their cultures in the digital age.
When First Nations communities have access to reliable, affordable internet and the skills to use it, they can:
Access education and job opportunities: Online learning platforms and digital job boards open up new avenues for employment and skills development.
• Improve health outcomes: Telemedicine services bring healthcare directly to communities, improving access to care, especially in remote areas.
• Preserve and promote cultural heritage: Digital tools allow communities to document and share their languages, histories, and cultural practices with the world.
• Foster community connections: Social media and video conferencing tools help people stay connected across distances, strengthening community bonds.
A Path Forward
Achieving digital equity for First Nations communities in Canada won't be easy. It requires a concerted effort from governments, telecom companies, and community organizations. Here are some steps that can be taken:
Invest in infrastructure: The Canadian government must prioritize building out broadband infrastructure in Indigenous communities. This includes laying fiber optic cables, building cell towers, and launching satellites to reach the most remote areas.
Make service affordable: Telecom companies must offer affordable internet plans in First Nations communities. Subsidies and low-cost plans can make service more accessible to low-income households.
Provide devices and digital literacy training: Donations of computers, tablets, and smartphones can ensure everyone has a device. Community-led digital literacy programs can teach people the skills they need to navigate the online world.
Support Indigenous-led solutions: First Nations communities must be at the helm of efforts to expand digital access. They know their needs best and can develop solutions that are culturally appropriate and sustainable.
The digital divide in First Nations communities in Canada is a pressing issue that demands attention and action. By working together to achieve digital equity, we can help create a more just, connected future for Indigenous peoples. It's a future where everyone has the opportunity to thrive in the digital age.
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