Local Bands receiving funding for better internet reliability

People within the territories of 10 First Nations, including three in the Nicola Valley, will see improved internet speeds and reliability this fall as record investments from the Connecting British Columbia program continue to support improved connectivity for Indigenous peoples.

“Working together with First Nations, the private sector and all levels of government, we are seeing steady progress toward a future where all Indigenous communities have the fast and reliable internet access they need,” said Murray Rankin, Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation. “These investments will enable the broader use of technology – from making video calls with friends and family, to remote learning or job training. This will open doors to new economic and social opportunities for people as we emerge from the pandemic.”

Telus will receive up to $3.58 million from the Connecting British Columbia program for projects to improve the speed and reliability of internet access in communities within the territories of the Ashcroft Indian Band, Upper Nicola Band, Cook’s Ferry First Nation, Shackan Indian Band, Bonaparte First Nation, Saik’uz First Nation, Kitselas First Nation, Lheidli T’enneh and Coldwater Indian Band.