The National Indigenous Connectivity Inc., (NICI), a 100% Indigenous owned communications technology company is operated out of its Head Office in Ottawa, Ontario and managed in its satellite office in Calgary, Alberta. It is an advocacy organization promoting access to high-speed internet/spectrum to remote and rural First Nations communities across Turtle Island, (Canada). This vision and mission statement reflects the present lack of connectivity that’s critically needed for all First Nations situated in Canada.

The NICI was created out of common- interests among Canada’s First Nations communities for a strong and effective collective advocacy organization to support access to high-speed internet for remote and rural First Nations communities. Common interests or values such as respect, diversity, justice, and the sovereignty of all First Nations supporting the work of the NICI are foundational. 

The NICI builds, develops, and maintains strong and productive networks and relationships with international, national, regional and local community First Nations leaders, technical connectivity specialists, feeder organizations, and interested communities, as well as relationships with government officials (federal, provincial, territorial and municipal).

Over the past year, the NICI has participated in a variety of forums (presentations, panel discussions, conversations, and meetings) related to the Indigenous spectrum sector issues and matters, promoting the interests of the remote and rural First Nation communities, while enhancing the NICI’s profile, and improving public awareness and understanding.

 Further, I want to take this opportunity to acknowledge the support we have received from Assembly of First Nations (AFN), the 65 First Nations across Canada who openly expressed support for the NICI advocacy role, ALAR Strategy Group and Advanced Interactive Canada Inc. throughout the past year. As we launch into the 2025 Action Plan, NICI’s collective will continue to break down challenges that the federal government throws our way. We will campaign to share our vision and message to all First Nations across Turtle Island.

Action Plan 2025 – 2027

• As per AFN Resolution #003 April, 2022 on NICI, promote advocacy for all remote and rural First Nations to have access to high-speed internet by 2029
• Recruit Indigenous Leadership to replace outgoing NICI BoD Members 2025
• Identify members to sit on NICI Sub-Committees: Governance Committee and Technical Experts Working Committee 2025
• Secure Partnerships with potential funders through Reconciliation Agreements 2024-2025
• Develop a First Nation Technology Directory to promote Indigenous Businesses 2025-2026
• Update the NICI Website 2025
• Appointment to the International Spectrum Policy Working Group Committee 2025-2029 (Canada, Mexico and New Zealand)

Truly, I am optimistic that we will successfully partner with major funders that have similar initiatives, vision and values as the NICI. While we have these challenges in connectivity and access to high-speed internet, we have potential partners who can innovate and create space for First Nations.

Also, I am encouraged that as First Peoples of Canada, through our First Nations, we will succeed in addressing our connectivity needs, big or small, in rural and remote communities.

We are revamping the NICI website this year to include an opportunity for all First Nations wanting more information. I encourage open feedback, if you have a question or inquiry to please fill out a short inquiry note with your contact information that includes your name, organization, email, telephone number, and a brief message with the nature of your challenge or question. The NICI general mailbox will sort details and reroute to appropriate individual within a timely manner. All the best to you and yours in 2025!

Respectfully,

Leoni Rivers, CEO, NICI 
leoni@nic-inc.ca