{"id":776,"date":"2025-10-05T17:27:32","date_gmt":"2025-10-06T01:27:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/nic-inc.ca\/nic-inc\/?page_id=776"},"modified":"2026-04-09T11:59:58","modified_gmt":"2026-04-09T19:59:58","slug":"national-indigenous-connectivity-conference","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/nic-inc.ca\/nic-inc\/index.php\/national-indigenous-connectivity-conference\/","title":{"rendered":"National Indigenous Connectivity Conference"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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National Indigenous \nConnectivity Inc. <\/a><\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
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National Indigenous Connectivity Conference<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
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The National Indigenous Connectivity Inc – National Indigenous Connectivity Conference<\/strong> & Technology Trade Show- February 26-27, 2026<\/strong> – Grey Eagle Resort & Casino Hotel – Ballroom<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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\u00a0The National Indigenous Connectivity Inc held its inaugural National Indigenous Connectivity Conference & Technology Trade Show on February 26-27, 2026 at the Grey Eagle Resort & Casino Hotel Ballroom for two full days.\u00a0 The National Indigenous Connectivity Conference<\/strong>, hosted by the National Indigenous Connectivity Inc. was held at Tsuut\u2019ina Nation, represents an important milestone in addressing one of Canada\u2019s most persistent challenges: delivering reliable and affordable broadband connectivity to rural and remote First Nations communities.<\/p>

\u00a0Across Turtle Island, First Nation leaders and communities have long understood that connectivity is not merely a technical issue. It is fundamental to\u00a0economic reconciliation, access to education, healthcare, public safety, cultural preservation, and digital data sovereignty<\/strong>. Despite numerous government initiatives over the years, several First Nation communities continue to face significant connectivity gaps and being underserved. This challenge extends beyond spectrum access or project funding; it lies in aligning the broader ecosystem required to deploy and sustain reliable technology networks.<\/p>

\u00a0The National Indigenous Connectivity Conference served as a\u00a0critical convening platform<\/strong>, bringing together community leaders, academics, government representatives, and industry partners. By creating a shared forum for in-depth dialogue, the connectivity conference enabled meaningful discussions about both the opportunities and limitations within current government policies and restrictive funding programs affecting First Nations connectivity access.<\/p>

\u00a0An important international feature of the Connectivity Conference was the International Spectrum Working Committee panel where the delegates witnessed experts from four countries collaboratively working together identifying gaps in spectrum policy, data security, digital inclusion and connectivity opportunities.\u00a0 Canada, New Zealand, Mexico and the United States were represented by Leoni Rivers, Antony Royal, Erick Huerta Velazquez and Darrah Blackwater respectively.<\/p>

\u00a0A number of important policy initiatives and developments were discussed, including the\u00a0Indigenous Priority Window (IPW)<\/strong>\u00a0introduced by Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada, (ISED). While the IPW represents an important step forward in improving First Nations access to spectrum resources, conference discussions reinforced a key reality:\u00a0spectrum access alone cannot close the connectivity gap<\/strong>. Sustainable broadband networks require a comprehensive ecosystem that includes infrastructure investment, financing mechanisms, technical expertise, regulatory alignment, and strong partnerships between First Nation organizations and First Nation expertise and Industry network operators.<\/p>

\u00a0A significant reason for the success and impact of the connectivity conference was the leadership and dedication of\u00a0the National Indigenous Connectivity Board, specifically, Leoni Rivers<\/strong>\u00a0and\u00a0Andrew Victor<\/strong>. Through their vision and tireless efforts in organizing and sponsoring this event, they brought together an exceptional group of experts and participants from across Canada\u2019s connectivity ecosystem. Their leadership created the conditions necessary for a safe space, open dialogue, collaborative thinking, and the exploration of practical pathways toward closing the connectivity gap.<\/p>

\u00a0As a result of this work, the National Indigenous Connectivity Inc. has clearly positioned itself as a\u00a0leading national organization focused on addressing connectivity challenges facing rural and remote First Nation communities across Turtle Island<\/strong>. By convening diverse rightsholders, stakeholders and fostering collaboration between community leadership, government, academia, and industry, this organization is helping to bridge long-standing gaps between policy ambiguity and practical implementation.<\/p>

\u00a0Importantly, the connectivity conference moved the discussion\u00a0beyond policy theory toward real-world solutions<\/strong>. Participants explored how coordinated strategies can align policy frameworks, infrastructure investment, financing, and operational partnerships.\u00a0 \u00a0This collaborative approach is essential if Canada is to achieve sustainable connectivity outcomes for First Nations, rural and remote communities.<\/p>

\u00a0The connectivity conference outcomes included four national strategy sub-committees being struck, namely, Tech Innovators & Service Providers, Cybersecurity, and Cyber Safety, Technical Training and Youth Tech Technicians. Discussions also reinforced a broader national understanding:\u00a0connectivity is critical to Canada\u2019s stability, security, and shared prosperity<\/strong>. Reliable broadband infrastructure strengthens economic reconciliation, enhances public safety, supports local economic development, and ensures that Indigenous communities can fully participate in the digital economy.<\/p>

\u00a0Ultimately, the National Indigenous Connectivity Conference demonstrated the power of collaboration and Indigenous-led leadership. Through the efforts of\u00a0Leoni Rivers, CEO and the National Indigenous Connectivity Inc.<\/strong>, Board of Directors, the connectivity conference has laid an important foundation for transforming policy initiatives into\u00a0tangible connectivity outcomes for First Nations communities across Canada<\/strong>.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Conference Highlights<\/font><\/p><\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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View – National Indigenous Connectivity Conference – Program Booklet<\/a><\/h4>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
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Welcome Address by National Chief Cindy Woodhouse
Assembly of First Nations<\/font><\/p><\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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