Nisg̱a'a announces $8.8 million investment in Lisims network to bring wireless high-speed internet to every village
Unique partnership includes TELUS commitment to construct cell towers and provide workforce development for Nisg̱a'a Nation members
NEW AIYANSH, BC, June 1, 2023 /CNW/ - Today, the Nisg̱a'a Lisims Government celebrates a new partnership to bring wireless connectivity to all four Nisg̱a'a villages in Northwest B.C., improving safety and supporting Indigenous prosperity in the Nass Valley through a first-of-its-kind agreement with TELUS.
Once the $8.8-million project is complete in 2024, more than 800 residential customers and local businesses will gain access to TELUS high-speed wireless coverage on Nisg̱a'a Nation-owned network, providing reliable connectivity for residents of all four villages of Ging̱olx, Lax̱g̱alts'ap, Gitwinksihlkw, and New Aiyansh, expanding access to healthcare and telemedicine, which is currently limited for Nisg̱a'a citizens and health clinics on Nisg̱a'a Lands, and improving public safety and communication for travelers and emergency responders along a previously unconnected stretch of Highway 113.
"This is not just a story about internet connectivity; this is a story about our ability as a self-governing Nation to create partnerships to advance our economy on Nisg̱a'a Lands," said Nisg̱a'a Nation President Eva Clayton. "Our investments in the Lisims network will enable us to determine our own success and increase the ability of our people, our businesses, and our youth to fully participate and thrive in our increasingly digital world."
With this investment, the Nisg̱a'a Nation proudly advances its vision of a prosperous, self-reliant Nation with a sustainable, modern economy that will preserve and enhance well-being for generations to come.
"Far too many Indigenous communities lack access to reliable and affordable high-speed Internet and mobile connectivity," said Honourable Gudie Hutchings, Minister of Rural Economic Development. "This announcement is about making life better for the Nisg̱a'a Nation by allowing businesses to grow, enhancing community safety, accessing essential services and staying connected with loved ones. When we work together, we can create transformational change in all communities."
This joint initiative reimagines how public-private partnerships can enable Indigenous-led solutions and success. With funding from the Universal Broadband Fund and Nisg̱a'a, TELUS has committed to build six macro towers and 3 small cells. TELUS and Nisg̱a'a Lisims Government are also working together to provide technical skills training for Nisg̱a'a citizens who will maintain the infrastructure.
"TELUS exhibits the kind of innovative, community-focused, and inclusive corporate objectives that make this unique partnership possible," said Andrew Borne, Director of Information Technology for Nisg̱a'a Lisims Government. "Together, we are building capacity within the Nisg̱a'a Nation and creating new opportunities in the Nass Valley."
"This is what Reconciliation in action looks like. We are committed to listening and learning so that we can support Indigenous communities in the ways that they want to be supported," said Shazia Zeb Sobani, TELUS Vice-president of Customer Network Planning. "Reconciliation must be Indigenous-led. Through unique agreements like this partnership with the Nisg̱a'a Lisims Government, we are demonstrating our commitment to build meaningful relationships and engage with Indigenous communities to support their long-term success."
Nisg̱a'a Lisims Government will invest $4.3 million into this build, with an additional $4.5 million coming from ISED's Universal Broadband Fund, and with technical support and workforce development training provided by TELUS.
Since 2000, Nisg̱a'a Lisims Government and TELUS have worked together to improve connectivity in the region through several successful projects, including a joint fibre build between Lax̱g̱alt'ap and Ging̱olx, a fibre build between New Aiyansh and Lax̱g̱alts'ap, and within Terrace, British Columbia. The two organizations look forward to further opportunities to collaborate with one another.
TELUS has a longstanding commitment to strengthening relationships with Indigenous Peoples, including First Nations, Métis, and Inuit communities, acknowledging that its work spans many Traditional Territories and Treaty areas, including the constitutionally protected Nass Area. Through public-private partnerships, 504 rural communities and 577 Indigenous lands have been enabled with TELUS' advanced broadband connectivity, positively impacting 360,000+ rural and Indigenous households and businesses. To learn more about TELUS' commitment to Reconciliation visit telus.com/reconciliation.
The Nisg̱a'a Nation is represented by Nisg̱a'a Lisims Government (NLG) – a modern, forward thinking administration based on traditional culture and values. The Nisg̱a'a Final Agreement is the first modern treaty in British Columbia to provide constitutional certainty in respect of an Aboriginal people's section 35 right to self-government. The Treaty recognizes Nisg̱a'a Lands (2000 square kilometers) and opens the door for joint economic initiatives in the development of the Nisg̱a'a Nation's natural resources.
Nisg̱a'a Government is comprised of NLG, the four Nisg̱a'a Village Governments of GItlax̱t'aamiks, Gitwinksihlkw, Lax̱g̱alts'ap and Ging̱olx, and the three Nisg̱a'a Urban Local areas of Terrace, Prince Rupert/Port Edward and Vancouver. For more information visit: www.nisgaanation.ca
TELUS (TSX: T, NYSE: TU) is a dynamic, world-leading communications technology company with more than $18 billion in annual revenue and 18 million customer connections spanning wireless, data, IP, voice, television, entertainment, video, and security. Our social purpose is to leverage our global-leading technology and compassion to drive social change and enable remarkable human outcomes. Our longstanding commitment to putting our customers first fuels every aspect of our business, making us a distinct leader in customer service excellence and loyalty. The numerous, sustained accolades TELUS has earned over the years from independent, industry-leading network insight firms showcase the strength and speed of TELUS' global-leading networks, reinforcing our commitment to provide Canadians with access to superior technology that connects us to the people, resources and information that make our lives better.
Operating in 31 countries around the world, TELUS International (TSX and NYSE: TIXT) is a leading digital customer experience innovator that designs, builds, and delivers next-generation solutions, including AI and content moderation, for global and disruptive brands across strategic industry verticals, including tech and games, communications and media and eCommerce and fintech.
TELUS Health is a global health care leader, which provides employee and family primary and preventive health care and wellness solutions. Our TELUS team, along with our 100,000 health professionals, are leveraging the combination of TELUS' strong digital and data analytics capabilities with our unsurpassed client service to dramatically improve remedial, preventive and mental health outcomes covering 67 million lives, and growing, around the world. As the largest provider of digital solutions and digital insights of its kind, TELUS Agriculture & Consumer Goods enables efficient and sustainable production from seed to store, helping improve the safety and quality of food and other goods in a way that is traceable to end consumers.
Driven by our determination and vision to connect all citizens for good, our deeply meaningful and enduring philosophy to give where we live has inspired TELUS and our team to contribute $1.5 billion, including 2 million days of service since 2000. This unprecedented generosity and unparalleled volunteerism have made TELUS the most giving company in the world. Together, let's make the future friendly.
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SOURCE Nisga'a Lisims Government
Bobby Clark, Director of Communications, Nisg̱a'a, [email protected]; Tatianna Goldsney, TELUS Media Relations, [email protected]
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