Closing Indigenous digital divides: Connectivity and digital equity projects funded by CIRA

We have never relied on the internet more – for work, for school, for keeping in touch with friends and family. But slow, choppy internet remains the norm for many across the country.

Think of the last time you had a problem connecting to the internet — everything you did came to a grinding halt. Super frustrating, right? Now imagine this happening to you every single day, preventing you from doing the simplest things online. And, to add insult to injury, imagine your internet cost as much as $1000 a month. 

Unfortunately, this is a daily reality for Indigenous communities from coast to coast to coast.

Recognizing this inequality, CIRA made changes to its Community Investment Program Grants initiative to place a special emphasis on funding internet-related projects that benefit Indigenous communities. 

As a member-based, mission-driven, not-for-profit, CIRA’s Grants are a crucial contribution toward our goal to promote a trusted internet for Canadians. Every .CA domain name registered or renewed contributes to this program.

Join us to hear about the journey of three inspiring, Indigenous-led projects that will help bridge the digital divide – and learn what you can do to keep the momentum going.

Register now to attend our virtual event. Attendance is free, but you must RSVP to join. 

Meet our panelists:

  • Denise Williams, CEO, First Nations Technology Council
  • Paige Richardson-Dudoward, Community Connectivity Coordinator, Coastal First Nations - Great Bear Initiative Society
  • Randy Radney, Education Manager, Tŝilhqot’in National Government
  • Moderator: Madeleine Redfern, Chief Operating Officer at CanArctic Inuit Networks, and former Mayor of Iqaluit

Why participate?

#1 Learn about Indigenous-led internet projects: Hear firsthand stories that highlight how Indigenous communities are taking internet issues into their own hands. Our panelists will shed light on the unique challenges they face and how they’re leading innovative digital partnership projects to get their communities up to speed.

#2 Get involved: Your loyalty to your .CA domain helps fund these Indigenous-led internet projects. Learn what more you can do to contribute to a trusted internet.  You’ll also have an opportunity to ask the panel your questions.

#3 Q&A with CIRA leaders: CIRA members are invited to stay on for 30 minutes immediately following the panel discussion to learn more about CIRA’s Community Investment Program and the policy and advocacy work we’re involved in. Hear from Tanya O’Callaghan, CIRA VP, Community Investment, Policy and Advocacy, and Maureen James, CIRA Community Investment Program Manager.

#4 Support the path to reconciliation: CIRA will donate $10 to the National Centre on Truth and Reconciliation (NCTR) on behalf of each person who attends this event. The NCTR is a place of learning and dialogue where the truths of Residential School Survivors, families and communities are honoured and kept safe for future generations.

Panelists

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Participating by webcast

This event will be fully virtual. The webcast will begin at 1:00 p.m. ET. on November 24. You will be able to login to the webcast starting at 12:45 p.m. ET. To ensure you don’t miss anything, Please login a few minutes ahead of the start.

Webcast links and login information will be emailed to registered participants the day before the event. Registration is required to participate in this virtual event.

Not a CIRA member? Join Canada's internet community today!

Getting a .CA domain is the first step to joining the internet’s digital village. Applying for membership is easy, free and open to any .CA holder.


REGISTER


Join us virtually

Wednesday, November 24, 2021
Panel: 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. ET
Member-exclusive AMA: 2:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. ET

Registration is required BUT it's free!