Message from the Grand Chief
We are embarking on a new and exciting journey that will bring about a stronger future for the Nishnawbe Aski people. With support from both the Governments of Canada and Ontario, and Bell Aliant, the Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN) territory is one crucial step closer to fully participating in the global economy of the 21st century.
The telecommunications achieved by our remote First Nations, led by Keewaytinook Okimakanak’s (KO) Kuhkenah Network (K-net), was seriously challenged by a failing and inadequate delivery system that relied on 1970’s technology. The new Northwestern Ontario Broadband Expansion Initiative is a multi-million dollar project, which, once completed, will bring state-of-the-art telecommunications to 26 NAN First Nations, bringing greater bandwidth at affordable rates.
This installation will offer NAN communities greater access to a wide-variety of essential services such as tele-health and tele-education and provide them access to all of the economic opportunities of the World Wide Web.
The Northwestern Ontario Broadband Expansion Initiative will meet the immediate needs and offer future opportunities for NAN First Nations in construction and maintenance of the network, and in revenue sharing and future ownership possibilities.
We are very pleased to be enhancing, not only telecommunications in the North, but also greater unity among the Nishnawbe Aski people.
Meegwetch!
Stan Beardy, Grand Chief Nishnawbe Aski Nation
