When it comes to connecting communities, we need as many people as possible on board. The Indigenous Connectivity Summit welcomes everyone with an interest in improving Internet access in Indigenous communities.
A diverse group of participants working together on solutions can lead to real action — and change. Relationships forged at the Indigenous Connectivity Summits have evolved into new partnerships and initiatives, while the events have also led to substantive engagement and investment from government and the private sector.
Here’s what past participants have had to say:
— Burt Lum, Internet Society Hawai’i Chapter President
…The Indigenous Connectivity Summit is an environment of sharing, commiserating, solving and growing. Even though we are different tribes from different geographic locations, and housed within different countries, we are one community, and the ICS helps foster the growth of that community.
— Matthew Rantanen, Director of Technology at Southern California Tribal Chairman’s Association
The 2018 Indigenous Connectivity Summit was one of the most powerful conferences I have ever attended… I walked away with a new understanding of the challenges Indigenous communities face, with knowledge about the creative solutions that are being implemented, and with a set of action steps that could help to improve the outcome.
— Deb Socia, President and CEO at The Enterprise Center
The Indigenous Connectivity Summit provides the opportunity to create connections and speak with people that know the boots-on-the-ground reality in First Nation communities.
— Bill Murdoch, IT Manager at Clear Sky Connections
I view the Indigenous Connectivity Summit, the conversations had there, friendships made, and lessons learned all [as] acts of reconciliation. Although discussions were not framed as such, there was a genuine interest in the North, Indigenous people, and how to better accommodate communities.
— Crystal Gail Fraser, author of 150 Acts of Reconciliation for the Last 150 Days of Canada’s 150
It was refreshing to participate in such a collaborative environment where many groups shared ideas on how to build networks, programs and other expertise – versus a traditional “lecture” conference.
— Faud Khan, Founder and CEO at TwelveDot
