Social Impact

Connecting our Communities
to the Rest of the World

Within the continent of what First Nations call ‘Turtle Island’ (North America), internet use became widespread in the 1990’s (although networking computers began in the United States in the 1960’s). It has affected most aspects of life changing the way Canadians learn and work, buy products and services, communicate and consume entertainment.

For the communities of Eabametoong, Marten Falls, Neskantaga, Nibinamik and Webequie, the First Nations in Phase 1 of the Rapid Lynx Broadband Project, they have not been able to keep up and receive the benefit of these changes, despite other projects being delivered near and around their territories like the Nishnawbe-Aski Nation/Bell Aliant Project in 2010. Approximately, 33 years after internet became a necessity to the world, these communities will finally be able to have access to adequate, affordable and reliable connectivity. Gone will be the days of oversaturated satellite connectivity with very low bandwidth (akin to dial-up). Gone will be the last existing dead spot in the Province of Ontario closing the digital divide between remote communities and the world.

With RAPIDLYNX , our First Nations join the rest of the world in the 21st century in the area of information technology. We are empowering them with equal access to the technology they need to thrive. It is the digital-enabling instrastructure for the Matawa First Nations.

Preparing for the Digital Economy

Matawa First Nations Management is preparing the Matawa First Nations for the digital future by exploring strategies to increase participation in the digital economy:

  • Development of bursaries to support First Nations youth interested in higher education and/or training/certification programs to prepare for careers in information and communications technology
  • Promotion of digital curricular and seamless learning pathways from primary schools to higher education, and to workforce development and into employment
  • Identification of digital talent in the First Nation communities and development of creative collaborations between Matawa First Nations and corporations
  • Increasing visibility  of First Nations digital talent as investment opportunities