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Broadband project hooks up first 4 communities

By Randy Thoms Feb 23, 2024 | 2:38 PM

A milestone for a multi-million dollar broadband project.

Grand Council Treaty 3 says services are now available in Naicatchewenin, Wauzhushk Onigum Nation, Couchiching and Wabauskang.

Known as the Dibaajimowin Project, its goal is to bring high-speed fibre optic internet access to Treaty #3 First Nations.

It is a collaborative effort between Grand Council Treaty #3 and the First Nations communities covered, Bell Canada and the provincial and federal governments.

The province provided $12.3 million toward the project, while the federal government gave $36.9 million.

“The release of high-speed fibre optic broadband to the first four First Nations in Treaty #3 reflects the shared commitment between the Anishinaabe Nation of Treaty #3 and funding partners to empowering the Anishinaabe people to thrive within a digital landscape, says Ogichidaa Francis Kavanaugh in a statement.

“The introduction of high-speed fibre optic is a transformative milestone for our community, unlocking new opportunities and fostering greater connectivity for our Nation,” says Chief Skead from Wauzhushk Onigum Nation.

A further 17 First Nations and 13 non-Indigenous communities are to be connected by the end of 2025.