Coastal First Nations, Rogers Partner for Improved Connectivity

Coastal First Nations (CFN) has announced a partnership with Rogers Communications that will greatly benefit communities and Coastal First Nations by supporting the growth of a conservation-based economy through improved connectivity, strengthen environmental stewardship work through technology and academic research and help Indigenous entrepreneurs with digital tools to grow their businesses.

“This partnership is the beginning of a meaningful collaboration between Coastal First Nations and Rogers to create a strong foundation for future generations,” said Christine Smith-Martin, Executive Director, CFN. “The Coastal First Nations board is excited to partner with Rogers as we move forward with our digital strategy and action planning.”

“This opportunity to increase cellular coverage and competition is important to improve the safety and quality of service for all residents of Haida Gwaii,” said Jason Alsop, President, Council of the Haida Nation.

The Rogers-CFN partnership agreement covers a multitude of initiatives that will be announced between now and into 2022, including academic research projects, the creation and growth of Indigenous led internet service providers and digital platforms for Indigenous entrepreneurs to succeed.

The Rogers-CFN initiatives announced today include:

Five new cell sites and a major upgrade of existing infrastructure to be built on Haida Gwaii improving cellular coverage to the majority of the Haida Gwaii population as well as bringing new near contiguous coverage on Highway 16 from Masset through Port Clements to Queen Charlotte

Rogers will invest and support CFN’s renowned environmental stewardship work supporting a long-standing sense of collective responsibility to care for our lands and waters.

Rogers Sports & Media and CFN to raise awareness about the environmental challenges facing the Great Bear Rainforest, including the threatened salmon population, with an upcoming music festival involving Indigenous artists and performances

Today’s Shopping Choice’s Let’s Shop Better™ platform to support new opportunities for Indigenous entrepreneurs from CFN communities

“We are incredibly honoured to build a true partnership with Coastal First Nations that will improve connectivity across Haida Gwaii and Highway 16, support environmental stewardship and help build a strong, vibrant conservation-based economy,” said Joe Natale, President and CEO, Rogers Communications. “We’re deeply committed to Canada’s Indigenous communities and with partners like Coastal First Nations, look forward to making a meaningful difference through our $1 billion Rural, Remote and Indigenous Connectivity Fund when we come together with Shaw next year.”

British Columbia’s unique alliance of nine Coastal First Nations communities are collectively building a world-class conservation-based economy by leading digital visioning and action planning for stewardship, economic development, skills training and education, as well as health and wellbeing.

This collaboration with Rogers is another key step forward for CFN in shaping the power of British Columbia’s digitally “Connected Coast”, by showcasing their sustainable vision and innovative talents to the world.

Rogers will also be engaging in research and training initiatives, will partner with CFN to support community events, increase its local presence and provide employment opportunities for youth and local entrepreneurs moving forward.