Bell Canada and National Indigenous Connectivity Inc. (NICI) have announced a new Reconciliation Agreement with the shared goal to advance connectivity in rural and remote First Nations communities.
NICI is a 100% Indigenous-owned technology company that advocates for wireless spectrum access and high-speed Internet for all First Nations.
In response to the 2024 Assembly of First Nations (AFN) and Indigenous Services Canada report, Closing the Infrastructure Gap (opens in new window) , Bell and NICI will work together to expand infrastructure and service delivery in underserved First Nations communities by 2030.
This partnership builds on Bell’s 2024 commitment (opens in new window) , which affirms the company’s ongoing dedication to fostering positive and mutually respectful relationships with Indigenous Peoples and communities.
Bell and NICI will work collaboratively to implement their Reconciliation Agreement. As part of the agreement, Bell will work with NICI on long-term broadband and wireless deployment plans. Bell is also reaffirming its commitment that employees working with Indigenous communities complete training aligned with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Call to Action #92 (opens in new window).
“Bell fully supports the National Indigenous Connectivity Inc’s goal of closing the digital infrastructure gap in rural and remote First Nations communities. To close this gap, we need stable, long-term public policy and a regulatory environment that enables private sector investment in telecommunications networks. Together with NICI, we can build, grow, and connect Canadians to support continued private investment in critical network connectivity to First Nations communities,” said, Michele Austin, Vice-President, Public Affairs, Bell Canada.
“Many Indigenous communities still lack reliable, high-speed internet, limiting opportunities and essential services. We believe that connectivity is a fundamental right – essential for education, economic development, healthcare, and self-determination. The National Indigenous Connectivity Initiative (NICI) is committed to advocating for all remote and rural First Nations across Canada to have access to spectrum and high-speed internet,” commented, Leoni Rivers, Chief Executive Officer, National Indigenous Connectivity Inc.
