About the Project

Reliable high-speed Internet access for all First Nations in BC is the goal. This goal has been recognized as a high priority by a number of organizations in recent years including the First Nations Leadership Council, the Premier’s Technology Council and the Province of BC in the Transformative Change Accord, which recognizes connectivity as foundational to closing the socio-economic gap between First Nations and other British Columbians.

In January 2006 the First Nations Technology Council (FNTC) articulated the high priority placed on broadband connectivity in a document entitled "2006-2008 Strategic Plan Supporting the Full Integration of Technologies to Improve the Quality of Life of all First Nations in British Columbia” (View PDF).

Broadband connectivity is also a key priority for the First Nations Health Council (FNHC) as part of their efforts to create a fully integrated First Nations clinical telehealth network.

In 2009 the hard work of the FNTC and its partners on the Fully Integrated Technologies Partners Working Group came to fruition when $40.8 million was granted to All Nations Trust Company by the Province of British Columbia and the Government of Canada for the purpose of providing financial stewardship and project management for the Pathways to Technology project to ensure broadband connectivity to all 203 First Nations in BC.  

The $40.8M is split into two distinct yet related funds: $35.8M for connectivity infrastructure and $5M for capacity building.