CONNECTING REMOTE FIRST NATIONS TO THE INTERNET by Brian Beaton, K-Net Services Coordinator For Presentation at: Partnerships & Participation in Telecommunications for Rural Development: Exploring What Works and Why Conference University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada October 26 & 27, 1998 Online Pre-conference - October 1 to 21, 1998 ABSTRACT In the remote regions of Northern Ontario, Canada, where telephone connections are limited, and local Internet providers are non-existent, isolated First Nations have enhanced communication services via K-Net since 1994. K-Net (Kuh-ke-nah Network) is a First Nation computer conferencing system developed and managed by Keewaytinook Okimakanak, a First Nations Tribal Council, based in Sioux Lookout. K-Net provides free Internet e- mail services and public and small group conferencing services for the First Nations throughout the area. Users can choose to connect to K-Net by either an 800 dial-up or via the Internet, depending on available telecommunication services. All First Nations schools under federal jurisdiction can be connected to the Internet as part of Industry Canada's First Nation SchoolNet Program (FNSP). Interested First Nation schools are being provided with satellite technology DirecPC, a Pentium computer, and funding support for the school's Internet access. One service provided by K-Net Services is the Northern Ontario Helpdesk for FNSP. In North Western Ontario, there were a number of First Nations that could not use this technology due to the lack of or very poor telecommunications infrastructure, so K-Net staff worked with Industry Canada to find a solution -- the MSAT/DirecPC combination. As part of the Helpdesk, K-Net Services supports the First Nation schools in the development, installation and maintenance of a satellite service to provide Internet connectivity for the staff and students. Beginning in January, 1998, K-Net Services, in partnership with Industry Canada and some remote First Nation schools in http://www.devmedia.org/documents/beaton.htm (1 of 8)6/15/2004 2:41:45 AM
Northwestern Ontario, installed and is now supporting MSAT satellite telephone services to operate with the original DirecPC equipment in each school. More than twenty First Nation schools are now using the MSAT / DirecPC satellite equipment to provide access to the Internet for students and local community members. Local Area Networks with up to thirty computers in the schools are set up and locally maintained so as many people as possible can have Internet access. Users from most of the area's First Nations now network with family and friends in other remote communities, as well as with people in urban centres who have ties to the north. Post- secondary, training and employment programs are presently being delivered via K-Net to First Nation users across the Far North. First Nations are supporting community access to the Internet working with Industry Canada's CAP and First Nations Schoolnet programs. This project and the partnerships involved may have impact in distance learning and economic development situations where telecommunication infrastructure is limited, user computer skills may be underdeveloped, and distance is a natural barrier to be overcome. INTRODUCTION The honking of southward bound geese as this paper is prepared reminds me of the direction our children are taking to attend school or to seek work or find that magic marketed to us from the south. The out-migration of young people and families from this region leaves few people behind to develop the opportunities and address the challenges that exist in this remote part of Northern Ontario. Quality infrastructures would provide alternate choices and opportunities for our youth and general population. The northern isolated First Nations are changing rapidly, especially in this region of Northern Ontario. Access to information and telecommunication services is a necessary requirement for residents to effectively participate and contribute within our society. First Nation leaders recognized these requirements for their communities back in the early '70's when they began the process to develop Wawatay Native Communications Society. They capitalized again on communications infrastructure in the late '80's with the establishment of the Wahsa Distance Education service for First Nation residents. And in the '90's, they once again supported the development of the Kuh-ke-nah Network (K-Net - a computer network for everybody). THE TECHNOLOGIES A Stay-In-School initiative proposed by the Chiefs and Education Directors of Keewaytinook Okimakanak in the fall of 1994, provided the starting point for the K-Net. This six month project, funded by the local area management board (SLAAMB) resulted in the development of the K-Net Bulletin Board System (BBS). The seven Keewaytinook Okimakanak First Nations each received one computer and a staff position in their local school to support the students to connect via an 800 dial-up service to the K-Net BBS. The initial version of the BBS software had to be modified to change the menus and remove all the colour from the menus so the users in Fort Severn could connect at their maximum available data speed of 300 baud. Other First Nation Councils in the region (Shibogama and Windigo) recognized the potential for the students and encouraged Indian and Northern Affairs, Canada to provide funding so the K-Net BBS would be available for all the First Nation students and staff throughout the area. With this financial support, K-Net was able to add more phone lines and hire the staff needed to promote and support the computer communication service available for the First Nation schools. http://www.devmedia.org/documents/beaton.htm (2 of 8)6/15/2004 2:41:45 AM
The analogue telecommunication service available in the region produces very poor data connections. Frequent disconnects, lots of noise on the line, and poor local infrastructures continues to result in added expenses for K- Net and frustrations for the user. Industry Canada personnel recognized the telecommunication infrastructure problems that made it difficult for the First Nations schools in the area to get connected to the Internet using dial-up services. In 1996, the First Nations Schoolnet Program provided a computer and DirecPC dish for each First Nation school wishing to participate in the program. Industry Canada contracted K-Net staff in the winter of 1996 to be their Northern Ontario regional helpdesk to support the First Nation schools as they attempted to set up and operate this equipment. Working with Government Telecommunications and Infomatic Services (GTIS), Industry Canada, in partnership with K-Net Services, examined a number of different solutions before selecting the MSAT units to assist First Nation schools without adequate infrastructure in completing their connection to the Internet. As the regional helpdesk, K-Net Services is contracted by Industry Canada to manage the installation, maintenance and operation of these units in the First Nations in Northern Ontario. Before traveling to the First Nation, K-Net staff consult with school staff to determine the need for a local area network (LAN) so the maximum number of available computers can share the MSAT / DirecPC connection to the network. The requirements for the LAN are that a local person to be available to work with the K-Net Technician; the school will pay for the network cards, cabling and crimpers; and the LAN and equipment will be maintained by the local contact person. The objective is to have someone in the community available to add more computers to the network as new equipment is acquired. For example, during the week of September 14, a MSAT unit was set up to work with the DirecPC dish and thirty-six computers were connected to a network at the First Nation school in Webequie. THE NETWORK The network involves a number of partners. Keewaytinook Okimakanak and Industry Canada's First Nation Schoolnet Program created this opportunity for First Nation schools experiencing telecommunication difficulties connecting to the Internet. First Nation schools sign an agreement with Keewaytinook Okimakanak to cover the monthly fees for the use of the MSAT unit. Keewaytinook Okimakanak then pays Government Services (GTIS) for the use of the units. Industry Canada is subsidizing the network by paying 100% of the operating costs for 1998 and 50% in 1999. Industry Canada is also paying for the hardware, installation, training and support involved for this network. The MSAT telephone unit located in each First Nation school are Mitsubishi and are provided by Glentel, their Canadian reseller. The unit is purchased by Industry Canada through Government Services (GTIS). A flat rate of $450 per month is charged by GTIS for unlimited access to the satellite space for each phone unit. The call must terminate in Ottawa at TMI Communication's MSAT receiver located at Telesat. Terminating in Ottawa and connecting to an Ottawa Internet provider ensures there are no additional long distance charges involved. Arrangements were made with the Education Network of Ontario (ENO) to use their Ottawa hub to connect the First Nation schools to the Internet. Each First Nation school has their own ENO account with a flat monthly rate of $25 per month for unlimited access. http://www.devmedia.org/documents/beaton.htm (3 of 8)6/15/2004 2:41:45 AM
Access to the K-Net Conferencing System became available over the Internet in the fall of 1997. Students can visit the K-Net web site at http://www.knet.on.ca to join in the on-line discussions with other First Nation students in neighbouring communities. On- line training support is provided for users. A user's manual is available on-line for the installation and maintenance of the DirecPC / MSAT units along with using Wingate as the proxy server on the local area network (http://www.knet.on.ca/direcpc and in French at http://www.knet.on.ca/ direcpcfrench). LOCAL FIRST NATION TECHNICAL SUPPORT DEVELOPMENT A variety of employment and training programs are operated to ensure there is local support available to use the equipment and services available at the local Community Access Centre. The area management board (AMB) approved different projects over the past three years enabling eligible employees to gain some computer experience and support the operation of the local access centre. All the training and support is provided by K-Net staff at a distance using the K-Net Conferencing System to maintain contact with all the project staff in each First Nation. One person in each of the 17 participating First Nations is presently hired by the First Nation and paid by K-Net Services to set up and maintain their local area network and Internet service. Fifteen of the participating First Nations are working with Industry Canada's CAP program to establish Community Access sites for public Internet access. The First Nation CAP Coordinator is developing skills in web page development and maintenance, network management and maintenance, various computer hardware and software applications and local access site promotion and maintenance. Youth employment and training projects are also used to employ young people to assist with helpdesk and Internet assistance at the office in Sioux Lookout. One project supported a young person to be employed for sixteen weeks in each participating First Nation. Summer employment positions are also obtained to provide young people with the opportunity to gain valuable work experience in this field. The work experience gained from these positions is resulting in more young people choosing to return to school and take courses of study in computers and telecommunication technologies. FACILITIES In the spring of 1997, Industry Canada's Community Access Program (CAP) began supporting many of the First Nations in the region to establish Community Access sites. Until the introduction of the MSAT / DirecPC solution, many of the First Nation Access Centres shared space in the school, local Band office, or the local community learning centre. The location of the Access Centre depended on where the computers were located that could connect to the Internet using dial-up services. In most cases this was limited to using the K-Net BBS for Internet E-Mail services and communicating with other K-Net users in the public and small group conference areas. The MSAT / DirecPC Internet connection now provides a way for community members to access the resources available on the Internet. As a result the local First Nation school is now serving as the Community Access point in most cases. Throughout the summer of 1998, the local school computer lab was used by young people to participate in a district-wide Science and Technology Camp facilitated by K-Net staff and funded by INAC. The Community Access centres are staffed by employment / training program participants and youth positions. http://www.devmedia.org/documents/beaton.htm (4 of 8)6/15/2004 2:41:45 AM
OTHER ON-LINE INITIATIVES Keewaytinook Okimakanak's K-Net Services' approach to the development of Internet services throughout this region involves the First Nation first obtaining the opportunity to experience the service and the technology for themselves and gaining equitable access. To achieve this objective, K-Net staff are involved in a number of projects to introduce the benefits of telecommunication technology for First Nation individuals, families and organizations. Each of the projects contribute to the overall goal of developing applications and uses for the technologies that can be further expanded and improved upon at the First Nation level as both the human and technological capacities are developed in each community. Therefore each project must be self-sustaining and linked to the overall goal of local capacity building. Some of the initiatives presently operating or under development, as of September, 1998 include: * The Aboriginal Healing and Wellness Strategy (AHWS/NAN) is assisting K-Net staff in the development of an Internet- based documentation system for Keewaytinook Okimakanak First Nation Health personnel to record community activities and events; store this data in a database; and generate bi- annual reports using this data (visit http://www.knet.on.ca, click on E-Mail and Conferences, become a member of K-Net and click on community calendar). Along with this database, K-Net staff are exploring ways to set up an on-line kiosk in each K.O. First Nation so community members can view the calendar of events for their community and find out more information about each event. * The First Nations Organization Grant program from the Ontario Arts Council is assisting in the development of a web site displaying works of art and crafts from Keewaytinook Okimakanak First Nation artists and craftspeople. Check out http://www.knet.on.ca/artists to see the start of this project. * Ministry of Education and Training (MET) is supporting K-Net Services to work with Confederation College in the delivery of the Aboriginal Teacher Assistant program. Computer equipment is provided for each student to be able to participate in this program from their homes using Computer Mediated Communication (CMC) strategies via the K-Net Conferencing System for all the courses in this one year diploma program. * Indian Studies Support Program (ISSP) from INAC and coordinated by Nishnawbe-Aski Nation is providing funding for the delivery of post-secondary programs using K-Net Services. K-Net staff are working with Northern Nishnawbe Education Council (NNEC) and the Native Teacher Education Program (NTEP) to support students in using computers and K- Net to keep in touch with each other throughout the school year. K-Net staff are also working with Windigo Education Authority and the Tutor Escort Program to identify ways to support the Tutor Escorts in performing their jobs and completing the training program. A third component in this project is the development of an on-line Native language dictionary for use in the schools. * INAC's Science and Technology Summer Camp (INAC) program funded the coordination of a science camp in each of the interested Sioux Lookout District First Nations in Northwestern Ontario. The project strategy for 1998 was for each First Nation to hire one young person who would be the Science Camp Facilitator. K-Net provided funding for a three week position and encouraged the First Nation to use other summer employment dollars to extent the employment for the entire summer. A training workshop was facilitated in Sioux Lookout for all the First Nation Science Camp Facilitators where they learned the skills required to coordinate a science camp http://www.devmedia.org/documents/beaton.htm (5 of 8)6/15/2004 2:41:45 AM
in their own community with local young people (see http://www.knet.on.ca/science/gallery1.html for pictures). * INAC is supporting the use of computer communications through grants to First Nations to obtain the hardware, software and training required to connect to the Internet for transferring files and receiving additional advice from their First Nation's Tribal Council staff, in particular financial administration. * K-Net staff actively participate and support several other regional and provincial initiatives including: a) Wawatay's Northern Telecommunications Working Group including the sub-committee on CRTC's hearings on High- Cost Service Areas b) Industry Canada's CAP Regional Advisory committee c) Trillium Foundation's Community Linkages program development Advisory committee d) Lakehead University's LU-Net service in Sioux Lookout e) Industry Canada's FedNor Aboriginal Working Group (Telecommunications Sub-Committee) The K-Net Conferencing System requires ongoing maintenance and development on a daily, weekly, monthly and annual basis. This includes database and web page management of users and messages (provision of a quality site for young people from the First Nation schools); web site development and management; network maintenance and management; Internet connectivity and maintenance; and staff training and development. Support for Keewaytinook Okimakanak organization is an ongoing service provided by K-Net staff in exchange for office, administrative and financial support. Ongoing technical support and advice for First Nation organizations and individuals include networking support; hardware and software set up and maintenance; telecommunication infrastructure and advice; program development and support; and training. FUTURE DEVELOPMENTS AND REQUIREMENTS The K-Net system is presently operating as a freenet computer communication service accessible to all First Nations throughout Northern Ontario. K-Net provides an important service for the people interested in learning about computer communications and staying in contact with others throughout the region. We anticipate this need will continue for the next few years as both computer technologies and telecommunication infrastructure is introduced into the northern First Nations. Native Language Retention Much more work is required to produce material and provide on- line services to enrich and help retain the Native Language. Existing telecommunication infrastructure does not support the type of bandwidth and technology required to capitalize on a wealth of material available in various formats (print, audio and video). The production of on-line reference guides and tools for using and learning the native language will support http://www.devmedia.org/documents/beaton.htm (6 of 8)6/15/2004 2:41:45 AM
further economic and educational opportunities throughout the region. K- Net staff produced a prototype of an online Oji-Cree Dictionary (http://sioux-lookout.lakeheadu.ca/~danipell/webdata/webdata_tran slator.cgi) to demonstrate one potential application. Accessibility The use of the hardware and software is still at the goodwill of the owners of the equipment. If equipment is not readily accessible to community members, poor access becomes an inhibiting factor for full community usage. The development of a local Internet service is critical for expanded use of the Internet. More band offices now have equipment to access K-Net; First Nations people are just now beginning to have personal computers in their own homes. Telecommunication services and facilities are required that parallel accessibility in other centres. Broadband Applications Demonstration projects that are community controlled and managed providing a variety of telecommunication services and service delivery models must be developed and supported in geographically remote First Nations. The proposed Kuh-ke-nah Broadband Development Network is one example of a locally developed initiative that can grow in a similar manner as the initial K-Net BBS, with other First Nations joining the network as resources and capacity permits. The project proposes to research and evaluate the potential of broadband, multi-media technologies for the provision of cost-effective and appropriate health support services delivery in small, remote communities. The development of this project will enable other telehealth networks and medical professionals, usually located in urban centres such as Ottawa, Toronto and Winnipeg, to gain valuable experience and knowledge in the provision of culturally appropriate health services in small, rural communities. Local economic development, educational opportunities and human resource development initiatives are also planned to expand and produce telecommunication applications throughout various community sectors to ensure the network is sustained and used to its fullest potential. CONCLUSION Many northerners indicate a strong desire to have local access to the Internet. However, this will continue to be a vision until there is more meshing between technical realities; user skill level; and easy accessibility. The overall challenge is to advance the above needs by building on the positive results from the past few years, while addressing inadequacies such as limited telephone lines and bandwidth for parallel applications available in urban centres. Isolated First Nation communities in Northwestern Ontario are ideal locations for using communication available through computer mediated conferencing (CMC) and the Internet. The need is greater here, both for increased communication, and for the skill upgrading required to parallel the norm in urban centres. Like the winter roads, a vital life link for the First Nations to the Trans-Canada Highway, a small BBS was the forerunner to traveling the Internet, the Communications Highway whose accessibility is taken for granted in main stream Canada. First Nation communities have always taken new technology and found unique uses for it. For example, due to limited mail services, fax machines were embraced by the north far more quickly than in the south. As communities prepare for the twenty-first century, disparities in services will be minimized as technological skills and services bridge that gap. Advanced telecommunication infrastructures are required immediately throughout http://www.devmedia.org/documents/beaton.htm (7 of 8)6/15/2004 2:41:45 AM
the north to ensure the long-term health and well- being of the entire province and its people. http://www.devmedia.org/documents/beaton.htm (8 of 8)6/15/2004 2:41:45 AM