Minister Rock and Secretary of State Owen Announce Funding for  First Nations Communities to Develop Plans for High-Speed Internet Service     Canadian Industry Minister Allan Rock and Secretary of State Stephen Owen today announced that proposals representing approximately 156 First Nations communities without high-speed Internet access in Canada will receive up to $30,000 (canadian) each to develop business plans. The plans will outline how broadband would be implemented in each community covered under the proposals.     "I am pleased that First Nations and non-Aboriginal community groups are working together to bring the social, cultural and economic benefits of high- speed Internet access to more Canadians," said Minister Rock. "This phase of the Broadband Pilot Program is a significant step forward in our commitment to deliver broadband services to all Canadian communities, including First Nations, by 2005."     "Today's announcement is an important step towards enabling access to the latest technologies for aboriginal Canadians in all parts of the country," said Stephen Owen, Secretary of State (Western Economic Diversification) (Indian Affairs and Northern Development).     The funds were allocated as part of the $105 million Broadband for Rural and Northern Development Pilot Program, announced by Minister Rock and Secretary of State Andy Mitchell on September 5, 2002.     "Today's announcement is a great first step toward ensuring that Aboriginal people will have the ability to compete on the global stage," said Chief Gary Merasty of the Prince Albert Tribal Council. "A broadband initiative will make it easier for Aboriginal people to access essential services and to enjoy the best possible quality of life, no matter where they live."     Proposals selected for business plan development funding were chosen from 222 submissions, based on recommendations by an arm's-length National Selection Committee.     Successful applicants will now use their funds to develop business plans to be submitted by May 22, 2003, in order to compete for implementation funding.     The Minister also called for proposals to compete for business plan development funding under the Pilot Program's second round. The deadline for submissions is March 28, 2003.     Backgrounders with information on the program and a list of first round business plan development funding recipients follows. For further details, visit the program's Web site at http://broadband.gc.ca

    Release 1010fn-e

 
                         BACKGROUNDER

                           Broadband Pilot Program
    Successful Applicants and Original List of First Nations Communities

      
       The following list of First Nations communities is based on the
      information submitted by applicants to the Program. Therefore, there is a
      possibility of duplicate entries or missing communities. The actual list
      of First Nations communities affected by Phase 1 of business plan
      development funding will be confirmed once contractual negotiations are
      completed with the successful applicants.
      
    ALBERTA
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Recipient organization               First Nations Communities covered in
                                         submission
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Concurrent Technologies Canada       None
    Research
    Beaver County Broadband Project
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Frog Lake First Nations Band         Frog Lake First Nations
    Community Based High Speed Internet
    Services
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Rural Connections Inc.               None
    Clearwater County - Broadband
    Service Extension
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------

    BRITISH COLUMBIA
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Recipient organization               First Nations Communities covered in
                                         submission
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Bella Coola Advanced Learning        Bella Bella, Klemtu, Oweekeno
    Support Societies
    Central Coast Broadband Project
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Cariboo Chilcotin Broadband Network  Alexis Creek Indian Band, Alkali
                                         Band (Esketemc), Canim Lake Band,
                                         Dog Creek, Soda Creek Band, Tl'esqox
                                         (Toosey), Tletinqox, Ulkatcho Band,
                                         Williams Lake Band, Xeni Gwet'in
                                         First Nation, Yunesit'in
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Clayoquot Biosphere Trust            Ahousaht Reserve, Esowista Reserve,
    Clayoquot Sound - MaMook Broadband   Hotsprings Cove Reserve, Ittatsoo,
    Project                              Macoah, Opisaht Reserve
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Columbia Mountain Open Network -     None
    Beaver Valley
    The Beaver Valley Broadband
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Columbia Mountain Open Network       None
    Inc.
    RDEK Area A Broadband Business Plan
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Columbia Mountain Open Network       None
    Inc
    RDEK Area G Broadband Business Plan
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Community Futures Development        None
    Corporation of Nadina
    Business Plan Development Study
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Gitsegukla Band Council              Gitanyow, Gitsegukla, Gitwangak
    Gitksan West Broadband
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Gold Trail Open Network Society      Ashcroft Indian Band, Bonaparte,
    Gold Trail Open Network Backbone     Bridge River, Cayoose Creek, Cook's
                                         Ferry, Fountain, High Bar, Lillooet
                                         Indian Band, Oregon Jack, Pavilion,
                                         Seton Lake, Siska, Skeetchestn
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Gwaii Trust Society                  Old Massett, Skidegate
    Haida Gwaii Broadband
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Ktunaxa Kinbasket Tribal Council     Columbia Lake Indian Band, Lower
    Society                              Kootenay Indian Band, Shuswap Indian
    Ktunaxa Kinbasket Broadband Pilot    Band, St Mary's Indian Band,
    Project                              Tabacco Plains Indian Band
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Nisga'a Lisims Government            Gitlakdamiks (New Aiyansh),
    Nisga's Lisims Broadband Project     Gitwinksihlkw (Canyon City),
                                         Lakalzap (Greenville), Gingolx
                                         (Kincolith)
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Regional District of Central         None
    Kootenay
    The Broadband Pilot Program for the
    Central Kootenay
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Sliammon Nation Band Council -       Sliammon Nation
    Powell River
    Powell River Regional Broadband
    Network
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Tahltan Nation Development           Good Hope Lake, Iskut, Telegraph
    Corporation                          Creek
    Tahltan Stikine Connect Project
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Village of Valemount                 None
    Broadband Connectivity for Healthy
    Communities in the Canoe-Robson
    Valley, British Columbia
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------

    MANITOBA
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Recipient organization               First Nations Communities covered in
                                         submission
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Broadband Communication North,       Brochet, Fox Lake, God's Lake,
    Inc.                                 God's Lake Narrows, Lac Brochet,
    Sustainable Northern Connectivity    Norway House, Oxford House,
    Strategy                             Shamattawa, Split Lake, Tadoule
                                         Lake,York Landing
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Central Plains Inc                   None
    Central Connection Broadband
    Initiative
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Corporation de développement         None
    communautaire
    Ste. Anne Community Corporation
    Development
    Accès Ste-Anne Access
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Corporation de développement local   Sagkeeng First Nations
    de Saint-Georges St. Georges
    Community Development
    Accès Riviere Winnipeg River
    Access
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Corporation de développement         None
    communautaire Lourdéon
    Access Notre-Dame/ Prairie Spirit
    Access
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Interlake Development Corporation,   None
    Inc.
    Interlake Regional Broadband
    Submission
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------
    North Central Community Futures      War Lake First Nations
    Inc.
    Bayline Communications Enhancement
    Project
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Swan Valley Community Network,       Wuskwi First Nation
    Inc.
    The Swan Valley Community Network
    Broadband Project
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Triple "R" Development Corporation   None
    Southeastern Manitoba Broadband
    Initiative (SEMBI)
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Wheat Belt Community Futures         Birdtail Sioux First Nation,
    Development Corporation              Canupawakpa First Nation, Sioux
                                         Valley Dakota Nation, Swan Lake
                                         First Nation
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------

    NEW BRUNSWICK
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Recipient organization               First Nations Communities covered in
                                         submission
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Collectivité ingénieuse de la        The CIPA submission proposes to
    Péninsule acadienne (CIPA), Inc.     work with local Community Economic
    Réseau à large bande du              Development Agencies to submit a
    Nouveau-Brunswick rural              business plan covering the entire
                                         rural region of New Brunswick.
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------

    NEWFOUNDLAND & LABRADOR
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Recipient organization               First Nations Communities covered in
                                         submission
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------
    District No. 6 - Lewisporte /        None
    Gander
    The New-West Valley and Area
    Broadband Initiative
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Irish Loop Regional Economic         None
    Development Inc.
    Access Irish Loop
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Labrador Information Technology      None
    Initiative Inc.
    Smart Labrador Broadband Initiative
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Nordic Economic Development          None
    Corporation
    Zone 6's Broadband Pilot Project
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------
    The Baie Verte and Area Chamber      None
    of Commerce
    Baie Verte and Area Broadband
    Connectivity
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------
    The Bay St. George South Area        None
    Development Association
    Long Range Information and
    Communication Technology Initiative
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------
    The Excite Corporation, Inc.         None
    Smart Exploits Region (Smart ER)
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Town of Deer Lake                    None
    Humber Valley Broadband Project
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------


    NORTHWEST TERRITORIES
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Recipient organization               First Nations Communities covered in
                                         submission
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Déline Land Corporation              None
    Sahtu Broadband Project
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Denendeh Development Corporation     None
    Development of Broadband Access
    for Aboriginal Communities of the
    Northwest Territories
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Deninu K'ue Development Corporation  None
    Ltd.
    Fort Resolution Broadband Network
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Dogrib Treaty 11 Council             None
    Tli cho Connect
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Tetlit Gwich'In Council              None
    Gwich'In Region Wireless Broadband
    WAN Business Plan
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------

    NOVA SCOTIA
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Recipient organization               First Nations Communities covered in
                                         submission
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Atlantic Learning Innovations        Chapel Island (Potlotek)
    Network Association
    Cape Breton Connectivity Alliance
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Municipality of the County of        Chapel Island (Potlotek)
    Richmond
    Richmond County Broadband
    Initiative
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Municipality of the County of        Wagmatcook First Nations
    Victoria
    Broadband Solutions for Rural
    Development
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------
    The Cumberland Regional Economic     None
    Development Association
    Connecting Cumberland: Gateway to
    Nova Scotia
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------
    The Western Valley Development       None
    Authority
    FUNDYweb Connecting Communities
    Initiative
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------

    NUNAVUT
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Recipient organization               First Nations Communities covered in
                                         submission
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Nunavut Broadband Development        None
    Corporation
    Nunavut Community Broadband Services
    Project
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------

    ONTARIO
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Recipient organization               First Nations Communities covered in
                                         submission
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Anishnaabeg of Kabapikotawanag       Anishinaabeg of Naongashiing
    Resource Council                     First Nation, Big Grassy River
    AKRC Information & Communications    First Nation, Northwest Angle
    Technology (ICT)                     No. 33 First Nation, Northwest
                                         Angle No. 37 First Nation,
                                         Ojibways of Onigaming First Nation,
                                         Wauzhushk Onigum Nation
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Communities of Eastern Ontario       Akwesasne
    Network (CEONET)
    Let's Connect!
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------
    HQNet Community Broadband Network    None
    The Need For Speed
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Huron Business Development           None
    Corporation
    Huron Perth Broadband Project
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Lake of the Woods Business           None
    Incentive Corporation
    Lake of the Woods Business
    Broadband Development Plan
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Matawa First Nations Management      Aroland, Constance Lake,
    Broadband Connectivity Systems       Eabametoong, Ginoogaming,
    Business Plan Development Project    Hornepayne, Long Lake No. 58,
                                         Marten Falls, Neskantaga, Nibinamik,
                                         Webequie
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Nipissing Community Access Program   Dokis First Nation, Nipissing First
    Site Network                         Nation
    Blue Sky Net Project
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------
    North Eastern Ontario Communication  Weenusk First Nation
    Network Inc. - Cochrane
    Cochrane District Broadband Project
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------
    North Eastern Ontario Communication  Mattagami First Nation
    Netwrok Inc. - Gogoma-Foleyet
    Gogoma Foleyet Regional Connectivity
    Project
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------
    North Eastern Ontario Communication  Temagami First Nation
    Network Inc. - Timiskaming
    Timiskaming District Broadband
    Project
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Ogemwahj Tribal Council              Alderville, Beausoleil, Georgina
    OTC Connects                         Island, Mnjikaning, Moose Deer
                                         Point, Scugog Island
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Pwi-Di-Goo-Zing Ne-Yaa-Zhing         Couchiching First Nation, Lac La
    Non-Profit Advisory Services         Croix First Nation, Naicatchewenin
    Fort Frances Area First Nations      First Nation, Rainy River First
    Broadband Proposal                   Nations, Seine River First Nation,
                                         Stanjikoming First Nation ,
                                         Nickicousemenacaning First Nation
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------
    South Dundas Economic Development    None
    Commission
    Broadband Project for Brinston and
    Rural Routes of Iroquois,
    Morrisburg, and Williamsburg
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Technology Alliance Group for        None
    Kawartha Lakes
    Rural E-knowledge Network
    Communication
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------
    The Municipality of Killarney        Henvey Inlet First Nation
    Killarney Broadband Initiative
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Wabun Tribal Council                 Brunswick House ,Chapleau Ojibway,
    Wabun Broadband Initiative           Matachewan, Mattagami, Wahgoshig
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Waterloo Regional Library            None
    E-Rural: Waterloo Regional Rural
    Community Network
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Windigo First Nations Council        Koocheching, Slate Falls
    Windigo First Nations Broadband
    Initiative
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------

    PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Recipient organization               First Nations Communities covered in
                                         submission
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Central Development Corporation      None
    Limited
    Borden-Carleton Broadband Project
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------
    La Société de développement de la    None
    Baie acadienne incorporée
    Large bande Evangeline
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------
    The Morell Region Community          Scotchfort
    Learning Centre Inc.
    Communities Connect
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Tignish Initiatives Corporation      None
    Wescom
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------

    QUEBEC
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Recipient organization               First Nations Communities covered in
                                         submission
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Centre des technologies de           Eagle Village First Nation, Long
    l'information et des communications  Point First Nation, Timiskaming
    (Région Abitibi- Témiscamingue)      First Nation, Wolf Lake First Nation
    Inforoute à large bande en Abitibi
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Centre des technologies de           Kitcisakik, Lac Barrière, Lac Simon
    l'information et des communications
    Inforoute à large bande -
    Rouyn-Noranda Témiscamingue
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Conseil des Atikamekw de Wemotaci    Wemotaci
    Services à Large Bande a Wemotaci
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Grand Council of the Crees (of       Cree Nation of Chisasibi, Cree
    Quebec)/ Grand Conseil des Cris      Nation of Eastman, Cree Nation of
    (du Québec)                          Mistissini, Cree Nation of Nemaska,
    Project for Access and Regional      Cree Nation of Ouje-Bougoumou, Cree
    Connectivity                         Nation of Waskaganish, Cree Nation
                                         of Wemindji, Cree Nation of
                                         Whapmagoostoo
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Journal communautaire Le Portageur   Natashquan First Nation
    Natashquan largement branché
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Service de développement des         None
    technologies de l'information
    Large bande rural "Les Maskoutains-
    Acton"
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Société d'aide au développement      None
    de la collectivité de Mégantic
    Service à large bande pour les
    collectivités de la région de
    Mégantic
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Société d'aide au développement      Réserve Attikamek de Manawan
    de la collectivité de la Matawinie
    Inc.
    Développement d'un réseau large
    bande MRC de Matawinie, Québec,
    Canada
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Société d'aide au développement      None
    de la collectivité de Lac-Saint-
    Jean-Est, Inc.
    Accès large bande Lac-Saint-Jean-
    Est
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Société d'aide au développement      None
    de la collectivité du Fjord Inc.
    Etude pour l'implantation d'un
    reseau de fibres optiques
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Société d'aide au développement      None
    de la collectivité du Haut-Saint-
    François
    Accès généralisé aux communications
    par large bande dans le Haut-Saint-
    Francois
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Société d'aide au développement      None
    de la collectivité Maria Chapdelaine
    Service Large Bande Compte Roberval
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Wakefield Internet Steering          None
    Committee
    Community Boradband Access in the
    Lower Gatineau Valley
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------

    SASKATCHEWAN
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Recipient organization               First Nations Communities covered in
                                         submission
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------
    MLTC Program Services Inc.           Birch Narrows Dene Nation, Buffalo
    Deployment of Broadband              River Dene Nation, Canoe Lake First
    Connectivity to the First Nations    Nation, Clear Water Dene Nation,
    of Meadow Lake Tribal Council        English River First Nation, Flying
                                         Dust First Nation, Island Lake First
                                         Nation, Makwa Sahgaiehcan First
                                         Nation, Waterhen Lake First Nation,
                                         Meadow Lake Tribal Council
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------
    New North SANC Services Inc.         None
    Athabasca Broadband Project
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------
    New North SANC Services Inc.         None
    North West Saskatchewan Broadband
    Project
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------
    PAGC Management Company Ltd.         Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation, Lac
    PAGC Broadband Initiative            La Ronge Indian Band), Montreal
                                         Lake Cree Nation, Red Earth Cree
                                         First Nation, Shoal Lake Cree
                                         Nation , Cumberland House Cree
                                         Nation, James Smith Cree Nation,
                                         Sturgeon Lake First Nation,
                                         Wahpeton Dakota Nation, Black Lake
                                         Denesuline First Nation, Fond du
                                         Lac Denesuline First Nation, Hatchet
                                         Lake Denesuline First Nation
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Town of Leroy                        None
    Town of Leroy Saskatchewan
    Broadband Access
    Business Plan Project - Development
    Phase
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------

For further information: Selena Beattie, Office of the Minister of 
Industry, (613) 995-9001; Potential program applicants, please call: 
1-800-575-9200, Media Relations, Industry Canada, (613) 943-2502