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Matawa First Nations Management staff organized a planning meeting with different stakeholders to determine a strategy to access the resources required to bring broadband connectivity and applications to their member First Nations.

Representatives from Nishnawbe Aski Nation (Gordon Kakegamic), Matawa (Paul Capon, John Cole), FedNor (Carl Seibel) and Keewaytinook Okimakanak (Brian Beaton) met by video conference discussing Industry Canada's Broadband for Rural and Northern Development (BRAND) program and how everyone can work together to ensure EVERY First Nation across Treaty 9 territory is included in this initiative.

Ontario First Nations Technical Services Corporation's Annual Conference, "Tradition and Technology for a Better Tomorrow" was opened by Fort Severn Elder Elijah Stoney and Chief George Kakakespan joining the conference by video conference. Elder Elijah Stoney said a prayer for the gathering from the Fort Severn First Nation band office. Chief George Kakekaspan said a few words to the conference participants about the importance of these communication tools for his community.

Working in partnership with Keewaytinook Okimakanak, Bell Canada and Adcom, OFNTSC Conference participants will be able to link with different Tribal Councils and First Nations that have access to video conferencing services during the trade show scheduled for Wednesday, Oct 9. A workshop session is also scheduled for Thursday to discuss the different issues surrounding developing and sustaining video conferencing connections in the different organizations and First Nations.

See additional pictures at http://photos.knet.ca/OFNTSC-conference