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At the AFN Annual Assembly that is being webcast at http://ajax.autocast.ca/viewer/afn_en/live/wm/default.html (requires RealPlayer), the chiefs in assembly passed

Resolution 19 - e-Community for First Nations: A National Framework

AFN Annual General Assembly
July 15-17, 2008 Quebec City, QC
DRAFT Resolution no. 19/2008

e-Community for First Nations: A National Framework

MOVED BY: Chief Tammy Cook-Searson, Lac La Ronge FN, SK
SECONDED BY: Chief Shane Gottfriedson, Kamloops Indian Band, BC

WHEREAS:

A. Broadband connectivity and integrated ICT services provide First Nations with the economic, social and cultural capacity to support new opportunities and developments locally, regionally, nationally and internationally;
B. Broadband connectivity and integrated ICT services are essential in the more efficient delivery of government programs and services;
C. The Assembly of First Nations (Canada) resolution 65/2004 passed in July 2004 directs the government of Canada to honour its commitment to connect every community to broadband services by 2005;
D. Introducing broadband connectivity and integrated ICT services require an initial capital investment in each First Nation community, that is presently not included in federal funding, to establish the appropriate infrastructure and equipment that can carry high speed data, quality video and voice traffic;
E. The only access to broadband connectivity for many northern and remote First Nations is costly satellite technology;
F. Developing integrated ICT service delivery requires strategic investments in new information and communication technologies (ICTs);
G. The World Summit on the Information Society and the United Nations supports the introduction of these infrastructures and technologies in order to develop a people-centered, inclusive and development-oriented Information Society;
H. First Nation administrations and organizations across Canada are working together to support the development and introduction of ICTs in First Nations communities across the country;
I. Resolution 11/2006 called to establish a Technical Working Group to coordinate ICT activities for all First Nations;
J. First Nation Think Tank experts drafted a Think Tank Summary report in March 2008;
K. Government and industry standards have established an executive authority, like a Chief Information Officer, and First Nations need equivalent positions to adequately manage their integrated ICT resources;
L. Broadband connectivity allows for powerful new tools that are transforming our world and providing innovation and new opportunities for First Nations;
M. The Government of Canada is responsible for eliminating the implementation gaps of broadband connectivity that currently exist in First Nations communities and must support existing ICT programs while establishing a new, comprehensive, standards-based, permanently funded, integrated ICT framework.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that:

1. The Chiefs-in-Assembly mandate AFN to seek immediate bridge financing to support new and existing initiatives for the continued development of integrated ICT services at the community and regional level and until the new comprehensive framework is in place.
2. Chiefs-in-Assembly affirm that Canada must ensure First Nation representation and engagement on this issue and provide funding to the National and Regional Technical Working Groups to develop ICT Strategic Plans, including Regional Plans.
3. Support new and existing regional First Nation administrations and organizations working with national and provincial governments, the private and the NGO sectors to continue developing and delivering broadband connectivity and integrated ICT services.