Tribal Resource Center

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Community Connect grant due

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Community Connect Grants

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Comments for Digital Equity Grants due May 1, 2023

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Indigenous Connectivity Summit 2023

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Local Assistance and Tribal Consistency Fund (LATCF) Extended to April 28

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Net Inclusion 2023

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Tribal Broadband Bootcamp

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Tribal Broadband Bootcamp

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Tribal Broadband Bootcamp

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About

Our mission here at the Tribal Resource Center is to empower tribal communities to utilize the benefits of broadband. We aim to provide the resources necessary to ensure successful connectivity projects. Through our associations and resources we hope to share our knowledge with Native American tribes across the nation.

The Tribal Resource Center is a hub of validated articles, links, videos, courses, and people to assist tribal nations with adopting broadband technologies. Resources are vetted by tribal leaders and members, offering guidance for both the technical and human opportunities and challenges that come with high speed internet. As the TRC matures, it will include further resources on the benefits of digitization, including community health, entrepreneurship, education, and cultural preservation, with added features for intertribal learning.

Although we are a new resource we have the privilege to be working with four tribes: Shoalwater Bay, Hoopa Valley, Fort Bidwell, and Yurok. It is an honor to be able to assist these great communities in obtaining their goals. We also look forward to working with more tribes in the near future.

Getting Started

Beginning a tribal connectivity project can seem daunting but knowing where to start can make a big difference. Here you can find the information and resources you need to start your project in a successful manner. Obtaining a feasibility study, needs assessment, and scope of work will prove to be useful.
Tribal Resource Center video series: Getting started with community needs

For more resources see https://tribalresourcecenter.net/

Tribal Broadband Bootcamp Virtual Intro and basics session one (1-6-2023)

This video discusses what the Bootcamp is, what we want to accomplish, and covers some basics of fiber optics, digital equity, and what the Internet.

BECOMING BROADBAND READY TOOLKIT
Tribal Broadband Bootcamp 05 Virtual Session 3 - ISP Structure and a Network Playbook

This session discusses the different divisions that are often found within ISPs, what they do, and tips for small ISPs in structuring them. Then we rapidly go over a 17-step […]

BIA broadband infrastructure information

This resource discusses: https://www.bia.gov/service/infrastructure/expanding-broadband-access

Challenges and policy implication of bridging the digital divide for native American Tribes:A community resilience approach

Despite continuous development, Native American tribes face a digital divide with limited access to high-speed Internet. It affects communities' resilience and ability to adapt, grow, restructure, and thrive in the […]

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Tribal Resource Center video series: Partners
Tribal Resource Center video series: Feasibility studies
Tribal Resource Center video series: Tools for organizing your tribal broadband needs
Exploring Digital Equity Fact Sheets

The Local Institute for Self Reliance has complied a list of possible challenges issues you may encounter. The Exploring Digital Equity Fact Sheet Series unpacks the issues, challenges, and opportunities today.

Building Broadband Commons: Tools for planners and Communities

Here you can find a set of tools for community representatives to guide broadband planning at different levels from the Open Technology Institute 2014 report. Click HERE for the Building […]

CAD drawing requirements

When working with contractors to build a network you will want key network information documented and drawn. Here are some requirements that should be included.

The road to broadband: A planning guide for your community broadband network

Click here to visit the National Broadband Hub for information on "The road to broadband: A planning guide for your community broadband network".

The Next Generation Network Connectivity Handbook : A guide for community leaders seeking affordable, abundant bandwidth

This resource is directed toward community leaders seeking affordable and reliable bandwidth in their communities. It outlines best practices, summarizes existing models, and offers a advice so community leaders can […]

Roadmap to planning a community broadband

This resource from Broadband USA, provides planning steps to create a community broadband roadmap. The intention of this resource is to help communities expand broadband access locally. It aims to […]

Community engagement

This document focuses on three aspects of successful community engagement: understanding, planning, and operationalizing, and ensuring that efforts are meaningful. It also includes links to resources for communities.

Becoming broadband ready toolkit

This resource form Next Century Cities includes a guide for local governments to increase broadband investments, examples of successful community actions, and a checklist of steps that local leaders can […]

Using Google Earth to Design Your Network
2022 Tribal Broadband Bootcamp (Session 4 - Fiber)

This session take an in-depth look at fiber networks. Supporting resource:

Benefits of Digital

2020 showed many communities the importance of reliable internet connection. Many families were dependent on internet connection for distant learning and for work. However, there are many more benefits of the internet for your community. Here you can explore some of the benefits connectivity has to offer as well as some examples how Native American communities use internet access to serve and better their community.
WIA and Corning to Launch Pre-apprenticeship Program for Fiber Optic Careers Development  

This program offers broadband certification for more information please see:

Work force development funding opportunities

The following funds can be used for training and workforce development: •Trade Adjustment Assistance Community College and Career Training (TAACCCT)/SkillsCommons Access to Telecommunications Curricula program https://broadbandusa.ntia.doc.gov/resources/federal/federal-funding/department-labor-trade-adjustment-assistance-community-college •Investments in Apprenticeship to […]

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Workforce development and technician certification with the Fiber Broadband Association

The Fiber Broadband Association offers classes and certification for broadband technicians in several areas around the United States. These certifications fufill some obligations required for many grants. The classes cover […]

Digital Inclusion Coalition Guidebook

NDIA Publishes "New Digital Inclusion Coalition Guidebook" for more information, click here.

TELEHEALTH Start-Up and Resource Guide

"This start-up and resource guide was created in partnership between Telligen and gpTRAC, the GreatPlains Telehealth Resource and Assistance Center. It is intended to provide an overview and frameworkfor implementing […]

Tribal Broadband Consortiums

In order to obtain connectivity, many tribes have decided to work together and form consortiums. They pull resources, founding, and knowledge for the greater good of their communities. Here are […]

Workforce Development

Connectivity presents economic opportunities both online and in person via broadband maintenance and installation. Here you can find a Council of Economic Advisers issue brief on The digital divide and […]

Entrepreneurship

Connectivity provides entrepreneurship opportunities to Native American communities. It gives communities the ability to take their trades and crafts and put them in marketable places.  “While the best-known tribal business […]

Benefits of Digital

2020 and 2021 showed many communities the importance of reliable internet connection. Many families were dependent on internet connection for distant learning and for work. However, there are many more […]

Public Safety

Connectivity can greatly enhance tribal justice systems. Connectivity aides tribal police officers, court systems, foster care facilities, aiding background checks, as well as the ability to broadcast missing and murdered […]

Telehealth

Telehealth is another invaluable resource, community members can easily seek virtual health services for things like diabetes control, mental health and many other crucial services our communities need. Going digital […]

Education

As the past year has shown us, distance learning is a valuable tool. Connectivity  also presents an opportunity for tribal curriculum to be more culturally inclusive, making it easier to […]

Cultural Preservation

The internet can be a great way to engage the youth and elders with cultural preservation. It can be used to teach traditional languages. For example, the Bishop Paiute tribe […]

Intertribal Relations

Internet connectivity allows tribes to have greater intertribal relations. Sharing resources and information allows all tribal communities to grow and thrive. It gives a voice to tribes on a global […]

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