Why It's Important
The Connected Coast project is a foundational investment in the digital equity and sovereignty of First Nations on the coast of British Columbia. By bringing high-speed fibre optic internet to 48 Indigenous communities among its 139 landing sites, it provides the essential infrastructure for economic reconciliation and modern self-determination. This connectivity is crucial for Nations to exercise digital sovereignty over their data, for local businesses to engage in the global digital economy, and for members to access remote health, education, and governance services. For communities historically underserved by infrastructure, this project directly supports cultural revitalization, improves the reliability of essential services, and creates pathways for sustainable economic development that aligns with community values, a goal central to the work of organizations like the First Nations Technology Council.
History
The Connected Coast project was born from decades of advocacy by First Nations leaders to bridge the profound digital divide separating their communities from the rest of the province. It represents a critical step away from unreliable, inadequate solutions towards permanent, high-capacity infrastructure. Managed through a partnership between CityWest and the Strathcona Regional District, the project received major federal and provincial funding starting in 2018. Laying over 3,400 kilometres of subsea fibre optic cable, this initiative is a significant milestone in recognizing that modern infrastructure is a prerequisite for true self-governance and economic independence in the digital age.
Examples
Heiltsuk Nation (Bella Bella): As a Connected Coast landing point, the Heiltsuk Nation can leverage high-speed internet to enhance language and cultural revitalization programs, support Guardian Watchmen environmental monitoring, and empower local artists and tourism operators to market their work globally.
Ehattesaht Chinehkint First Nation (Zeballos): For the Ehattesaht Chinehkint Nation, the project provides a lifeline, enabling effective Nation governance through reliable online services and creating opportunities for members to participate in remote work and education without leaving their home territory.
Tla-o-qui-aht First Nations (Tofino): Located in a major tourism hub, the Tla-o-qui-aht First Nations can use the new bandwidth to build and control their own digital tourism platforms, manage land and resource data, and ensure their members benefit directly from the region's digital economy.
Software and Tools
Connected Coast Network Map: A vital planning tool for Nation leadership to identify economic and social opportunities based on the new infrastructure, from land use management to new business development.
CIRA Internet Performance Test: A free, Canadian-based tool that allows First Nations communities and their members to verify that they are receiving the promised service levels, supporting accountability and advocacy.
Microsoft 365: With reliable connectivity, Nation administrations can leverage secure, cloud-based tools for governance, file management, and communication, strengthening data sovereignty and operational efficiency.
Zoom: High-speed fibre makes reliable video conferencing a reality, enabling members to participate in community meetings, connect with remote family, and access telehealth consultations, strengthening community cohesion.
AI Considerations
The high-capacity connectivity from the Connected Coast project unlocks the potential for First Nations to harness Artificial Intelligence on their own terms. It enables access to cloud-based AI for language revitalization efforts, such as developing translation or learning apps. AI can also be used to analyze environmental data for land stewardship or to help digitize and manage cultural heritage archives. Crucially, this infrastructure supports digital sovereignty; however, Nations must develop clear data governance policies to ensure that community data entered into AI models is protected and used in accordance with OCAP® principles.
FAQ
It provides the foundational infrastructure for Nations to build and control their own digital services, manage their data according to their own protocols, and create economic opportunities aligned with their values.
The project is connecting 48 Indigenous communities along the B.C. coast, representing a significant step in closing the digital divide.
The subsea backbone is owned by a partnership, but it is an "open-access" network. This allows and encourages First Nations to develop and own the local "first mile" networks that connect their communities to the backbone.
Fibre optic cable offers significantly faster and more reliable speeds with lower latency (delay), which is critical for interactive applications like telehealth, online learning, and gaming.
It means any qualified Internet Service Provider, including a First Nations-owned company, can pay to use the main fibre line to sell services directly to homes and businesses.
High-speed internet enables Nations to create, store, and share high-resolution digital archives of languages, stories, and cultural practices, ensuring they are preserved and accessible for future generations.
The official Connected Coast website provides a detailed network map and the latest news on construction and service activation.
Pro Tips
Stay informed about initiatives like the Connected Coast project that aim to bring high‑speed fibre to remote communities. Learn how such projects are funded, their timelines, and what services—such as telemedicine or distance education—will become available. Being informed helps you plan for future opportunities and advocate for your community’s needs.
Checklist
External Resources
First Nations Technology Council: A B.C.-based, Indigenous-led organization essential for digital skills training, policy advocacy, and promoting digital equity.
First Mile Connectivity Consortium: A national Indigenous organization providing resources and support for communities building their own "first mile" connectivity solutions.
Network BC – Indigenous Communities: The B.C. government's hub for information on connectivity initiatives and funding specifically for Indigenous communities.
Innovation Island Technology Association: A regional partner supporting tech entrepreneurs, offering resources for leveraging the new connectivity for business growth.