{"id":151,"date":"2021-04-30T11:00:26","date_gmt":"2021-04-30T15:00:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/courses.bowdoin.edu\/gov-2577-spring-2021-healthy-arctic-communities\/?page_id=151"},"modified":"2021-05-23T15:16:46","modified_gmt":"2021-05-23T19:16:46","slug":"corina-gray","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/courses.bowdoin.edu\/gov-2577-spring-2021-healthy-arctic-communities\/arctic-issues-and-policy-ideas\/corina-gray\/","title":{"rendered":"Indigenous Groups and Internet Access in the Arctic\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"

Internet Access as a Tool for the Preservation of Indigenous Culture and Fostering Healthy Communities\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

The high amount of non-Indigenous content across social media and the internet more broadly is often seen as a threat to the preservation of Indigenous culture.<\/p>\n

However, when used correctly it is a valuable tool for members of rural Arctic communities to preserve and share ideas, regional traditions, and cultures. While some action has been taken to increase connectivity through broadband internet, no two Arctic communities are exactly alike with the same issues and needs<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

“Inuit assert their presence in the world and forge new online and offline (transnational and local) social networks. In this capacity, the Internet can be seen as inspiring a new and creative form of technological practice through which Inuit can mobilize themselves and engage different material and immaterial worlds”<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Policy Recommendations<\/strong><\/p>\n

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In 2017, just 37% of rural households had access to 50\/10 Mbps, as opposed to 97% in urban households. Further research finds that only 24% of homes in Indigenous communities have access to 50\/10 Mbps.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Investment in hard<\/strong> and<\/strong> soft infrastructure<\/strong> to ensure members of the community can maintain and develop internet access themselves, as well as a misinformation and disinformation campaign<\/strong> to protect and foster Indigenous community engagement. The addition of more electric grids and telecommunications infrastructure provides a strong foundation to address other community needs, like infant health, mental health, and rebuilding trust with the government.<\/p>\n

Please view the video below to learn more about the internet, social media, and their connection to Indigenous identities.<\/strong><\/p>\n