Image
Fast, affordable Internet access for all.
CBN Welcomes New ACLS Fellow to Work on Advancing Digital Sovereignty in Indian Country
By
on
The Community Broadband Networks (CBN) team here at the Institute for Local Self-Reliance (ILSR) is thrilled to announce we will once again welcome a postdoctoral fellow this coming fall to undertake a two-year project that advances policy initiatives in support of expanding broadband access and digital sovereignty for Tribal Nations across the U.S.
It’s the second time the American Council of Learned Societies (ACLS) has selected ILSR as a host organization for a Leading Edge Fellowship, which embeds humanities and social science PhDs with nonprofits committed “to solve problems, build capacity, and advance justice and equity in society.”
Earlier this month, ACLS announced 18 new ACLS Leading Edge Fellows for 2023. In September, one of those fellows – Jessica E. Auer (PhD, History, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill) – will join the CBN team, kicking off her full-time fellowship as a Tribal Broadband Policy Analyst.
Image
Jessica will conduct original research and writing to help develop policy narratives that can be used to support new and existing tribal broadband efforts.
With less than 60 percent of those living on Tribal lands in the lower 48 states having access to basic broadband connections – as Native Nations have regularly been excluded from policy conversations around these issues – Tribal citizens miss out on educational, economic, telehealth, social networking, and a panoply of other activities that foster community resiliency and democratic engagement in the modern world.
Jessica’s work will focus on ways to support tribes as they build broadband networks for the provision of essential services and assist in meeting the challenges in running small businesses, accessing healthcare via telehealth, and working and learning remotely in Indian Country. In additionJessica’s work will also intersect with our Initiative’s integral involvement with Tribal Broadband Bootcamps.
In the centuries-long wake of formalized structural oppression, Tribal citizens need Internet access now more than ever. And so we heartily welcome Jessica, as her work will contribute to the growing cadre of advocates advancing better Internet connectivity among Native Nations.
Related Stories
ACP Rally and Next #B4DE Event Spotlight Broadband Affordability
Mark your calendars for the April 30 Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) Rally and upcoming Building for Digital Equity Event focused on Pathways to Affordable Connectivity.
USDA ReConnect Amps Up Broadband Funding to Tribal Nations
Colorado River Indian Tribe was among a handful of Tribes that received substantial funding awards from the USDA ReConnect Grant Program, a reminder that Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program is not the be-all-end-all of funding for Tribal broadband.
Save The Date: Next B4DE Event Will Focus On Pathways To Affordable Connectivity
The second Building for Digital Equity (#B4DE) event of the year will focus on what digital equity advocates across the nation are doing to address broadband affordability challenges and delve into the need for creating sustainable solutions for communities.
RantanenTown Ranch Turns Into Broadband Playground For Tribal Broadband Bootcamp 11
Photo-filled look at the many days of prep and three days of immersive programming that went into creating Tribal Broadband Bootcamp 11 at RantanenTown Ranch.
Building for Digital Equity Podcast Returns
We are set to launch a brand new season that focuses on the frontline work to expand Internet access, address affordability, and help provide the digital skills and devices necessary to fully participate in a digital world. The first episode of 2024 features an insightful conversation with Pierrette Renée Dagg, Director of Research for the MERIT Network in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
Life After ACP B4DE Today
Today, the first Building for Digital Equity livestream of the year will kick off at 3 PM ET with a focus on "Life After ACP."