The rapid growth of the Internet over the past decade has forever changed the way we do business, the way we learn, the way we access information, the way we shop, and every aspect of our way of life. Unfortunately, the Internet has not benefited rural communities as much because of unpredictable phone systems, the high cost of long distance dial-up and the availability of broadband Internet access

The community of the Heiltsuk First Nation (http://www.heiltsuk.com) in Waglisla (or Bella Bella, Mid-Coast in British Columbia) is living this reality. They do not have a local ISP (Internet Service Provider); however, the school has been providing some Internet access on a limited dial-up basis through six telephone lines.

Unfortunately, from a user perspective, with very limited Internet access and the large number of users currently sharing the service, response time can be painfully slow. To solve this problem, the Heiltsuk Tribal Council chose the 1nterLink Internet access solution. The 1nterLink solution provides a total, innovative, low-cost system, that includes high speed data downlink, caching server, local search engine, web hosting, a virtual private network, e-mail server, file server, redundant system, on-line backup, remote monitoring, battery backup for power failure, and multiple dial-in access, - a leading edge package for the Heiltsuk First Nation.

Hewlett-Packard Canada (HP) also recognized the significance of this initiative. HP has a long history of working to bridge the digital divide between communities in Canada and around the world – HP calls it “e-inclusion”. Specifically in Canada, developing a more inclusive workforce is an important corporate goal for HP and increasing the number of Aboriginal people is a key part of this initiative. HP Canada is investing a powerful Internet server to host this environment. This will thereby, enable the entire community with fast access to the Internet and a unique learning environment in their school leveraging correlated internet-based educational content.

This is not about technology, however. Rather, it is about enabling the community through access to relevant information for everyone. From students and parents, to business people and seniors, 1nterLink connects Bella Bella with a world of resources. By implementing this unique solution, 1nterlink and HP empower many opportunities to enrich the community beyond just providing faster Internet access.

A new local business, running the local ISP, is now possible and creates multiple benefits to the community. Given reasonable cost access to the Internet, local businesses and entrepreneurs can market their products and ideas over the World Wide Web. As a result, this spawns demand for web page design, e-commerce expertise, and new skills related to hosting a web presence. 1nterLink facilitates anyone, especially the young people of the community, to vie for more career opportunities that can be commercially developed in the local community.

Advanced Interactive Inc., in partnership with HP Canada, and represented by Indigenous International Trade Corporation (IITC) markets 1nterLink in North America to First Nations and rural communities. President and CEO, Matt Vickers (Tsimshian/Heiltsuk in British Columbia) and former Senior Manager of Aboriginal Banking for the Royal Bank, immediately recognized the significance for First Nations

“This breakthrough in technology represents a great opportunity for First Nations to share and preserve their culture in the digital world of the Internet,” said Vickers.

“HP is excited to be part of enabling this initiative that provides aboriginal and rural communities with high speed access to resources that enable parents, teachers, students, and businesses to actively participate in the emerging e-economy of Canada,” said Robert Miller, Canadian Business Development Manager for Education and Healthcare, HP Canada. “Opening doors to opportunities for Aboriginal people makes sense. It's good for people, it’s good for business, and it's good for Canada.”

1nterLink meets the needs of the Heiltsuk First Nation in Waglisla. It serves their educational Internet access needs by enabling the Band Office to become a community Internet Service Provider leveraging their existing telephone access grid and satellite technology. Internet subscriber fees will pay for the 1nterLink integrated solution and allow this service to become very profitable to the community in the future. 1nterLink can also provide dedicated, secure access to the local RCMP division, and to the community Hospital (including a broad spectrum of wellness information) as an extension to this service. With high-speed Internet access, Waglisla has now joined the Global Village with 1nterLink.

- published in Indigenous Magazine, Summer 2002

SchoolWeb Internet Caching Pilot Project

Bridging the Digital Divide…A Vision

Help To Developing Countries