The Facts Speak For Themselves: Tribal Lands Suffer From Lack of Internet Access
As of 2023, approximately 92 percent of individuals in the United States accessed the internet, up from nearly 75 percent in 2012, but just 67% of tribal lands in the continental U.S. have access to broadband internet, with the majority only having access to broadband speeds considered by the FCC to be less than 'minimally acceptable. Wow! We just returned from the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation and can attest, first-hand, of the lack of Internet access, even on major roadways and communities. Our Foundation is doing its part to help with the digital divide. You can help to by making a donation.
As e-commerce and the all things digital becomes prevalent means of business, social, and educational interaction, the President and Congress has announced several initiatives aimed at bridging the digital divide and enabling all residents, including those residing on rural Tribal lands, to have access to high-speed Internet service. While future possibilities are encouraging, Life remains a challenge for many people residing on Tribal lands. “Research shows that there are significant associations between lack of access to broadband services and access to healthcare, and many of these gaps occur in rural communities – especially in Native American tribal lands.” https://policylab.rutgers.edu/bridging-the-digital-divide-in-native-american-communities/#:~:text=According%20to%20an%20American%20Indian,be%20less%20than%20%27minimally%20acceptable. Compare Life on Tribal lands with the rest of the United States, which, as a whole, is one of the biggest online markets worldwide https://www.statista.com/statistics/209117/us-internet-penetration/#:~:text=As%20of%202023%2C%20approximately%2092,internet%20users%20in%20the%20country.
(July 13,2023
On June 1, 2023, Native American YesWeCan Foundation (www.nativeyeswecan.com) opened the Digital Literacy Learning Center on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, providing digital literacy training for Tribal residents. There are no charges for taking on-line classes, which include GED training and office skills, such as Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. One of the unique and innovative approaches is to provide access to subject matter experts through a video conference link that enables students to ask questions and discuss the educational material. According to Joe RedCloud, manager of the Digital Literacy Learning Center, “the educational services offered by the Digital Literacy Learning Center is a game-changer on the reservation because adult and minor residents will now have access to free educational services that will enable them to pursue their personal and business goals." (June 1,2023)
Native American YesWeCan Foundation has partnered with EssentialED (www.essentialed.com) to deliver innovative educational services, including high-school equivalency, computer skills, and digital literacy training, to Tribal residents at no charge. The new Digital Learning Center will provide a path forward for many individuals who lack the necessary skills to participate in today’s technical-centric business and social environment. (May 23, 2023)
Native American YesWeCan Foundation is proud to announce the opening of a Digital Literacy Learning Center on June 1, 2023, which will further expand the Foundation’s digital literacy initiatives on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation (“PRIR”). With the opening of the Digital Literacy Learning Center, residents of the PRIR will have access to learning programs to: (i) further their education, including obtaining a GED; (2) obtain essential computer skills; (3) develop proficiency in accessing the Internet and searching for information and services; (4) establish Internet-based businesses; and (5) secure access to tele-medicine and other critical services. (May 16, 2023) (See Digital Learning Center Announcement Below)
Joe RedCloud, Great-Great-Great grandson of Chief RedCloud, highlights life on the reservation and the critical digital literacy services provided by Native American YesWeCan Foundation. (May 2023) (See RedCloud Letter Below)
Gene DeJordy, Executive Director of Native American YesWeCan Foundation identifies the Digital Literacy Project Plan for 2023. (May 2023) (See Digital Literacy Project Plan Below)
