What They're Saying: Biden-Harris Administration Announces More Than $8.3 Million in Internet for All Grants to Tribal Lands

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Salud Carbajal, U.S. Representative, CA-24

“Whether it’s a small business needing to bring its goods to market or a student needing to complete their assignments, a sufficient Internet connection can make the difference between success and failure.

“This grant, the first for the Central Coast from a program I proudly helped create and fund, is a down-payment on closing that digital divide for our Tribal areas – and I look forward to working with the Santa Ynez Chumash to secure the additional investments needed to make this essential connectivity universal in our region.”

Meryl Picard., Bishop Paiute Tribe, Tribal Council Chairwoman

“The Bishop Paiute Tribe values the support of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) as it works to enhance our community’s access to critical broadband services. Our goal is to establish connectivity for Tribal members by enhancing services and improving the equitable distribution of and access to essential educational, economical, and emergency services.
 
“In terms of educational services, our Tribe’s students will be able to take advantage of increased opportunities to maintain their progress via remote learning opportunities when they are sick or otherwise unable to attend classes in person. Additionally, by improving the availability and resiliency of our connectivity, these students will be able to study whenever it is most convenient for them, allowing them to fulfill their passions and obligations at the same time.
 
“Economically, the improved broadband services will allow our local businesses to modernize their operations, increasing efficiency while also increasing availability. Improved broadband connectivity should also encourage and incentivize entrepreneurs within our community to start a business that will not only serve our local population but could also provide increased competition and innovation in the public and private sectors beyond our borders.
 
“Finally, and perhaps most importantly, our Elders and Tribal members who may suffer from disabilities can then take advantage of telehealth services with the increased bandwidth and reliability improvements.
 
“With gratitude on behalf of the Bishop Paiute Tribe, we are excited to see the positive impacts on our Tribal community with the future broadband services.”

Wayne Mitchum Jr., Cachil DeHe Band of Wintun Indians of the Colusa Indian Community, Tribal Chairman

“The Cachil Dehe of Wintun Indian and its governing agency, Colusa Indian Community Council, are grateful for the Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program award.

“Our community consists of two reservations. The proposed project will help deploy a fiber-to-the-home network connecting 39 Tribal households in one reservation in Colusa County, about three miles north of Colusa, CA. The infrastructure has been designed to meet current needs but can scale up for future demands, provided the backhaul can support it.

“Tribal members will significantly benefit from this project. For example, elderly Tribal members will be able to connect to telehealth, and students will be able to participate in distance learning. In addition, the new infrastructure will facilitate attracting cell carriers to provide coverage to the reservation and surrounding communities.
On behalf of our community, we thank you for the award and the opportunity to help us close the digital divide.”

Maxine Littlejohn, Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians, Secretary-Treasurer

Neil Peyron, Tule River Tribe, Chairman

“On behalf of the Tule River Tribe, I would like to extend my deepest gratitude to the NTIA for recognizing the importance of bridging the digital divide in Tribal communities. This grant exemplifies their commitment to supporting underserved populations and fostering technological advancements that enhance the quality of life for our communities.

“The positive impact of this broadband grant on our community cannot be overstated. Access to high-speed Internet has become an indispensable tool in today's world, facilitating education, healthcare, employment opportunities, and access to vital services. Unfortunately, many rural areas like ours have faced significant challenges in obtaining reliable connectivity, leading to an unfortunate disparity in digital access.

“With the assistance of the NTIA grant, the Tule River Tribe will embark on a transformative journey toward self-sustainment in broadband technology. This initiative aligns perfectly with our vision of creating a connected community that can thrive in the digital age. By improving broadband infrastructure, we will enable our Tribal members to overcome barriers and unlock a multitude of opportunities for personal growth, economic development, and cultural preservation.

“This grant represents more than just financial support; it symbolizes hope and progress for our Tribe. We are committed to leveraging this investment to the fullest and ensuring that every member of our community benefits from the broadband services it will bring. Through comprehensive planning and collaboration, we will deploy state-of-the-art technologies, expand network coverage, and implement programs to promote digital literacy and inclusion.

“Furthermore, this grant underscores the significance of reliable Internet service for Tribal communities across the country. Access to broadband has become essential for participation in the modern economy and society, regardless of geographic location. By bridging the digital divide, we not only empower our Tribal members but also contribute to the economic growth of our region as a whole. With enhanced connectivity, our businesses can thrive, educational opportunities can flourish, and our cultural heritage can be preserved and shared with the world.

“In conclusion, the Tule River Tribe wholeheartedly thanks the National Telecommunications and Information Administration for their generous support through the $500,000 grant. We are immensely grateful for their belief in our vision and their dedication to fostering digital equity. With this grant, we embark on a transformative journey toward a self-sustaining broadband infrastructure, ensuring that no member of our community is left behind in the digital age. Together, we will build a brighter, more connected future for all.”

“I’ve made it a priority of mine in the Senate to make it easier for underserved communities to get online,

“Tribal communities in Nevada rely on quality broadband for everything from operating their small businesses and Tribal governments to accessing health care and educational resources, and this funding will make a big difference by delivering high-speed, reliable Internet to members of the Te-Moak Tribe.”

Jacky Rosen, U.S. Senator, NV

“Having access to the Internet is essential for students completing school work, parents working from home, and seniors seeking telehealth services.

“I’m proud to see that the funding I secured through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law will help connect Tribal communities in Nevada to high-speed Internet, which is increasingly critical to everyday life. Making sure that every household in Nevada has access to high-speed Internet remains a top priority for me, and I will continue to ensure our state has the resources to bring everyone online.”

Joseph Holley, Te-Moak Tribe of Western Shoshone, Tribal Chairman

“Ohkay Owingeh will utilize its National Telecommunications and Information Administration's Broadband Adoption and Use Grant to provide 24 months of no-cost monthly broadband service to 250 Pueblo households. Ohkay Owingeh's goal is to provide reliable broadband service and stimulate the use of broadband service by Tribal households.”

Milton Herrera, Pueblo of Tesuque, Governor

“I would like to thank the National Telecommunications and Information Administration for providing the Pueblo of Tesuque with this funding opportunity and award. The award will be used for planning and design for a fiber to home build-out which will benefit our community, enterprises, and most importantly, our children.  Bridging the digital divide in the Pueblo of Tesuque is a top priority and I appreciate the Federal Administration's vision to expand Internet for all.  Thank you, again."

“Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program funds will enhance the Wi-Fi and fiber infrastructure at the Seneca Nation, allowing the Nation to purchase equipment and establish two computer labs to provide families with the tools to utilize high-speed Internet and digital phone services.” 

“The Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program has been critically important to closing digital inequity and Internet access gaps to Tribes across Washington state.

“Increased high-speed Internet for Tribes mean more opportunities for workforce development, telehealth, and distance learning. I thank the NTIA for this important funding and congratulate the Sauk-Suiattle Indian Tribe, the Quinault Indian Nation and the Hoh Indian Tribe on receiving these transformative grant awards.”

Derek Kilmer, U.S. Representative, WA-06

“Today marks a big leap forward in our efforts to bridge a digital divide that has hindered growth and opportunity in Indian Country for far too long.

“A Tribal Broadband Connectivity grant for the Hoh Indian Tribe is more than just an investment – it is an affirmation of our commitment to fostering digital inclusion, educational opportunities, and economic development for Tribes in our region."

Derek Kilmer, U.S. Representative, WA-06 

"This is a big deal.  This grant represents a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to bridge the digital divide and empower Tribal communities like the Quinault Indian Nation. 

"Federal dollars through the Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program demonstrate a strong commitment to advancing digital inclusion, fostering educational opportunities, and driving economic development in Indian Country. By deploying high-speed Internet infrastructure, we are paving the way for improved telehealth services, distance learning, and workforce development for the Quinault."

“High-speed Internet is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity for how we learn, work, and do business in the 21st century. I’m proud of our work to ensure more than 390,000 homes and businesses will have new or improved, reliable, high-speed Internet, but we can’t afford to slow down now. This $500,000 grant for the Menominee Nation will support the infrastructure needed to expand broadband access to more folks in the community, building on our progress toward getting everyone in our state connected."

Gena Kakkak, Menominee Indian Tribe, Chairwoman

“The Menominee Nation is incredibly excited and grateful to NTIA for this grant award. This work is crucial to the advancement of the Tribe as we move forward with our goals to provide each household with fast, high quality broadband services. We have many unserved areas on the Menominee Indian Reservation to address, and with the support of NTIA we will be able to close gaps and advance the health and economy of our community. We are very honored to be a recipient of the NTIA Broadband Connectivity Program, Wāēwāēnen (thank you)!”