What They're Saying: Nearly $4 Million in Internet for All Grants to Tribal Lands

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Beverly J. Hunter, Table Mountain Rancheria, Tribal Chairperson

“Table Mountain Rancheria would like to thank the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, for being awarded the Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program grant (TBCP). The Tribe looks forward to utilizing the funds. The broadband grant will be used for infrastructure improvements on the Rancheria to improve Internet access, public safety, improved workforce development, education, economic development and telehealth.”

Shannon Wheeler, Nez Perce Tribal Executive Committee, Chairwoman

“Broadband access is no longer a luxury, but a necessity in today’s world. The Tribe is pleased to receive funding through this program to assist in projects that are designed to increase and strengthen economic development by providing better broadband access in our communities.”

Tim Rhodd, Iowa Tribe of Kansas and Nebraska, Chairman

“We are excited for the opportunity to provide our tribal members with more reliable, high-speed Internet access. This will have a positive impact on our youth and their education, our elders and their social connection, and our tribe's efforts for increased network sovereignty.”

Ben Ray Luján, U.S. Senate, NM

“Access to high-speed internet is necessary in today’s society— from telehealth to education, folks in rural and Tribal communities must receive equitable broadband access. That’s why I’m proud to welcome $1 million in broadband investments to my neighbors in the Pueblo of Nambé and Pueblo of Jemez. This significant investment will help bridge the digital divide for Tribal communities by establishing broadband infrastructure deployment across Tribal lands.”

Teresa Leger Fernandez, U.S. House of Representatives, NM-03

“The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law creates possibilities for Tribes across New Mexico. These two grants totaling nearly $1 million from the Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program will help our Pueblos construct wireless towers and deploy the broadband fiber networks they need to provide viable Internet access for health, safety, learning, and social services. When we invest in our communities they thrive. I am grateful to see this funding go to the Pueblo of Jemez and the Pueblo of Nambe.”

Nathaniel Porter, Pueblo of Nambé, Governor

"The Pueblo of Nambé is pleased to receive and implement the National Telecommunication and Information Administration’s Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program - Broadband Deployment grant. The Pueblo of Nambé will utilize the grant to construct Phase I of our fiber-to-home build project, which will greatly benefit the people of our Pueblo. With the experiences and lack of resources we realized during the health emergency, the ability for our community to have access to reliable broadband has been our top priority. The Pueblo of Nambé thanks NTIA for their commitment to providing Internet for All.”

Vince A. Toya, Jemez Pueblo, Acting Assistant Tribal Administrator

“The Pueblo of Jemez recognizes the commitment from previous Tribal Council, Governors and Staff to develop JemezNet to bridge the Digital Divide for the Community of Jemez Pueblo. The Pueblo is also very appreciative of the federal, state and local agencies and companies that have provided resources and expertise develop the network. The Grant Funds from the Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program will greatly benefit the Community of Jemez Pueblo and surrounding areas by helping to provide Internet for All.”

T.J. Greene, Makah Tribal Council, Chairman

"The Makah Tribe is excited to receive this award from NTIA. It will allow us to complete a wireless broadband access system that will significantly improve community connectivity. In addition, it will strengthen our fiber infrastructure to reach unserved disadvantaged areas of the Makah community and upgrade our microwave system. This will improve educational support for our children, bolster essential services and increase economic opportunity for our community."