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December 20, 2024 – TheNewswire – Vancouver, BC
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July 5, 2024
The second annual Squamish Youth Powwow was a resounding success for the Squamish Nation, event organizers, and all attendees.
The rhythmic beating of drums echoed through the gathering, complemented by the vibrant regalia and mesmerizing dances that showcased the rich cultural heritage of the West Coast.
Indigitel seized this opportunity to pilot its first remote Starlink setup, providing free Wi-Fi to the event’s guests. Over 1,000 devices connected daily, underscoring the event’s popularity and highlighting a pressing issue: local networks were overwhelmed and unable to provide consistent service. This shortfall emphasizes the urgent need for improved connectivity on First Nations lands, even in urban areas.
Simon Baker, the event organizer, praised Indigitel’s efforts, noting the positive impact of the service, especially for community members without access to data plans or smartphones due to financial constraints. "The most rewarding outcome," Baker said, "was seeing band members, many of whom don’t have phone plans or data, freely using their devices to connect with friends and family on social media. Youths and seniors alike could share their experiences and stories with loved ones across the globe, making this event truly inclusive." He added, "This is critical as we encourage our people to attend powwows and reconnect with their heritage."
Indigitel aims to expand its partnership with Starlink to address connectivity challenges for nations in remote regions, where traditional cellular service is often inaccessible due to geographical barriers.
Marc Johnson, Director of Operations at Clarks Audio Visual, which donated the equipment for Indigitel’s pilot project, highlighted the broader implications of this technology. "This event demonstrates the potential of satellite technology to bridge connectivity gaps in remote areas," he said. "If we can support 1,000 people at an event like this, imagine the transformative impact it could have on communities with 100 to 200 residents."
The success of this initiative serves as a compelling example of how innovative solutions can bring communities closer together while preserving and celebrating their cultural heritage.
Indigitel is one of Canada's most recent cell phone spectrum licenses. It's aim is to connect unconnected First Nations with modern cellular communication technology while building an Indigenous-owned telecommunications service nationwide.
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