Research Summary
An urban-rural divide exists in Canada when it comes to access to the internet and other critical infrastructure, especially for Canadians living in Indigenous communities. For example, only 62% of Canadians living in rural areas and 43% of households on First Nations reserves have access to high-speed internet. This divide fuels inequities because lack of access to such critical infrastructure can have a negative impact on economic opportunities, education, health care and social inclusion.
As Canada Research Chair in Miyo We’citowin and Digital Sovereignties, Dr. Kiera Ladner is examining the socio-economic impacts that emerging technologies are having on remote Indigenous communities in Canada. In particular, she and her research team are focusing on three areas: built infrastructure, renewable energy, and internet connectivity. They aim to provide Indigenous communities with informed, evidence-based, co-developed insights that align with their values, traditions and perspectives while also supporting local and federal government initiatives meant to improve life in remote communities.