Course:LIBR559A/McMahon, R. , O'Donnell, S. , Smith, R. , Walmark, B. , Beaton, B. , Simmonds, J. (2011)

Citation

McMahon, R. , O'Donnell, S. , Smith, R. , Walmark, B. , Beaton, B. , Simmonds, J. (2011). Digital Divides and the 'First Mile': Framing First Nations Broadband Development in Canada. The International Indigenous Policy Journal, 2(2) . Retrieved from: http://ir.lib.uwo.ca/iipj/vol2/iss2/2

Article Purpose

The purpose of this article is to reframe the digital divide for First Nations communities in Canada from the of the last mile paradigm to the first mile paradigm. In doing this the authors believe that this will move the broadband development policy in Canada beyond “the historical context of paternalistic, colonial-derived development policies” and shifts it to better address “ the specific needs of First Nations(McMahon, et al. pg. 0).”

Main Arguments

More First Nations communities should use the first mile approach to further develop their communities access to resources, specifically broadband internet. • The Canadian government has a whole sale approach for achieving nationwide access to broadband internet in rural and remote areas.

• Depending on funding is risky as it is often reduced or shifted to other programs

• First Nations have not been involved in the policy or program supporting broadband development in Canada

• There are case studies of the first mile approach being successful

Taking on a leadership role in the development of the community’s broadband internet is an expression of self-determination.

Method

This article is based on a general survey and snapshot of current (2011) broadband initiative over a three and a half month period in Canada.

Areas / Topics / Keywords

Broadband policy, Broadband networks, Community networks, First Nations issues, Digital Divide, Policy Frameworks, rural and remote broadband, first mile, last mile

Definitions of Key Concepts'

First mile- The First Mile approach argues that first and foremost, decision-making about broadband development must be grounded in and emerge from the specific needs of local communities (McMahon, et al. pg. 1).

Last mile- The last mile approach frames the differences between rural and urban communities as ‘problems’ or ‘shortcomings’ to be addressed by simply linking unserved communities to already-existing systems and infrastructures(McMahon, et al. pg. 1).

Digital divides – “refer to disparities among different population groups or geographical regions in their access to broadband systems (Norris, 2001)." (McMahon, et al. pg.1)

Theoretical Framework

The author frames the paper as a comparison between the first mile paradigm and the last mile paradigm. More broadly this approach can be viewed as Marxist approach to the subject.

Novel ideas

The authors tentatively suggest that by shifting to a first mile framework for broadband projects First Nations are flexing their rights to self-determination.

Pitfalls, Blind Spots, and Weaknesses

While briefly mentioned in the conclusion of the article the authors do little to discuss how the existence of the digital divide make it difficult for First Nations communities to support and maintain a broadband project without assistance from those outside the community or access to training for community members.

Scholarly Contributions

The understanding of the difficulties faced by rural and remote First Nations communities in terms of their access to broadband internet can help those librarians who will/do work in these communities better understand the difficulties of accessing this resource as well as prepare them to assist in an projects the community may undertake of this nature. The disparities faced by these communities can also be seen in other rural communities, if to a lesser degree. Librarians can therefore translate what they have learned here to other such communities.

Link

http://ir.lib.uwo.ca/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1048&context=iipj

Page Author: Pauline Richer