High-speed internet has made its first foray onto Lheidli T'enneh reserve land.
Earlier this month, the 116 band members who live on the Shelley site received the Internet upgrade after years with satellite service or, in some cases, dial-up connections.
"This was long overdue and it's a positive step for our community to be engaged and informed," said Chief Dominic Frederick.
"It is a small step for our community members to be a part of the global society, and in this information age our community can further thrive and have access to technologies to which we had limited access in the past."
The work was part of and partially funded by the Pathways to Technology project, an initiative managed by All Nations Trust Company to bring affordable and reliable high-speed Internet to all 203 First Nations in B.C. The province and Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada also provided support.
"We're working to ensure First Nations people can connect with the world no matter where they live," said Pathways to Technology project manager Ruth Williams, in a press release.
"By working in partnership with communities and governments we can make sure First Nations have modern technology in place to create more education and training opportunities for residents, improve health care and power up local economies."
The upgrade will also allow the Lheidli T'enneh to act as its own Internet Service Provider (ISP), managing the broadband service and generating revenue as community members sign on.
