2015 ATALM Library Summit: What Policies Promote Tribal Digital Inclusion?

In this panel, Marissa Duarte, Assistant Professor at the School of Social Transformation at Arizona State University, discusses her research on how different tribes have built broadband infrastructure and where tribal libraries fit into the goal of creating knowledge using internet technology. She raises the importance of tribal jurisdiction and sovereignty in designing an internet infrastructure that best meets the needs of people living within tribal boundaries. Carrie Billy, President of the American Indian Higher Education Consortium, discusses how tribal colleges can help support the meaningful expansion of internet access to tribal nations and communities. Finally, Brian Howard, Program Coordinator and Legislative Associate at the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI), discusses the NCAI policy work toward increased information access. He mentions many challenges including gathering information to justify the need for increased appropriations that support internet access to tribal communities and limitations and barriers within current programs aimed at improving access. This panel was part of the Library Summit during the pre-conference activities for the 2015 ATALM annual conference in Washington, DC on September 9, 2015.