First Nations School Net

http://www.firstnationsnt.ca/

Keewatin Career Development Corporation (KCDC) is the Regional Management Organization for Indian and Northern Affairs Canada’s First Nations SchoolNet program for Saskatchewan and Alberta as of December 2006. We have signed a contribution agreement with Indian and Northern Affairs Canada to provide administration of the program for First Nations Schools between now and March 31, 2009. The First Nations SchoolNet Program has provided Internet connectivity assistance to First Nations schools since the late 1990s.

In order to provide better services for First Nations Schools under SchoolNet, Industry Canada in 2002 invited proposals for Regional Management Organizations to administer the program as it continues. Our organization entered that competition and have the role of Regional Management Organization for First Nations Schools in Saskatchewan and Alberta.

As of April 1, 2009 First Nations (AB) Technical Services Advisory Group – TSAG is now the Regional Management Organization for Indian and Northern Affairs Canada’s First Nations SchoolNet Program 2009/2010 for Alberta. During the month of April 2009 TSAG will be transtioning the service from Keewatin Career Development Corporation to TSAG – First Nations (AB) Technical Services Advisory Group

KCDC would like to express many thanks to all Alberta community leaders, educators, administrators with whom we have had the great opportunity to work with over the past seven years!

Our organization has a track record and experience in implementing Information and Communications Technology with First Nations and provincial schools. Through a series of projects, we have worked with schools to better their connectivity, maintain their systems, train their teachers in technology use, and deliver on-line courses. Our corporate vision is to use Information and Communications Technology to increase the educational opportunities available in First Nations and remote communities.

KCDC is a registered Saskatchewan non profit organization. Our membership is comprised of partner agencies from education and employment services in Northern Saskatchewan. Our member agencies include the northern Saskatchewan tribal councils, Meadow Lake Tribal Council and Prince Albert Grand Council. More information about all of our activities is available at our website: www.kcdc.ca.

Through the First Nations SchoolNet Program, we provide assistance to schools for Internet connectivity and Help Desk Services. Under our contribution agreement with Indian and Northern Affairs, signing of a Memorandum of Agreement with the participating schools is required. The Help Desk service was implemented to provide assistance to our First Nations schools with troubleshooting local area networks and connectivity problems. A toll free number had been assigned as 1-866-766-7373 to access technical assistance.

Again, FNS would like to express thanks to all community leaders and educators with whom we have had the great opportunity to work over the past years. Your dedication and commitment to the education of First Nations children is evident, and we must strive to help the government departments understand the importance of adequate support for schools!