The Akwesasne Mohawk Nation, located in northern New York, has a rich history of indigenous artisans creating traditional beaded artwork. Kelly Back, a member of the tribe, has seen her small business of handcrafted beaded belts, hat bands, purses, and sashes grow significantly after using social media to reach a global audience. With the help of social media, Back’s artwork has gained popularity outside of her tribe, allowing her to make a significant income from her creations.
However, the US government’s Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), which provided assistance for internet service costs to low-income households, is set to run out of funds, impacting over 23 million households. Indigenous communities, who are eligible for the largest benefits and often live in remote areas with costly infrastructure development, will be particularly affected by the end of the program. Many tribal reservations face challenges in accessing affordable internet plans due to high costs and low population density.
Efforts are being made by some lawmakers to renew the ACP and continue providing assistance to low-income households, including tribal communities. Legislation has been proposed to extend the program temporarily and ensure future funding stability by placing it under an existing FCC fund. Despite these efforts, the imminent end of the ACP could lead to financial difficulties for many indigenous families who rely on the program for affordable internet access.
The ACP has been vital for indigenous communities in preserving their culture and language, as well as providing economic opportunities through education and remote work. The program has allowed tribal members to remain connected to their communities, engage in cultural preservation programs, and improve access to language immersion initiatives. During the Covid-19 pandemic, internet access facilitated learning, cultural engagement, and telehealth services for indigenous communities.
The impending end of the ACP has sparked concerns among tribal members who rely on the program for essential communication, education, and work purposes. The loss of the subsidy will have a significant impact on tribal households, who may face increased internet costs or lose access altogether. Some tribal governments are exploring the possibility of creating their own versions of the ACP, but the financial challenges and implications of such initiatives remain significant.
The collapse of the ACP will not only impact individual tribal households but also raise broader questions about the US government’s commitment to supporting indigenous communities. The end of the program may further erode trust between tribal communities and the government, adding to a long history of broken promises. For individuals like Kelly Back, the uncertainty surrounding the future of the ACP raises concerns about the government’s reliability in supporting and uplifting indigenous populations.
