The Akwesasne Mohawk Nation in northern New York has a long history of nurturing indigenous artisans like Kelly Back, who handcrafts traditional beaded items that are worn at important ceremonies within the tribe. Back’s business exploded after she began promoting her work on social media, reaching customers worldwide. She estimates she makes a significant income from her artwork and was grateful for the US government’s assistance in covering the cost of her internet service, as many indigenous artisans depend on their cultural artwork for their livelihoods.
The US Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) is set to run out of funds, leaving over 23 million low-income households in financial distress. Indigenous communities, with some of the most remote locations and costly infrastructure, will be particularly affected by the program’s end. Proposed legislation to renew funding for the ACP faces challenges in Congress, with uncertainty about the program’s future. Indigenous households will face a significant increase in internet bills without the ACP, especially with poverty exacerbating the issue for many tribal households.
Indigenous communities on tribal lands, like the Akwesasne Mohawk tribe, rely on internet access for education, remote work, and small business operations. Additionally, access to high-speed internet has allowed for language and cultural preservation programs to flourish, benefiting generations of tribal members. During the Covid-19 pandemic, the ACP helped maintain connectivity for indigenous communities, fostering a renaissance in cultural activities and education among Navajo members. The impending demise of the ACP has caused concern among tribal members dependent on the program for communication and education.
Tribal members on the Choctaw Nation reservation in Oklahoma are anxious about losing their internet connection without the ACP. The potential recreation of the program by tribal governments is seen as cost-prohibitive and may not fully restore trust among indigenous communities. The collapse of the ACP may further strain relations between the US government and tribal communities, adding to a historic pattern of broken promises. Indigenous artisans like Kelly Back express doubt about trusting future government programs to support their communities, highlighting the lasting impact of the ACP’s end on indigenous livelihoods.
Efforts to reinstate funding for the ACP face challenges in Congress, with uncertainty about the program’s future and the financial impact on low-income households. Tribal households will be disproportionately affected by the loss of the subsidy, facing increased financial burdens as a result. The collapse of the ACP poses a threat to the economic opportunities and cultural preservation efforts within indigenous communities, highlighting the importance of affordable internet access in tribal lands. The potential loss of trust and support among tribal communities due to the end of the program could have long-lasting repercussions for indigenous artisans and small businesses.