A new majority Indigenous-owned internet service provider will bring improved high-speed internet access to Saskatchewan First Nation and rural communities. Meadow Lake Tribal Council Resource Development Inc. and Wood River Controls, which is a rural internet provider based in Lafleche, have partnered to launch Beaver River Broadband. A joint news release explains that Beaver River Broadband will work with communities to build specialized fixed-wireless solutions for broadband access. BRB will utilize portions of SaskTel’s network through the Crown Corporation’s Rural Broadband Partnership Program.

Along with filling current gaps in service, MLTC Tribal Chief Richard Ben says this new enterprise will also increase Indigenous participation in the economy, with financial benefits to the nine Nations under the Meadow Lake Tribal Council and will lead to job creation in communities where the service is being deployed. BRB will provide on-the-job training for community members.