Join us for the June Tribal Broadband Learning Community discussion about an exciting new funding opportunity. We will discuss more about the $1 billion in National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) grants for the Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program. More details about what this funding opportunity means for partners in our region will be covered on the call.

Background Info

In a June 3, 2021 press release, the U.S. Department of Commerce announced the availability of nearly $1 billion in NTIA grants to expand broadband access and adoption on tribal lands. More specifically, the statement says that "grants will be made available to eligible Native American, Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian entities for broadband deployment as well as for digital inclusion, workforce development, telehealth and distance learning."

Prior to our discussion, you can see the complete funding opportunity for the Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program on grants.gov. Also, the U.S. Department of Commerce created a fact sheet about the program. The grant application deadline is September 1, 2021.

Speaker

Crystal Hottowe, Makah Tribe, National Telecommunications and Information Administration

Crystal Hottowe comes to us from the Makah Tribe, located in Washington state. For 12 years, Crystal served as the grants writer for her tribe, with a focus on state and federal grants. In addition to her grant writing duties, Crystal was also detailed to the Makah Tribal Broadband Project which entailed not only a wireless network deployment from concept to construction but also included negotiations with industry. She was also active with national, regional, and statewide policy and advocacy groups. In her new role at the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, Crystal will be using her knowledge and skills to help administer the newly developed Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program.