The Chippewa Cree Tribe has lit its own internet network — keeping the service, signal and revenue within the community. Alongside its self-funded government building that recently broke ground, the new network marks the Tribe’s continued investment in sovereignty through infrastructure.
Through its new provider, Buffalo Rock Communications, built in collaboration with Ciena and Spy Ego Media, the tribe will bring internet to homes, health centers, schools, and businesses for its 7,357 members on the Rocky Boy's Reservation in north-central Montana. From affordability to community development, owning and operating its own network is a game changer for the tribe, according to Joseph Eagleman Sr., Corporation Executive Officer of the Chippewa Cree Energy Corporation.
The end of the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) meant 23 million relying on subsidies were left to pay their lofty broadband bills, nearly 330,000 of whom were Tribal members. For the Chippewa Cree Tribe, having its own network ensures these challenges are addressed in ways that reflect the community’s unique needs, Eagleman told Broadband Nation.
“This is especially critical now that many families have lost the ACP credits that once helped cover their bills. Without affordable options, too many had to give up their service,” he lamented.
Unlike an outside provider (even an affordably priced one), the money made still makes its way back to the people. “By running the network ourselves, we also keep revenue within the community,” Eagleman continued. “Instead of profits leaving the reservation, those dollars are reinvested right here, supporting growth, jobs and services that benefit our people.”
The local reinvestment is more than financial; it further builds sovereignty for the Chippewa Cree Tribe.
“Most importantly, it gives us control over our own future,” he said. "We can prioritize community needs, expand service across our lands and even support our neighbor's nearby. This kind of sovereignty in infrastructure decisions will guide how we continue to build, invest and strengthen our community for generations to come.”
For Tribal members, both on and off the reservation, the network brings access to health care, education and essential services. But it also creates hands-on opportunities for members interested in maintaining the systems that make that connection possible in the first place.
A local workforce for a local network
“Our focus is on hiring locally,” said Eagleman. “The same tribal members who have been building our network will transition into permanent roles with Buffalo Rock Comm., continuing the work they’ve already invested so much into.”
Keeping the workforce local not only creates a more reliable service for the Chippewa Cree neighborhoods and businesses, but it also promotes lucrative careers for people within the community.
The tribe has designed two primary career pathways for Chippewa Cree members: IT Support Technician and a fiber-focused Field Technician.
The former works across software and hardware to keep wired and wireless networks and customer premise equipment (CPE) running reliably. Their daily tasks include troubleshooting desktops and network issues, managing job tickets, performing maintenance tasks and supporting both company and customer users.
The field technicians tackle the work directly where the network needs to be set up or repaired. They handle a mix of technical work — from fiber installation to splicing — and customer service, supporting the residents and business owners using the service.
“The plan to maintain a stable manageable workforce with both of these fields was two key focuses; community satisfaction and competitive pay,” Eagleman explained.
And indeed, both careers can quickly become six-figure incomes. But it also allows them to work within their communities — which isn't always the case when hired in field tech roles.
“Now that the network is live, we see it as more than just infrastructure,” he said, “it’s a pathway to opportunity. Our hope is to inspire our youth to pursue futures in IT and technology, fields that are rapidly growing and in high demand, especially here on our reservation.”
In their efforts to connect work opportunities to folks throughout the tribe and state, Eagleman sees broadband as both economic and cultural investment — one that helps preserve their language and traditions.
“Just as important, this network helps strengthen cultural connection by giving our youth access to resources that support language preservation, storytelling and community ties in a digital world,” concluded Eagleman. “Ultimately, we want the next generation to see technology not only as a career, but also as a tool for sustaining and advancing the success of our people.”
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