Nisqually tribe installs new internet connections on reservation, in nearby communities

The Nisqually Indian Tribe is working to install affordable fiber-optic internet connections to tribal and non-tribal communities in South Puget Sound to address what they identified as “Washington State’s shortcomings.”

According to their press release, the state’s limitations became increasingly clear during the pandemic as online connectivity became a necessity for Washingtonians who were required to work and attend school from home.

“Initially, the Nisqually Indian Tribe worked to bring high speed broadband to the reservation where no access to high-speed internet existed,” the tribe said through its Vice President of Workforce & Strategic Initiatives Megan Fiess in its statement.

Along with its own funds, the tribe partnered with the Washington Community Economic Revitalization Board (CERB) and used its Nisqually Communications fiber optic installation contracting division for its project.

The tribe has now expanded its efforts to include online access to off-reservation areas.

“As part of this on-reservation effort, the tribe became aware of those remaining rural areas in Thurston and Pierce Counties where broadband services are still not available,” said tribe chairman Willie Frank III.

New underground installation workers

The tribe has partnered with WorkSource and RedLine Training Academy and held a free Underground Communication Construction Training in May 16 to 27 which taught underemployed tribal and non-tribal members skills in underground fiber-optic installation.

“Nisqually is always looking for new ways to employ tribal members as well as those in the surrounding community,” said Frank. “This training gives both new workers and those looking to change jobs an outstanding opportunity to learn the business in a professional and low-stress environment.”

The training culminated with a hiring event last Friday, May 27, where local companies recruited the trainees with jobs that paid at least $19 per hour.

After the hiring event, trainees then proceeded to the Nisqually Health and Wellness Center for their graduation ceremony.