A videoconferencing system is proving to be a lifeline for many
First Nations communities in Quebec, offering residents
opportunities in education and training not previously accessible,
thanks to the First Nations Education Council (FNEC).
The FNEC spearheaded the project to implement the system in 22
communities with the financial support of several government
partners including the department of Indian and Northern Affairs,
with a total budget of approximately $1,700,000.
"Whenever there's a success with the First Nations it's always
because of their leadership," said Pierre Nepton, regional
associate director general, Indian and Northern Affairs Canada.
"Any success depends on the community involvement and that's what
happened with the FNEC, it's about creating opportunities, creating
training."
Nepton said his department contributed $600,000 "over a couple
of years."
One of the ultimate goals Nepton would like to realize with this
project is allowing both First Nations and educators to join
together, not only in training but in sharing best practices and
information.
"Something that now could be done a lot easier than the past,"
he said. "This new system allows teachers from different
communities to receive training without traveling great distances
as they would have prior to this system."
The reduction in travel time was experienced firsthand by Nancy
Doddridge, director of education for the community of Gesgapegiag,
Que. a Mic Mac community with a population of 550.
Doddridge said before videoconferencing a meeting in Quebec
meant three days out of the office at a cost of $1,200. "Now it's a
two hour meeting with zero costs. The savings have just been
astronomical."
The 22 communities realize the potential of this technology
because many are in rural and remote areas of the province,
according to Tim Whiteduck, technology co-ordinator, FNEC.
"The project was deployed in four stages, with the deployment
phase including everything from a site evaluation to room
renovations," said Whiteduck. "The installation is not just a
simple TV and videoconferencing system connected together."
He added they will have a projector mounted on the ceiling and
displayed on a smart board, with the board then adjusted to
understand what's being projected onto itself.
"Smart board technology is like an interactive whiteboard and
works similar to a large mouse pad," he said. "It's a teaching
device and this is what we wanted to give the communities."
He noted that not all the 22 communities are First Nations, "but
that's a large part of it."
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