Native Americans are integral to our nation’s fabric. With over 109 federally recognized tribes1 and 630,000 American Indian and Alaska Native residents2, California holds one of the largest Native American populations in the U.S.
As we honor Native American Heritage Month, we’re reflecting on the importance of connection for California’s Tribal communities. Access to reliable internet and technology is essential to thrive in our modern world – opening opportunities for education and future careers.
Through our AT&T Connected Learning initiative, AT&T is committing $5 billion to help 25 million people get and stay connected to high-speed internet by 2030.
Our mission is clear: bridge the digital divide and empower Tribal students and families with essential tools.
Expanding Digital Access
In September, AT&T opened a new CLC at the Boys & Girls Club of Kumeyaay Nation Wellness, offering free AT&T Fiber internet, Dell computers, and digital resources. This marks our 10th CLC in California and the 3rd on Tribal land, following centers at the Boys & Girls Club of Pinoleville Pomo Nation in Ukiah and the Rincon Education Center in Valley Center.
Each CLC provides access to ‘The Achievery’, AT&T’s free digital learning platform, and offers digital literacy courses in partnership with the Public Library Association, along with mentoring and tutoring services. Additionally, AT&T employees and community leaders provide mentoring and tutoring services to ensure Tribal students are equipped for academic success.
Watch this video to see the transformation: View here.
Bridging the Digital Divide for California Tribal Communities
As part of a broader effort to equip 20,000 students across the country with essential tools, AT&T has provided laptops and backpacks with school supplies to students and families in Tribal communities across California. These backpacks included notebooks, pencils, headphones and handwritten cards of encouragement.
Key highlights:
- At the CLC launch at the Boys & Girls Club of Kumeyaay Nation Wellness, AT&T distributed 700 laptops to students and families from 7 local Tribes and pledged $50,000 to the Southern Indian Health Council to further support the Center.
“To AT&T and Human-I-T, thank you for recognizing the importance of digital access and for your commitment to bridging the digital divide,” said Laura I. Caswell, CEO, Southern Indian Health Council, Inc. “Your contribution will empower young minds to learn, explore, and dream big. It’s an investment in their education, their future, and the future of our community.”
- In October, we provided 250 laptops to California Tribal College students, alongside a $25,000 grant to support digital literacy.
- In August, we distributed 150 laptops to the Pinoleville Pomo Nation, helping students prepare for the new school year.
- In July, AT&T distributed 250 laptops to students and families through the Tribal Leadership Council and California Indian Nations College, helping Tribal leaders and college students get connected to the digital world.
- In November, we hosted 6 Tribal Nations to distribute 250 laptops, supporting the following Tribes:
- San Pasqual Band of Mission Indians
- Rincon Band of Luiseño Indians
- Iipay Nation of Santa Ysabel
- Los Coyotes Band of Cahuilla and Cupeño Indians
- Mesa Grande Band of Diegueño Mission Indians
- Pauma Band of Luiseño Indians
“On behalf of the Rincon people, we are humbled by the support and generosity AT&T has displayed throughout the years,” stated Chairman Bo Mazzetti of the Rincon Tribe. “From investing in the first Tribal Connected Learning Center in the state which serves our youth and seniors – to providing our tribe with laptops and tablets to help close the digital divide on our reservation. I cannot thank you enough for the gift of education through technology-based resources. These new tools have enabled our future generations to new ways of learning and working together.”
Connecting Tribal Nations in California
California’s Tribal communities often face obstacles to efficiently deploy broadband, including being in rural and remote areas with challenging terrain and protected lands. AT&T understands those challenges and respects that Native American Tribes have their own rules and processes around protected lands.
In 2023, the San Pasqual Band of Mission Indians announced a new project with AT&T to bring AT&T Fiber to 500 residential and small business locations on their Tribal land.
“Delivering reliable, high-speed internet service to our Tribal community is very important for us,” said Chairman Stephen Cope of the San Pasqual Tribe. “We are excited to work with AT&T to bring broadband connectivity and help bridge the digital divide on our Tribal lands.”
In 2022, the Rincon Band of Luiseño Indians announced plans to work with AT&T to build broadband service for more than 400 homes on the Rincon Tribal land.
A recent “Connect Rincon” event gave the community a chance to learn more about how to sign up for AT&T Fiber once it becomes available. For more details, check out my LinkedIn post.
Looking Ahead
AT&T remains committed to supporting California’s Tribal communities by closing the digital divide. Through our investments in technology and partnerships, we aim to ensure these communities thrive in the digital world.
