Broadband Initiative: Groundbreaking Ceremony
Chloe Ortega: Northern Cheyenne Tribal Council Public Information Officer & Web Designer | May 24th, 2024
Northern Cheyenne Tribal Council members, Northern Cheyenne Tribal Council President Serena Wetherelt and members of the NCCC, Northern Cheyenne Communication Corporation. Image credit: Chloe Ortega | Northern Cheyenne Tribal Council Public Information Officer & Web Designer.
On Wednesday May 22nd, 2024, the Northern Cheyenne Little Wolf Capital Building was buzzing with excitement celebrating the day the Northern Cheyenne Tribe broke ground on their own Broadband Facility. The Groundbreaking Ceremony on the Northern Cheyenne reservation began with an opening prayer by Allen Jo followed by a Flag Song by the drum group Ghostbull introduced by the M.C. Shawn Oldmouse in the north parking lot.
Drum group Ghostbull beginning with a Flag Song. Image credit: Chloe Ortega | Northern Cheyenne Tribal Council Public Information Officer & Web Designer.
Serena Wetherelt stood before the attentive crowd gathered to start the conversation of the momentous occasion, to highlight the profound significance of recent events unfolding within the Northern Cheyenne community. Back in November 2022, through unwavering dedication and collaboration between various Tribal members, individuals, and organizations, the Northern Cheyenne tribe successfully secured a grant exceeding 50 million dollars from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration Broadband Connectivity Program.
These substantial funds are earmarked for the establishment of a cutting-edge broadband network, primarily aimed at providing reliable connectivity to the Northern Cheyenne community. The central focus includes setting up a dedicated central facility in Lame Deer, Montana, which will serve as the hub for NCCC employees. This facility will feature a state-of-the-art data center, a customer service desk, spacious training rooms, and versatile spaces for broadband-related activities and initiatives.
Northern Cheyenne Tribal President Serena Wetherelt addressing the crowd. Image credit: Chloe Ortega | Northern Cheyenne Tribal Council Public Information Officer & Web Designer
NCCC Jeff Little. Image credit: Chloe Ortega | Northern Cheyenne Tribal Council Public Information Officer & Web Designer
Due to the extensive amount of work required for the implementation of the broadband project a specialized task force known as the NCCC, Northern Cheyenne Communication Corporation, was established to supervise all aspects of the project. The NCCC consists of 7 members, each bringing a diverse range of backgrounds and skillsets crucial to the group's success. The board includes Godfrey Enjady as the board chair, Kristin Johnson as the board treasurer, Jeromena Beartusk as the board secretary, Kim Dahle and Carroll Onsae as board members, and Keith Fox and Richard Sanders serving as additional board members. It is projected that the broadband service will be operational within 2 years, with the full completion of the project expected within 3 years.
Serena Wetherelt made great emphasis on the gratitude towards everyone who made this possible. The NCCC, contractors at Paul Meadows Engineering, Jeff Little, David Moore, David Rowlands, Roger Sanders, Lane Spottedelk, Darlene Burden, Dion Nero, Northern Cheyenne Tribal Council, finance staff, IT department, Ray Biglefthand, Kyle Alderman, Brian Chestnut, and everyone who were in attendance to the event.
Jeff Little spoke and congratulated the Northern Cheyenne Tribe, commending their efforts in bringing forth progress for the community. He described the upcoming network project as spanning over 200 miles of cutting-edge fiberoptics infrastructure, featuring XGS punt technology capable of delivering high-speed 10 gigabits of metric service. Little emphasized the significance of this development, urging everyone to stay connected and embrace the opportunities it will bring imploring the crowd
Begin to dream…it’s going to open to many opportunities it will take dreamers to utilize what is taking place.
Northern Cheyenne Tribal Council member Norma Gourneau speaking. Image credit: Chloe Ortega | Northern Cheyenne Tribal Council Public Information Officer & Web Designer
Tribal Council member Norma Gourneu expressed her gratitude towards the past Tribal Council members Diane Spottedelk, Henry Speelmen, Philip Beckman, and Lane Spottedelk for their initial support that kickstarted the project and paved the way for the grant process to begin. She emphasized the numerous advantages of having a high-speed network, such as increased access to vital health resources, enhanced family communication, better educational prospects, more job opportunities, the continuation of the Cheyenne language, a platform for local artists to showcase their work, and seamless connectivity across various devices. Her parting words for the crowd were
Do what is right, even if it is not the easiest option and let’s make the best of what is ahead of us.
Board chair Dr. Godfrey Enjady. Image credit: Chloe Ortega | Northern Cheyenne Tribal Council Public Information Officer & Web Designer
Board chair Mona Thompson. Image credit: Chloe Ortega | Northern Cheyenne Tribal Council Public Information Officer & Web Designer
Board chair Dr. Godfried Enjady and Mona Thompson both empathized the importance of what is happening for the Northern Cheyenne community. Enjady concluded that he would help get the facility off the ground but stated that it is crucial for someone from the Northern Cheyenne community to step up and take the reins to run the facility in the long run. He left the crowd with this important reminder before concluding his address.
What’s next…what does a smart Tribal Nation look like?
Tory Kolkhorst representative for US Senator Steve Daines office. Image credit: Chloe Ortega | Northern Cheyenne Tribal Council Public Information Officer & Web Designer
Peter Matt representative for US Senator Jon Tester. Image credit: Chloe Ortega | Northern Cheyenne Tribal Council Public Information Officer & Web Designer
Tory Kolkhorst, who is the representative for US Senator Steve Daines' office, and Peter Matt, the representative for US Senator Jon Tester, both delivered speeches at the event, commending the Northern Cheyenne Tribe for their commendable efforts.
Tribal Council members and Northern Cheyenne President overturning dirt. Image credit: Chloe Ortega | Northern Cheyenne Tribal Council Public Information Officer & Web Designer.
After the speakers had concluded their remarks, Allen Jo performed a blessing ceremony for the area. Following this, shovels were picked up by the Tribal Council President and the Tribal Council members in attendance, who then collectively overturned dirt at the location designated for the construction of the central building. Concluding the ceremony was the giving of gifts to show appreciation and a communal feast where everyone gathered to share a meal and celebrate together.
Jeff Little and Dr. Godfrey Enjady received buffalo robes. Image credit: Chloe Ortega | Northern Cheyenne Tribal Council Public Information Officer & Web Designer.
Guest speakers and Councilwoman Debra Charette during the gift giving portion of the event. Image credit: Chloe Ortega | Northern Cheyenne Tribal Council Public Information Officer & Web Designer.
The Broadband project holds great potential for fostering growth within the Northern Cheyenne community. Evidently, an immense effort was invested in drafting the proposal for this initiative, emphasizing the substantial endeavor required to implement and realize the objective of providing dependable service to the community. The Northern Cheyenne Tribal Council and all individuals participating are looking forward with enthusiasm to the ongoing progress on this journey.