Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo said the Biden administration is committed to ensuring Tribal Communities can thrive in the 21st century economy.
Raimondo spoke during the announcement of an Arizona Tribal grant intended to bring the benefits of high-speed internet to the communities, according to an Aug. 31 news release.
“As Commerce secretary, I want to acknowledge that the department recognizes Indian Tribal self-government and supports tribal sovereignty and self-determination,” Raimondo said, according to the release.
The Arizona grants were the last of the more than $500 million in awards to tribal applicants announced by Vice President Kamala Harris in early August, the release reported. The Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program included 69 awards of more than $726 million.
In Arizona grants were awarded to Hopi Telecommunications Inc., the Navajo Tribal Utility Authority, the Pascua Yaqui Tribe of Arizona, the San Carlos Apache Tribal Council/Triplet Mountain Communications Inc., and the White Mountain Apache Tribe, according to the release.
Raimondo thanked the Arizona Tribal Communities for partnering with the Commerce Department in the Internet for All program, the release said. It will generate good-paying jobs, increase educational opportunities and the access to health care, she said.
Through the Affordable Connectivity Program, qualifying households can get up to $30 per month, and $75 per month for those who live on qualifying tribal land, to help pay for Internet, according to the release.
