Vancouver-based telecom giant Telus says it has invested $10 million to upgrade cell and broadband internet services for communities in Haida Gwaii, B.C.
Made up of a group of islands, Haida Gwaii is located off the province’s west coast.
The company says it completed upgrades in June to give residents and businesses in the communities of Daajing Giids and Skidegate internet speeds up to 120Mbps. Telus also updated local infrastructure, granting locals and visitors access to high-speed wireless voice and internet services for the first time.
“We continue to engage with communities and Indigenous leaders in ways that they want to engage with us, and believe it is our responsibility as a socially purpose driven organization to use our voice, business and relationships to encourage reconciliation across Canada,” Tony Geheran, Telus’ executive vice-president and chief operations officer, said.
Known as the Canadian Galápagos, Haida Gwaii is an archipelago off the west coast of British Columbia teeming with wildlife. The islands are home to unique sub-species not found anywhere else in the world, including the saw-whet owl, hairy woodpecker, steller’s jay, and Peale’s peregrine falcon.
Beyond the unique wildlife, Haida Gwaii introduces visitors to British Columbia’s rugged wilderness with isolated beaches and scenic hikes through the area’s temperate rainforests. If you’re interested in taking in some culture, the archipelago, which resides in Haida territory, features totem poles and longhouses from some of the oldest examples of coastal First Nations’ villages.
Regardless of your interests, Haida Gwaii is the ultimate wilderness retreat, allowing you to relax and reset from city life. Be sure to check the Council of Haida Nation’s website for updated COVID-19 protocols before booking your trip.
Photo by VRBO/Jody Grange
Masset Beach House
Photo by VRBO/Jody Grange
Masset Beach House
Photo by VRBO/Jody Grange
Masset Beach House
Photo by VRBO/Jody Grange
Masset Beach House
Photo by VRBO/Jody Grange
Masset Beach House
Photo by VRBO/Jody Grange
Masset Beach House
On a clear day, you can see Alaska from the balcony of this Haida Gwaii cottage rental. The oceanfront property is a short drive from the Delkatla Nature Sanctuary, Naikoon Provincial Park, and Tow Hill—a massive, volcanic plug on the north tip of Graham Island.
This newly built Haida Gwaii cottage rental offers sunrise views from anywhere in the house. Enjoy easy access to some of the area’s best river fishing; play a round at nearby Willows Golf Course; or check out the rugged wilderness of Grey Bay’s beach, a 30-minute drive away.
Commune with nature at the Haida Gwaii Glamping Co. Rent a 300 sq. ft. deluxe tent with a queen-sized bed, washroom, and cooking appliances. This suite has a private en-suite bathroom including a shower, sink, and flushing toilet. Take a walk along the boardwalk, soak in the outdoor hot tub, or relax with a continental breakfast in the Social Dome.
Offering an ocean view, this Haida Gwaii suite comes with an outdoor fire pit and its own koi pond. The rental provides a private path to the beach and borders the quiet serenity of Naikoon Provincial Park.
Location: Masset, B.C.
Price: Averages $375 per night
Sleeps: 4
Bedrooms: 1
Notes:
Beach access
Internet included
Laundry on site
Outdoor fire pit
Can also rent out the entire house which accommodates 9 people
Rogers Communications and Coastal First Nations (CFN) announced a partnership set to benefit CFN communities by improving connectivity, strengthening environmental stewardship and help Indigenous entrepreneurs grow their businesses with digital tools.
The partnership covers several initiatives that will be announced between now and 2022. These initiatives include academic research projects, the creation and growth of Indigenous-led internet service providers (ISPs) and digital platforms for Indigenous entrepreneurs.
As part of the initial partnership announcement, Rogers and CFN also unveiled four initiatives:
Build five new cell sites and upgrade existing infrastructure on Haida Gwaii in B.C. and bring new “near contiguous” coverage to Highway 16 from Masset through Port Clements to Queen Charlotte.
Rogers will invest and support CFN’s environmental stewardship work that supports a long-standing sense of collective responsibility to care for our lands and waters.
Rogers Sports & Media and CFN will raise awareness about the environmental challenges facing the Great Bear Rainforest, such as the threatened salmon population, with an upcoming music festival involving Indigenous artists and performances.
‘Today’s Shopping Choice’s Let’s Shop Better’ platform will support new opportunities for Indigenous entrepreneurs from CFN communities.
Rogers also said it would engage in research and training initiatives and partner with CFN to support community events, increase its local presence and provide employment opportunities for youth and local entrepreneurs.
