Will enable the First Nation to own and control its digital infrastructure
Canadian Indian reserve Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory has installed a data center at its administration building.
Wiikwemkoong announced the arrival of the data center on May 23, which, based on images, looks to be a containerized facility.
The data center is part of the territory's goal of working towards data sovereignty, and will also be used to "digitally preserve and share Anishinaabe language, knowledge, and traditions in a way that is secure, culturally appropriate, and community-led."
Details about the data center, its supplier, or IT capacity, have not been shared. DCD has reached out for more information.
Michael McCormick, CTO of the Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory's IT department, said of the data center: "This project has been years in the making. It started with conversations about digital independence - about how we could better protect our community's data, improve our infrastructure, and prepare for a future where technology plays a central role in everything we do."
A report from CTV News added that currently, the territory is storing all of its data in a Microsoft data storage center in Toronto, which will now be migrated to the new data center.
McCormick added: "We recognized early on that relying on outside systems left us vulnerable, not just in terms of security, but also in terms of ownership and access. This data centre is the result of careful planning, collaboration, and a shared vision of digital sovereignty. It’s a major milestone, but also just the beginning of what’s possible for Wikwemikong.”
Additionally, it is hoped that the new data center will bring IT jobs to the territory, and encourage youth to take an interest in the sector.
The territory has previously teamed up with Cisco for a system of security cameras, IoT sensors, and cloud-managed networking in the community to help increase deterrence of antisocial activity and increase safety in public areas. The technology aims to enable fast responses when a drug overdose, fire, environmental threat, lost people, or potential crime is detected.
The Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory is located on the northeast of Manitoulin Island in Ontario, Canada
