The FCC Tribal Workshop will be held at the Cherokee Nation in Tulsa, Oklahoma on August 9-10, 2022.  The workshop will be conducted at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Tulsa (777 W. Cherokee Street, Catoosa, OK 74015).  This event is designed to provide information that will help Tribal Nations identify and evaluate opportunities to develop more robust broadband infrastructure and services in Tribal communities.  It is also designed to provide information about the FCC and how it conducts its regulatory responsibilities, and to encourage Tribal participation in the regulatory process.

Tribal government leaders, Tribal IT managers, government and community planners and managers, Tribal enterprise specialists, and representatives of Tribal social service agencies, schools, and libraries are all persons who should consider attending this event.

FCC staff will provide presentations on a broad range of important FCC programs and policies that support the deployment of communications infrastructure and services in Tribal communities (e.g., Broadband Data Collection, Affordable Connectivity Program, Universal Service Fund Schools and Libraries E-Rate Program).  Such infrastructure supports Tribal economic development, Tribal schools and libraries, low-income families, public safety departments, and Tribal government administration.  Representatives of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) have also been invited to share information on the relevant programs they manage.  In addition, a representative from the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) will provide training on the application process for the FCC’s E-Rate Program, which provides discounts to qualifying schools and libraries for broadband equipment and services.

Registration is free.  To register, please send your name, title, Tribal affiliation and contact information to native@fcc.gov with the subject line “August Workshop.”  For any questions, please contact the Office of Native Affairs and Policy:  Sayuri Rajapakse, Acting Chief, sayuri.rajapakse@fcc.gov or Derik Goatson, Legal Advisor, derik.goatson@fcc.gov.  Walk-ins can also be accommodated.  Doors will open at 9:00 a.m. on both days.

The Public Notice announcing the event is available here.  Information is also available on the FCC event page.  A full agenda will be available at a later date.