Delivering Affordable, Reliable Fiber-based Connectivity to Rural Tribal Communities

Tuesday, May 19, 2026

8:00 AM - 8:40 AM ET

Location: Lafayette 2 (Mezzanine Level)

Moderator(s)

Jennifer Burkhalter (she/her/hers)

Executive Director/CFO
NTTA/Ponderosa

Panelist(s)

Andrew Metcalfe

President and CEO
Native Network, Inc
Wenatchee, Washington, United States
Robert Griffin

Broadband Director
Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma
Durant, Oklahoma, United States
Alice Sanchez (she/her/hers)

Global Native American Network Lead
Cisco
Oakland, CA, California, United States

Connecting rural Tribal communities requires more than infrastructure, it demands cultural understanding and sustainable planning. This session explores strategies for delivering affordable, reliable fiber-based connectivity while respecting sovereignty and local priorities. Learn proven approaches for funding, deployment, and long-term support. Strengthen your ability to bridge the digital divide and empower Tribal communities with lasting solutions.