Building education equity: New study highlights Digital Divide among children in the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians

Malaysian Reserve

14-07-2025

Connected Nation Michigan and Tribal leaders assess broadband and computer access in households with children
SAULT STE. MARIE, Mich., July 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Connected Nation Michigan (CN Michigan), with support from the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians, has released a new study examining how the Digital Divide impacts Tribal households with children in northern Michigan.
The report, titled 'Building Education Equity: Understanding the Digital Divide among Children in the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians,' analyzes data from a 2023 survey of Tribal member households. It focuses on computer ownership and internet access — two vital tools for educational success — and reveals that while many families are connected, significant gaps remain for others.
'Broadband and computers are no longer optional. They are essential for a child's education,' said Chris McGovern, Director of Research Development, Connected Nation and CN Michigan. 'This study shows how the Tribe continues its leadership in this work to close the Digital Divide.'
In 2023, CN Michigan surveyed 940 member households in collaboration with Tribal leadership. The findings among households with children showed the following key findings:
84% of Tribal households with children have both a computer and home internet access.
16% fall into the Digital Divide:
7% do not own a computer.
6% do not subscribe to home internet.
3% lack both a computer and internet service.
In households earning more than $35,000 annually, 93% have internet and 94% own a computer.
In households earning less than $35,000, those numbers drop to 83% and 75%, respectively.
The Tribe has already taken several steps to improve connectivity by securing a Rural Development Broadband ReConnect grant and a National Tribal Broadband Grant, which is aimed at building fiber networks and evaluating broadband infrastructure.
Additionally, outreach about the now-defunct Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) helped many families reduce costs and obtain discounted devices. However, with the end of that federal program, the search for alternative options is ongoing.
The report also provides some recommendations and next steps. They include:
Continue broadband deployment and infrastructure investment on Tribal lands.
Increase access to affordable devices through awareness campaigns and funding programs.
Explore creative solutions to ensure that everyone has access to affordable home broadband service, particularly in rural and Tribal areas.
To download and read the full report, click here.
About Connected Nation: Founded in 2001, the national nonprofit's mission is to improve lives by providing innovative solutions that expand access to and increase the adoption and use of broadband (high-speed internet) and its related technologies for all people. Everyone belongs in a Connected Nation. Learn more at connectednation.org.
About the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians:Sault Tribe is a 44,000-strong federally recognized Indian Tribe that is an economic, social, and cultural force in its community across the eastern Upper Peninsula counties of Chippewa, Luce, Mackinac, Schoolcraft, Alger, Delta, and Marquette. The Tribe comprises housing and Tribal centers, casinos, and other enterprises that employ both Natives and non-Natives and fund Tribal programs.