News
The San Pasqual Band of Mission Indians has announced a strategic investment in Tribal Ready, PBC, a company with decades of expertise in network design and delivery in high-cost rural areas.
By: Brad Randall, Broadband Communities
The goal of achieving long-term digital independence for Native communities has led to a strategic investment from the San Pasqual Band of Mission Indians in Southern California.
The investment “goes beyond a traditional partnership,” according to a recent release from Tribal Ready, PBC, the recipient of the investment.
According to Joe Valandra, the chairman and CEO of Tribal Ready, the investment is a testament to the visionary leadership from the San Pasqual Band of Mission Indians.
“This investment allows us to accelerate our efforts in bringing world-class connectivity solutions to Tribal Nations, enabling economic development, healthcare access, educational opportunities, and the preservation of Tribal sovereignty,” said Valandra, according to Tribal Ready’s Sept. 24 announcement.
The San Pasqual Band of Mission Indians, a band of Kumeyaay people, are indigenous to Southern California and northern Mexico, specifically in an area that spans San Diego and Imperial counties as well as northern Baja California, according to the San Pasqual Band’s website.
Tribal Ready’s announcement described the partnership as reflective of “a shared dedication to supporting Native communities in a rapidly advancing digital world.”
“This investment goes beyond a traditional partnership,” the release stated. “The San Pasqual Band’s backing of Tribal Ready reflects a shared vision for a future where Native Nations maintain full ownership and control of their digital infrastructure.”
Steven L. Cope, chairman of the San Pasqual Band of Mission Indians, said the investment is about securing a bright future for indigenous people and ensuring that indigenous people have the autonomy to shape their digital destiny.
“By supporting Tribal Ready, we are actively contributing to the long-term growth and success of not just our own community, but Native Nations across the country,” Cope said. “This is an investment in our sovereignty, our culture, and our future generations.”
The investment, the size of which was not disclosed, sets a precedent for other tribal nations, Tribal Ready’s announcement stated.
“Together with the San Pasqual Band of Mission Indians, Tribal Ready is leading the charge in transforming Indian Country’s digital landscape,” the announcement stated.
Additional momentum for Tribal Ready
The news is the latest momentum for Tribal Ready.
Earlier this month, the Arizona State Broadband Office has engaged Tribal Ready to lead Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) outreach and engagement to the state’s 22 tribal nations.
Tribal Ready CEO and Chairman Joe Valandra called the task a vital mission in statements included with the announcement.
“This initiative reflects our commitment to supporting tribal sovereignty and ensuring that every tribal community has the opportunity to participate in and benefit from the digital economy,” Valandra said at the time.
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