Mission and Goals
Our mission is as follows: The Indigenous Internet Chamber of Commerce promotes and supports the development of electronic communications networks and tools to increase economic and educational opportunities for Native Nations of the Western Hemisphere.
Economic impoverishment among indigenous people is a significant and complex problem. It is also an expensive one. Based on data taken from the United States 2000 Census, indigenous people are more likely to live in poverty than are members of any other racial group. The poverty rate among indigenous people is nearly twice that of Americans in general. Indigenous people are less likely to graduate from high school, own telephones or computers, be self-employed, or apply for small business loans. They suffer higher rates of diabetes, amputation, alcoholism, and chronic homelessness, and are more likely to live in rural areas with high concentrations of poverty among all residents. In short, indigenous people tend to be the most geographically isolated and impoverished residents of areas already lacking in physical and economic resources.
These problems, though serious, can be overcome once indigenous tribes and people have access to the tools and resources they need to be successful and competitive in a 21st century world. We seek to bridge the ‘indigenous divide’ and make available electronic communications tools and networks to indigenous people. Our goals are:
- To promote economic development through the establishment of indigenous e-commerce centers, internet and ecommerce training, telecommuting arrangements for indigenous people, and tribal information parks.
- To connect indigenous people throughout the western hemisphere by providing electronic networking opportunities for sharing ideas, best practices, business opportunities, and resources.
- To improve indigenous health by reducing the incidence of diabetes and diabetes-related amputation.
- To promote honest, responsible, fair and ethical Internet business practices among indigenous people.
- To provide international exposure for our active members.
Indigenous people are excited about the opportunities technology has to offer. According to the Native American Access to Technology Program, tribes view the internet and electronic technology as essential to developing their economies, improving the quality and scope of education for indigenous children, and preserving indigenous culture. An electronic infrastructure will also make it possible to establish telemedicine programs, greatly improving the quality and consistency of health care in isolated areas.
IICOC will build an electronic bridge to connect indigenous people and communities. Connecting indigenous people with resources and with one another will increase self-sufficiency, reduce economic impoverishment, and improve lives.
Mission Statement print version
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