Network Services
Tribal Coalition

A Communications Services Company

A NEW BEGINNING

The year 1996 welcomes the formation of Network Services Tribal Coalition (NSTC) and the beginning of a new era of communications technology for Indian Country. NSTC's mission is to provide information access technology and support services to its members for their economic empowerment, social development, and cultural preservation. With growing membership strength, NSTC will market their network services to the public and private sector resulting in a powerful Indian communications enterprise.

Formation of the coalition will begin with the Delaware Tribe of Indians in Bartlesville, Oklahoma. Just as the tribe became the first in American history to sign a treaty with the United States, they will be the first to join in this united Native American effort. Oklahoma has 39 Indian tribes and nations within its border. Across the U.S., there are some 500 tribes and Alaska native villages which have the potential to benefit from NSTC membership services.

WHAT NSTC DOES

What will NSTC provide its member tribes?

The Internet or "information superhighway" will bring the world to your fingertips. Member tribes will be linked using state-of-the-art computer and communications technology, providing them with information resources and communications services throughout the world. Imagine being able to scroll through the weekly Federal Registry for government programs, rules and regulations; instant electronic mail communications with Congress and the White House; visit museums; conduct financial transactions with various financial institutions; or display tribal products and services on the electronic mall to millions around the world. The coop's technicians will establish a "website" or worldwide Internet presence for others to access and contact each tribe.

Another remarkable technology that will be provided is "videoconferencing", a versatile and cost-effective tool for group communications. It provides live, real-time interactive communications among tribes in different locations through transmission of video and audio information via sophisticated high-speed telecommunications links. It minimizes the need for travel and offers the capability of integrating personal computer data, facsimile, graphics, CD-ROM and other multimedia applications into audio-visual communication. This technology can be used for business presentations, educational outreach (distance learning), health care consultation, and community seminars.

SUPPORT SERVICES

What about NSTC's support services for installing and maintaining each member's system?

The NSTC's technical and administrative support will be provided by Lenape Information Systems, Association (LISA) , a Native American owned and operated company with over 60 years combined experience in this technology.

Will each member need to purchase new computers and equipment to accomodate this technology?

NSTC will evaluate members' current systems and provide a comprehensive assessment of its capability and efficiency. Working in consultation with the tribe's information systems manager, LISA will upgrade or replace existing systems with the newest and most powerful products on the market. The added advantage of NSTC's volume purchasing power will provide significant savings to each member. The system will be specifically designed for each tribal government's use and administration.

How Will NSTC membership improve a tribe's presence in the outlying community?

Many tribal governments are established in small communities or rural locations. The power of the coalition will be realized by bringing this technology to the non-Indian public (local governments, community action agencies, schools, etc.) and private (businesses) sector. Profits realized by marketing these services will be used to maintain the Native American network members.

ABOUT LISA

Lenape Information Systems, Association is owned and operated by Delaware tribe member Jack Tatum. He, along with the members of his technical staff, house over 60 years of experience in the field of computer/communications technology.

Currently, LISA manages NAOL.Net, a local Internet Service Provider in Bartlesville Oklahoma. A full compliment of connectivity, from basic shell accounts to dedicated T-1 (corporate) services, are available. LISA specializes in total network systems solutions, including plug and play networks. They provide systems hardware and software products along with configuration, installation, maintenance and management services.

LISA is committed to participating in this new era of technology, playing a role in the organization and development of access in our American Indian communities.

The staff of LISA believes in the theories of our ancient Lenape ancestors. Basically, when you give, you receive. Such thinking is what lies behind LISA's commitment to the American Indian community as a whole. One of the company's goals is to build a community presence on the Internet which is so vivid that is will gain both national and international attention.
For more information, contact Jack Tatum (tatum@naol.net)