Indigenous Spectrum refers to the allocation and management of radio frequencies and electromagnetic waves by, or for, Indigenous communities, ensuring that they have equitable access to the digital resources needed for communication, broadcasting and technological development. Spectrum is a critical and finite resource used for telecommunications, including mobile networks, internet access and broadcasting.
Indigenous spectrum rights advocate for the self-determination of Indigenous peoples over their digital infrastructure, allowing them to control how these frequencies are used to support cultural preservation, economic development and connectivity in their communities.
The International Indigenous Spectrum Alliance (IISA), is a collective of indigenous leaders, professionals and allies committed to advancing indigenous spectrum rights and advocating for equitable access to the digital space. IISA is dedicated to ensuring that Indigenous peoples have a voice in the management, ownership and governance of radio spectrum, a critical resource in the digital age.
Through collaboration, advocacy and innovation, we work to protect Indigenous knowledge, culture and sovereignty in the telecommunications sector, while empowering communities to participate fully in the global digital economy. The objective of this alliance is to create a future where Indigenous spectrum rights are recognised and upheld, ensuring connectivity and opportunity for all indigenous peoples.
In this instance, Indigenous peoples are culturally distinct communities that have historically lived in, and have deep connections to specific geographic regions before the arrival or establishment of colonial or external governing systems.
These groups maintain unique cultural, linguistic, social and economic traditions and possess a strong sense of identity tied to their ancestral lands and resources. They often have distinct governance structures, spiritual practices and ways of life that differ from those of the dominant or settler societies that now occupy their territories.
Globally, Indigenous peoples face challenges such as the protection of their rights, cultural preservation and access to land, natural resources and political representation. They are recognised by international organisations, including the United Nations, which has established frameworks like the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) to protect their rights to self-determination, culture and territory. Indigenous peoples are present across the world, from the Māori in Aotearoa (New Zealand) to the First Nations in Canada, Native Americans* in the United States and Aboriginal peoples in Australia.
The term "Indigenous peoples" is increasingly used in both the U.S. and internationally to recognise the collective identity of Native groups, while acknowledging their distinct cultures, histories and legal statuses. Importantly, many *Native Americans prefer to identify by their specific tribal or nation affiliation, emphasising their unique cultural heritage and sovereignty rather than a broad label.