Tribes across the US push for better Internet access

This undated photo provided by Amy Martin shows Ophelia Watahomigie-Corliss, a member of the Havasupai Tribal Council, at Red Butte, a site that the Havasupai consider sacred about 15 miles south of Tusayan, Ariz. Native American tribes are pushing the federal government to give them priority when it issues licenses that could expand internet coverage in their communities. Tribes in Oklahoma, Wisconsin, Washington, Idaho and others in Arizona also are pressing the FCC for a priority filing window. On the Havasupai Tribal Council, Watahomigie-Corliss is dubbed the telecommunications member. (Amy Martin via AP)

FLAGSTAFF, Arizona: In a remote, roadless Arizona canyon that is home to a small Native American tribe, there’s a natural scepticism toward the Internet. 

The telemedicine equipment that health care officials promised would work gathers dust. School children who have online homework struggle to get online. And streaming a web-based conference or taking classes remotely? Well, “that’s a lot of luck you’d have to get,” said Ophelia Watahomigie-Corliss, who sits on the Havasupai Tribal Council.