Re: [Advisors] podcast -- Early internet in Canada, TC, Freenets, Blue Sky network in Manitoba
by Marita Moll
Wow Tracey. VCN projects continue to be leading edge!! Digital
sovereignty (aka digital resilience) is emerging as a major concern here
in Canada. And not a moment too soon, given the intimidation tactics
coming at us from south of the border. In large and small ways, we need
to start thinking seriously about how to keep and protect our own data
here in our own country. This project below is an excellent example of
how community networks can be a partner in such a national agenda. I am
sure you won't mind if I share your posting with a number of others
thinking about this issue.
Have you considered applying for a CIRA grant for this. Sounds like a
good candidate.
Marita
On 2025-07-30 1:48 p.m., Tracey Axelsson wrote:
> Thanks so much marita - I've listened and been inspired! I've shared
> it on LinkedIN!
>
> VCN is actually in the process of evolving member's digital democracy.
> The freenet network was so much a part of getting the internet into
> the community's hands I love it! I feel humbled to be leading the
> next wave - with one of the most important iterations of Digital
> sovereignty. We're building what is called Legacy Shield.
>
> *Legacy Shield*, a new project emerging from the freenet movement - I
> believe speaks directly to the mission we all share through
> Telecommunities Canada — building *community-owned, values-aligned
> digital infrastructure* for the public good.
>
> *Legacy Shield* is envisioned as a *nonprofit digital vault* designed
> to protect people’s most sensitive legacy documents — wills,
> directives, key identity records — and more importantly, to *shield
> their digital identities from theft, misuse, and erasure after death*.
>
> Unlike commercial platforms, Legacy Shield is:
>
> *
>
> * *Mission-locked* to remain in the nonprofit space
> * *Governed by its members*, not shareholders or private interests
> * *Technically secure* and privacy-first by design
> * Structured to resist capture by venture capital or Big Tech
> * Built with *interoperability and permanence* in mind, rather than
> obsolescence
>
> *
>
> As we all know, platforms fade and accounts get wiped — but personal
> digital legacies deserve the same permanence and dignity as any other
> estate. Legacy Shield aims to make that possible in a *public interest
> framework* that scales — without selling out.
>
> We’re preparing to launch a *crowdfunding campaign* this fall,
> alongside nonprofit membership, and would love to connect with fellow
> community network builders about how this could serve as a *model of
> digital trust infrastructure* in the nonprofit sector
>
> I'll share more, and am always open to collaboration or shared
> governance ideas as we grow this work. In fact - I can't think of a
> better group to help on the project.
>
> here are the current tiers we've developed for the crowdfunding process
>
> *Shield Bearer*
>
>
>
> *$25*
>
>
>
> *1-year VCN membership, tax receipt, project updates, and governance
> polling*
>
> *Legacy Sentinel*
>
>
>
> $50
>
>
>
> All Shield Bearer benefits + early access to platform demo + optional
> name on supporters page
>
> *Shield Builder*
>
>
>
> $100
>
>
>
> All above + access to Builder Polls on major platform decisions
>
> *Legacy Defender*
>
>
>
> $500
>
>
>
> All above + invitation to virtual design session + beta tester access
> + recognition in founding project report (opt-in) + one personal vault
> with no fees for 10 years — no renewals, no strings attached
>
> *Shield Ally*
>
>
>
> $2,500
>
>
>
> All above + 100 client vaults + 2 years waived client registration
> fees + priority tech support + legal roundtable invitation + Founding
> Ally recognition (opt-in)
>
>
> IThoughts?
>
> all the best, Tracey
> -----------------
> Tracey Axelsson
> Executive Director - *Vancouver Community Network (VCN)*
> 280 - 111 West Hastings Street, Vancouver, BC V6B 1H4
> t: 778.724.0241
>
> *Consider the environment before printing.*
>
> VCN offers great services to all for IT support and web development at
> very affordable rates.
> We deeply appreciate your referral of Tech|team
> <https://www.techteam.vcn.bc.ca/> & Web|team
> <https://www.webteam.vcn.bc.ca/> services.
>
>
>
>
> On Wed, Jul 30, 2025 at 8:26 AM Marita Moll <mmoll(a)ca.inter.net
> <mailto:mmoll@ca.inter.net>> wrote:
>
> Hi folks. I am really happy to share with you Joel Templeton's
> (ISOC Manitoba) podcast documenting some of the history of the
> early Internet in Canada, Freenets in general, the development of
> TC and particularly the story of the Blue Sky network in Manitoba.
> 1:23 min podcast. Garth and I both contributed to this episode.
>
> The Past - The Freenet Dream–ConnectedMB – Apple Podcasts
> <https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/the-past-the-freenet-dream/id173538...>
>
> Something to do on another very hot summer day when many of us are
> stuck inside. 🙁
>
> Marita
>
> _______________________________________________
> Advisors mailing list -- advisors(a)tc.ca <mailto:advisors@tc.ca>
> To unsubscribe send an email to advisors-leave(a)tc.ca
> <mailto:advisors-leave@tc.ca>
>
2 months, 2 weeks
Re: [Advisors] Word change input sought -- deadline looming
by Marita Moll
Thanks James. Definitely an improvement.
Marita
On 2025-07-27 9:13 a.m., James Van Leeuwen wrote:
> Hi Marita,
>
> your suggestion works just fine, but I offer the following suggested
> revision in blue to help emphasize the community context:
>>
>> *Emphasize the importance of community internet infrastructure and
>> communitydecisionmaking processes to connectingthe unconnected (...)*
>>
>
> Regards,
>
> James
>
>
>
>> On Jul 27, 2025, at 5:06 AM, Marita Moll <mmoll(a)ca.inter.net> wrote:
>>
>> Hi advisors. I know it is summer and we are all trying to step away
>> from the internet grind. Unfortunately, all these international
>> processes don't take a vacation. So, just sending a reminder to let
>> me know if you are okay with the following wording suggestions to the
>> Canadian stakeholder position in the WSIS+20 negotiations.
>>
>> Marita
>>
>> On 2025-07-21 8:50 p.m., Marita Moll wrote:
>>>
>>> Hello advisors. You might remember that ISED and GAC held 6 thematic
>>> meetings over the last 6 months to develop a Canadian stakeholder
>>> vision document to help inform the Canadian position at the WSIS+20
>>> negotiations later this year. I was part of this informal working
>>> group where I did what I could to promote the ideas TC members had
>>> developed in some of our work on the questionnaires late last year.
>>> Attached is the first draft of the vision document which captures
>>> the key messages from these meetings. I have looked at it and find
>>> it to be a reasonable outcome of the discussions. But this is a
>>> draft and feedback will be considered. I am considering asking for
>>> a minor revision of the piece under /Indigenous Connectivity and
>>> Community Networks /which currently reads:
>>>
>>> *
>>>
>>> Emphasize the importance of community networks in creating an
>>> enabling environment to connect the unconnected (directly
>>> related to WSIS Action Line 6).
>>>
>>> Not much room for change here. We have be very clear and concise. I
>>> was going to offer the following suggestion as a rewording:
>>>
>>> *Emphasize the importance of community internet infrastructure and
>>> decisionmaking processes to connect the unconnected (...)*
>>>
>>> This wording is actually from our response to the ITU questionnaire
>>> and I think the current reference to community networks is terribly
>>> vague in this context.
>>>
>>> Any thoughts? Deadline: July 31
>>>
>>> Marita
>>>
>>>
>>> _______________________________________________
>>> Tcadvisors mailing list --tcadvisors(a)lists.ncf.ca
>>> To unsubscribe send an email totcadvisors-leave(a)lists.ncf.ca
>> _______________________________________________
>> Advisors mailing list -- advisors(a)tc.ca
>> To unsubscribe send an email to advisors-leave(a)tc.ca
>
2 months, 2 weeks
WSIS+20 Informal Working Group Updates - Vision Document draft
by Marita Moll
Hello advisors. You might remember that ISED and GAC held 6 thematic
meetings over the last 6 months to develop a Canadian stakeholder vision
document to help inform the Canadian position at the WSIS+20
negotiations later this year. I was part of this informal working group
where I did what I could to promote the ideas TC members had developed
in some of our work on the questionnaires late last year. Attached is
the first draft of the vision document which captures the key messages
from these meetings. I have looked at it and find it to be a reasonable
outcome of the discussions. But this is a draft and feedback will be
considered. I am considering asking for a minor revision of the piece
under /Indigenous Connectivity and Community Networks /which currently
reads:
*
Emphasize the importance of community networks in creating an
enabling environment to connect the unconnected (directly related to
WSIS Action Line 6).
Not much room for change here. We have be very clear and concise. I was
going to offer the following suggestion as a rewording:
*Emphasize the importance of community internet infrastructure and
decisionmaking processes to connect the unconnected (...)*
This wording is actually from our response to the ITU questionnaire and
I think the current reference to community networks is terribly vague in
this context.
Any thoughts? Deadline: July 31
Marita
2 months, 3 weeks
Another sign-on supporting WSIS+20 goals and minor update
by Marita Moll
Hello advisors. The statement linked below is very aligned with the
principles we developed. I think we should sign on. Easy thing to do.
Deadline is July 15th.
There has been lots of activity in this area, with an IGF in Norway
dedicated to the subject, and current discussions going on in Geneva.
But I have stepped back from it all since the completion of the
consultations with the coalition organized by GAC and ISED. I felt our
participation at the level was our best shot at any influence. The rest
is up to the people on the ground. However, showing solidarity by
signing on to statements like this is still possible. I see the Canadian
Youth group has signed on. No other Canadian group yet.
Joel, I wonder if ISOC Winnipeg would consider signing on.
Marita
-------- Forwarded Message --------
Subject: Joint Statement WSIS+20 Review
Date: Fri, 4 Jul 2025 19:51:17 +0000
From: info(a)youthigf.de <info(a)youthigf.de>
To: info(a)tc.ca <info(a)tc.ca>
Dear Team of Telecommunities Canada,
My name is Claire Patzig, and I am reaching out on behalf of the German
Youth IGF, alongside other supporting NRIs and civil society organizations.
In the current version of the IGF elements paper, several core aspects -
namely multistakeholder approaches, the role of the IGF, the role of
NRIs, and the principle of technology neutrality - are either missing or
insufficiently represented. At the Open Consultation in Oslo these
concerns were widely raised. We strongly believe that a joint
contribution from NRIs and CSOs across the globe would carry
significantly more weight and visibility than individual statements.
To address this, we have drafted a concise joint statement highlighting
the key points we collectively wish to see included in the final version
of the paper.
You can access the statement here:
_https://docs.google.com/document/d/1K7km90ZWqc-EqDN14ULR4roM_NqXruhePz6R...
<https://docs.google.com/document/d/1K7km90ZWqc-EqDN14ULR4roM_NqXruhePz6R0...>_
Our aim is to submit this joint statement as a written contribution by
*15 July*. We are aware that the short timeline differs from the usual
inclusive processes. However, if the content aligns with your chapter's
ongoing priorities, we warmly invite you to *sign the statement*. If
you'd like to exchange views or need further clarification, we would be
happy to arrange a conversation.
We kindly ask you to review the draft and let us know by *10 July* if
you would like to be listed as a supporting organization. Your input
will be essential in ensuring this joint contribution is both inclusive
and impactful.
Warm regards,
Claire Patzig
3 months, 1 week
Re: Another sign-on supporting WSIS+20 goals and minor update
by Marita Moll
Thanks. Just wondering if you went into the doc. and added ISOC Manitoba
to the comments (you can do that) or I don't mind doing it.
Great to have a better Canadian showing
Marita
On 2025-07-10 9:00 p.m., Joel Templeman wrote:
> Hi Marita,
>
> ISOC Manitoba is in. Thanks for the heads up. I’ve added Pierre-Jean
> and Franca here.
>
>
> *Joel Templeman, CD, MPA, MEd*
> Executive Director
> Internet Society Manitoba Chapter
> 431-999-3953
> joel.templeman(a)internetsocietymanitoba.ca
>
> PastedGraphic-1.png
>
>> On Jul 10, 2025, at 7:14 AM, Marita Moll <mmoll(a)ca.inter.net> wrote:
>>
>> Hello advisors. The statement linked below is very aligned with the
>> principles we developed. I think we should sign on. Easy thing to do.
>> Deadline is July 15th.
>>
>> There has been lots of activity in this area, with an IGF in Norway
>> dedicated to the subject, and current discussions going on in Geneva.
>> But I have stepped back from it all since the completion of the
>> consultations with the coalition organized by GAC and ISED. I felt
>> our participation at the level was our best shot at any influence.
>> The rest is up to the people on the ground. However, showing
>> solidarity by signing on to statements like this is still possible. I
>> see the Canadian Youth group has signed on. No other Canadian group yet.
>>
>> Joel, I wonder if ISOC Winnipeg would consider signing on.
>>
>> Marita
>>
>> -------- Forwarded Message --------
>> Subject: Joint Statement WSIS+20 Review
>> Date: Fri, 4 Jul 2025 19:51:17 +0000
>> From: info(a)youthigf.de<info(a)youthigf.de>
>> To: info(a)tc.ca<info(a)tc.ca>
>>
>>
>>
>> Dear Team of Telecommunities Canada,
>>
>> My name is Claire Patzig, and I am reaching out on behalf of the
>> German Youth IGF, alongside other supporting NRIs and civil society
>> organizations.
>>
>> In the current version of the IGF elements paper, several core
>> aspects - namely multistakeholder approaches, the role of the IGF,
>> the role of NRIs, and the principle of technology neutrality - are
>> either missing or insufficiently represented. At the Open
>> Consultation in Oslo these concerns were widely raised. We strongly
>> believe that a joint contribution from NRIs and CSOs across the globe
>> would carry significantly more weight and visibility than individual
>> statements.
>>
>> To address this, we have drafted a concise joint statement
>> highlighting the key points we collectively wish to see included in
>> the final version of the paper.
>>
>> You can access the statement here:
>>
>> _https://docs.google.com/document/d/1K7km90ZWqc-EqDN14ULR4roM_NqXruhePz6R...
>> <https://docs.google.com/document/d/1K7km90ZWqc-EqDN14ULR4roM_NqXruhePz6R0...>_
>>
>> Our aim is to submit this joint statement as a written contribution
>> by*15 July*. We are aware that the short timeline differs from the
>> usual inclusive processes. However, if the content aligns with your
>> chapter's ongoing priorities, we warmly invite you to*sign the
>> statement*. If you'd like to exchange views or need further
>> clarification, we would be happy to arrange a conversation.
>>
>> We kindly ask you to review the draft and let us know by*10 July* if
>> you would like to be listed as a supporting organization. Your input
>> will be essential in ensuring this joint contribution is both
>> inclusive and impactful.
>>
>>
>> Warm regards,
>> Claire Patzig
>>
>
3 months, 1 week