Advanced Kiosks is partnering with the U.S. Department of Interior Bureau of Indian Affairs on a kiosk project that will allow members of Native American Tribes to securely talk by video conferencing to a Bureau of Trust Funds Administration (BTFA) representative and access federal benefits.
The first prototype will be located at the Fort Peck Indian Reservation near Fort Peck, Mont. The reservation is home to both Assiniboine and Sioux Tribes. There are an estimated 10,000 enrolled tribal members, of whom approximately 6,000 reside on or near the reservation. With a total land area of 2.1 million acres, it is the ninth-largest Indian reservation in the United States.
Aegis Booth for Secure Assisted Self Service
Aegis Booth Smart Glass Demonstration
The Aegis Desk & Booth
- Secure & Private Document Scan, Print & Transfer
Digitize forms easily and send or file them away securely with the tap of a button - Secure & Private Video Conferencing Capability
Offer comprehensive support to those who need it - Bill Payment
Securely execute or receive assistance with financial transactions - Information Access
Provide users access to helpful resources - Accessibility Features
Including high contrast interface and Storm Navpad functionality
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, more than 30% of the residents of the Fort Peck reservation lack health coverage. The area has traditionally suffered from high unemployment and high poverty rates, indicating the kiosk project is desperately needed.
“Several studies have made it clear that Native Americans are disproportionately underserved and economically vulnerable,” said Advanced Kiosks president Howard Horn. “These kiosks will be one step along the journey to eliminating those inequities.”
Advanced Kiosks’ contract is for one year with the option for several more. As part of the contract, Advanced Kiosks is designing, building and delivering the booth and desk hardware as well as developing the software.
Grant deadline extended
Separately, the deadline for federally recognized Indian tribes to apply for a Treasury Department grant for digital connectivity projects has been extended to Aug. 15, 2022. The department defines digital connectivity technology projects as those involving the purchase or installation of devices and equipment such as laptops, tablets, desktop personal computers, and public Wi-Fi equipment to facilitate broadband internet access for communities where affordability is a barrier to broadband adoption and use. Tribes can receive $167,000 from this grant.
Advanced Kiosks has created a website to assist Tribes in applying for the grant. Click here for more information.
