For Immediate Release
May 4, 2017
Beardy’s & Okemasis’ Cree Nation, Treaty 6 – A new communications platform involving text messages will augment existing communications tools the Beardy’s & Okemasis’ Cree Nation already employs and provide instant information to membership says Councillor Kevin Seesequasis who oversees communications activities for the Nation.
“Through our partnership with BHP Billiton, we have purchased ‘text blasting software’ through EZ Texting. This new platform will enable instantaneous communications with members of the Nation who have a cell phone, and who sign-up to the service.”
Members of the Beardy’s & Okemasis’ Cree Nation who wish to receive the texts can simply type the code word “BOCN” to the number 393939 using their cellular device to sign up. From there, subscribers will receive instant communications on emergency updates, disaster information, severe weather alerts, job postings, important community information and events, and so much more – free of charge!
“We’ve relied heavily on social media and our Nation’s website as the primary platforms by which we provide and share information with our membership. This new service will enhance those services, but also enable us to reach a wider audience – those who may not have access to social media or the internet, but who do have a cell phone – such as elders” explains Seesequasis. “We are also working on activating a web-based subscription method, but that process is still in early development.”
Members who initially use the text-based service will be charged the first, standard-text-charge (approximately $0.20 – $0.50 per text) for subscribing. Texts received by the subscriber and sent by the Nation will be at no charge to the subscriber.
“Ultimately, this is a tool for more information sharing. It is another example of Council demonstrating our commitment to open, fair, and transparent government.” concluded Councillor Seesequasis.
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For more information, please contact:
Chief & Council Communications
306-467-4523
communications@beardysband.com
