Nearly 5,000 people call the Umatilla Nation home. On any given day, residents across the reservation come together to celebrate and honor their heritage and culture. Whether it’s a traditional event, social gathering, or Tribal leadership meeting, community is an integral part of every day here, and connecting with each other is woven into the fabric of Tribal life.
For Tribal communities, ‘connectivity’ means preserving traditions while engaging with the modern digital world. Unfortunately, limited technology and connectivity resources on the Umatilla Reservation have also left many residents without the opportunity and tools needed to thrive in today’s online society. But with the help of a locally run initiative aimed at addressing the technology needs of all Umatilla residents, achieving digital equity may soon be realized.
Thanks to a grant through Google.org, Cayuse Native Solutions (CNS) was selected to join NDIA’s National Digital Navigator Corps to launch a program providing free, hands-on technology assistance to residents across the reservation. That community-trusted resource is Leo Wallahee, the lead Digital Navigator for the program.
“I want every person to not only be taken care of but to feel important and valued as a human being,” Leo says. This philosophy drives his work, whether he’s demystifying technology, teaching basic computer skills, or helping a resident set up Starlink’s satellite internet service.
As a Yakama Nation member and descendant of the Wenatchapam people, Leo brings technical expertise and a deep understanding of the importance of community bonds. Having lived on the Umatilla reservation for 18 years, he knows how vital it is to build trust and foster connections.
“Having a skilled person in the community who understands the technology barriers and how to interact respectfully is the real success of this Digital Navigator program,” said Debra Croswell, Executive Managing Director of CNS, the for-profit enterprise of the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation (CTUIR) that provides technology solutions to Native Nations, Tribal entities, Native-owned businesses, and organizations serving Indigenous communities.
The Umatilla Reservation’s diverse population faces various digital needs that Leo assesses through personalized, one-on-one interactions. He holds office hours a few times per month at locations like the Nixyaawii Governance Center, Mission Senior Center, Yellowhawk Tribal Health Center, and Nixyaawii Community Financial Services. These sessions cover everything from navigating email to troubleshooting new devices – but always at the individual’s pace.
One of Leo’s most impactful stories shows the power of trust and connection through these personal interactions. “During one of my office hours at the Nixyaawii Governance Center, an employee stopped by and inquired about a laptop,” Leo shared. “After filling out the required intake form and receiving a laptop, I began teaching him how to use email and other programs. After several sessions, he told me he was having fun learning and felt comfortable using it on his own. Now he stops by my regular office hours just to say hi and catch up.”
The program’s success lies in its flexibility and commitment to meeting residents where they feel most comfortable. For some, this means attending Leo’s office hours. For others, it means inviting him into their homes for hands-on assistance. Leo recalls visiting a resident to help connect a printer and showing her how to safely open attachments on her phone. For those without a computer at home, learning to use their mobile devices effectively is critical.
“On Tribal land like the Umatilla Reservation, letting people know about the program is the first step, even if it’s one resident at a time,” Leo said. “Stick with it. Get yourself known and out there. Don’t get discouraged if it’s slow and you feel like you’re not helping.”
The program is an extension of CNS’s broader mission to provide technology solutions to Native Nations and organizations serving Indigenous communities. However, this grant was specifically designed to support the hiring of the community-based Digital Navigators alongside programmatic and technical support —helping Umatilla, other Tribal members, and non-Tribal residents alike. Leo’s role is to identify the most pressing technology needs and deliver solutions that are both practical and empowering.
“Technology is only as useful as the ability of people to use it,” Debra Croswell explains. “That’s why having someone like Leo, who can demystify technology and work closely with residents, is so essential.”
As Leo continues his work, the impact of the Digital Navigator program grows. Each resident he assists not only gains valuable skills but also feels more connected to their community. For Leo, every session—even those with just one or two participants—is meaningful.
“I’ve come to learn that helping even one person in a day can create a ripple effect.”
Leo Wallahee, Digital Navigator
Looking ahead, CNS hopes to expand the program’s reach and deepen its impact. With Leo’s steady presence and dedication, the Umatilla reservation is taking significant steps to bridge the digital divide and create opportunities for all its residents to thrive in today’s digital world.
As Leo continues his work, the impact of the Digital Navigator program grows. Each resident he assists not only gains valuable skills but also feels more connected to their community. For Leo, every session—even those with just one or two participants—is meaningful. “I’ve come to learn that helping even one person in a day can create a ripple effect,” he shares.
Increasing Access, Affordability, and Adoption on Umatilla Reservation
- Assessing the digital skills of community members. The Digital Navigator evaluates the level of technical assistance needed based on intake forms the community members fill out and customizes learning based on individual skill sets.
- Enhancing connectivity. The Digital Navigator assists local elders in learning how to use their cell phones for email, and helps households connect to local wireless and satellite internet providers. The Digital Navigator also helps families obtain laptops so that students can facilitate at-home learning.
- Creating sustainable digital skills. The Digital Navigator assisted a single mother with two children by providing her with a laptop and teaching her how to use it. This allowed her to enroll and participate in online classes at the local community college, building sustainable digital skills.
- Accessing community resources. Establishing regular office hours at four community buildings with the highest volume of foot traffic has been the most successful way for the Digital Navigator to connect with community members.