October 26, 2018
Mel established TICOM to provide engineering and technical consulting services to tribes, Tribal Corporations, state, and federal agencies that seek to improve broadband services to Indian Country.
Mel is responsible for planning, designing and implementing wireline and wireless telecommunication systems for tribal owned broadband projects.
Of special note, Mel has led the Planning, Engineering, Construction and Project Management for the following projects:
The first 100% tribally owned Commercial Wireless System in the Nation; and the first 100% tribally owned Fiber to the Home Network which provides 1 gigabit capacity to all residents and businesses within its tribal lands.
Mel holds a B.S. Degree in Electrical Engineering from North Dakota State University; and an A.A. in Electronic Technology from Haskell Indian Jr. College. He is an AISES Sequoyah Fellow; and an enrolled member of the Pueblo of Zuni. Mel is married and has two sons.
Mel Yawakie
V.P. – Engineering
Turtle Island Communications, Inc. (TICOM)
Madonna founded TICOM to provide broadband engineering and consulting services to Tribal Nations. TICOM works with their clients to develop and implement broadband systems that meet National Broadband Plan Standards for rural and remote high cost service areas.
TICOM’s accomplishments include engineering, project management, construction management to implement the following:
The first 100% tribally owned Commercial Wireless System in the Nation; and the first 100% tribally owned Fiber to the Home Network which provides 1 gigabit capacity to all residents and businesses within its tribal lands.
TICOM’s work contributes to closing the digital divide in Indian Country, and increasing broadband access to enhance economic, education, public safety, and healthcare opportunities for those living and working on tribal lands.
Madonna’s career in the Telecommunication Industry began in 1991 and includes positions in Operations, Marketing and Project Management for both a Regional Carrier, and an Engineering Firm that supported the Rural Telecommunication industry.
She has contributed to the FCC’s Telecom/Broadband Policies for Tribal Nations. She holds a B.S. in Business Administration, and a Masters in Community & Regional Planning from NDSU. She is a Citizen of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians.
Madonna Peltier Yawakie
President
Turtle Island Communications, Inc. (TICOM)
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