More than 10-thousand rural and northern Manitoba homes are set to gain access to high-speed internet through a new, multi-year expansion project.

The 157-million-dollar project is a partnership between the governments of Canada and Manitoba, Valley Fibre, municipalities and First Nations.

The project includes access to underused Manitoba Hydro fibre capacity, allowing Valley Fibre to connect or improve service for more than 3-thousand-500 households across 11 communities.

The initiative is backed by 120-million dollars in federal funding and financing.

Fisher River Cree Nation Chief David Crate says improved internet will help youth with their studies, keep elders connected with family, and improve access to health care and opportunities for Indigenous businesses.