The Foundation was created in January 2000, through the merger of the Gates Learning Foundation, which focused on expanding access to technology through public libraries, and the William H. Gates Foundation, which focused on global health. Recognizing that Native communities in the United States often have unique information and training needs, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation is working with tribal leaders, libraries, and educators in the Southwest to help bridge the digital divide.
The goals of the Native American Access to Technology Program is to empower Native communities through increased access to digital information reseources. The program provides access to technology to preserve local culture and heritage, as well as opportunities for communities to teach digital skills to its members.
The Colorado River Indian Tribes Library/Archives was identified as one of six tribal sites in Arizona to benefit from additonal training in computer literacy, troubleshooting and public access trianing. The project, Building Community Support for Sustainability, was a joint effort between the Arizona State Library, Archives and Public Records (ASLAPR), nad the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, to provide training to a tribal community. As well, it was based on the CRIT Tribal Library's committment to maintaining the Gates computers, which the library received from Phase 1 of the Gates Foundation/Native American Access to Technology. The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation is dedicated to improving people's lives by sharing advances in health and learning with the global community.