DECEMBER 11, 2025
TELUS partners with AMC-FNFAO and Ka Ni Kanichihk to bring essential connectivity to Indigenous women at risk in Manitoba
TELUS Mobility for Good program, in partnership with the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs-First Nations Family Advocate Office & Ka Ni Kanichihk, provides free smartphones and wireless services to Indigenous women at risk, increasing safety across the province
Winnipeg, Manitoba (Anishinaabe, Cree, Oji-Cree, Dakota and Dene) - Today, TELUS announced the launch of its Mobility for Good for Indigenous Women at Risk program in Manitoba, in partnership with Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs - First Nations Family Advocate Office (AMC-FNFAO) and Ka Ni Kanichihk, providing wireless services to Indigenous women that may be at risk of or experiencing violence across the province. This partnership against gender-based violence aims to empower First Nations, Métis and Inuit women through access to free phones and wireless plans, helping them stay connected to their support networks, resources and emergency services. While First Nations, Métis and Inuit women and girls comprise only four per cent of the total female population in Canada, they
represent 24 per cent
of female homicide victims. According to the Native Women's Association of Canada (NWAC), Manitoba has the third highest number of female homicides
in Canada."Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people continue to face unacceptable levels of violence. We have a responsibility towards their safety and well-being and respond to the 231 Calls for Justice, particularly Call for Justice 15," said Shazia Zeb Sobani, Vice-president, Fibre Networks and Executive Sponsor of Eagles, TELUS’ Indigenous employee resource group and the corporate lead for TELUS’ Indigenous Reconciliation Action Plan. "By expanding our Mobility for Good program for Indigenous women at risk to Manitoba, we’re providing a crucial connection to help and support. We're honoured to partner with Indigenous-led organizations to help Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people stay connected to their families, communities and the vital support networks they need."
Developed in partnership with
Indigenous-led organizations
, Mobility for Good for Indigenous Women at Risk provides free smartphones and talk, text and data plans to Indigenous women, girls or gender diverse people, serving as a critical lifeline to Indigenous-led services and wellness resources. TELUS is proud to partner with the AMC-FNFAO and Ka Ni Kanichihk to expand this important program to Manitoba, furthering our commitment to serving at-risk Indigenous women and girls. “We know that First Nations women are disproportionately affected by violence, and access to technology can be a lifeline for those at risk,” said Grand Chief Kyra Wilson, Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs. “This partnership with TELUS is a step towards addressing the challenges that Indigenous women face, providing critical tools for First Nations women in Manitoba to stay connected to their support networks, access resources and potentially save lives.”
AMC-FNFAO and Ka Ni Kanichihk have begun distributing smartphones and plans from TELUS to support Indigenous women in Manitoba who are at risk of or surviving violence. Since TELUS
launched the program
in 2021, more than 6,000 individuals have been supported through 39 partner organizations. This program reflects TELUS' longstanding commitment to strengthening relationships with Indigenous Peoples, including First Nations, Métis, and Inuit communities, acknowledging that our work spans many Traditional Territories and Treaty areas.“A collaborative approach is essential to effectively address the urgent issue of MMIWG2S+,” said Tammy Hamelin, Director of Programs, Ka Ni Kanichihk. “This partnership demonstrates the power of collective action and highlights the importance of working together to create lasting change. We applaud this initiative and remain committed to fostering collaborative efforts that prioritize the safety and well-being of First Nations women and girls across Canada as an important step toward reconciliation.”
TELUS Mobility for Good for Indigenous Women at Risk is part of the TELUS Connecting for Good portfolio of programs that gives low-income seniors and families, youth aging out of care, and other individuals in need in Canada access to TELUS' world-leading technology. To date, TELUS' Connecting for Good and TELUS Wise programs have supported 1.5 million individuals.
For more information on TELUS' Reconciliation commitment, please visit
telus.com/reconciliation
.