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NOVEMBER 22, 2022

TELUS launches fourth annual Indigenous Reconciliation & Connectivity Report

  • TELUS now connects 84,000 Indigenous people to its lightening-fast PureFibre network across 240 Indigenous communities

  • TELUS is the first technology company in Canada to launch a public Indigenous Reconciliation Action Plan

Vancouver, Xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Territories – Today, TELUS released its fourth annual
Indigenous Reconciliation & Connectivity Report
, detailing how the company embeds Reconciliation within its business, and sharing inspiring stories of connectivity and modern technology enabling transformative outcomes for Indigenous businesses and communities. Last year, TELUS was the first technology company in Canada to launch a public Indigenous Reconciliation Action Plan, and remains committed to Indigenous engagement as a cornerstone of its actions moving into 2023 and beyond.
“Connecting Indigenous communities is so much more than building cell towers and laying fibre-optic cables, it also means developing meaningful relationships built on openness, trust and reciprocity, and harnessing the limitless possibilities enabled by our world-leading networks to create better health, education, economic and cultural outcomes,” said Tony Geheran, Executive Vice-president and Chief Operations Officer for TELUS. “Indigenous-led solutions with lasting impacts, such as those highlighted throughout this report, are key to our Reconciliation efforts at TELUS, and we are privileged to collaborate with Indigenous leaders, organizations and governments as we work towards a future where all Indigenous communities are connected.”
TELUS’ Indigenous Reconciliation Action Plan is underpinned by four pillars with measurable targets and timelines. Key milestones for 2022 include:
  • Connectivity: In partnership with Indigenous governments, TELUS connected 12 more Indigenous lands to broadband Internet in 2022. Now, more than 83% of homes, small businesses, and governing bands on Indigenous land can access high-speed internet and participate in digital tools.
  • Enabling social outcomes: The
    Indigenous Communities Fund
     provided $100,000 in grants to five Indigenous-led organizations, focused on mental health and well-being; language and cultural revitalization; access to education; and community building. Another $100,00 will be allocated to additional projects by the end of 2022.
  • Cultural responsiveness & relationships: In partnership with the Canadian Museum for Human Rights, and Indigenous artist Carey Newman (Hayalthkin’geme), TELUS committed $1 million to launch the
    digital Witness Blanket
     project to further amplify truth-telling from Indigenous voices and Survivors about the residential school system.
  • Economic Reconciliation: The TELUS Pollinator Fund for Good invested $6 million in Indigenous-owned for-profit companies.
“Partnerships between network providers and government at all levels are essential for removing the barriers Indigenous communities face to digital connection and unlocking our increased economic potential,” said Chief Joe Alphonse, Tribal Chair of Tŝilhqot’in Nation and Chief for Tl’etinqox Government. “Our nation continues to partner with TELUS to seek funds from the federal government to ensure our people and visitors alike can stay safe and connected.” 
To ensure Indigenous ways of knowing are represented in TELUS’ Reconciliation Action Plan, TELUS established an
Indigenous Advisory Council
 consisting of Indigenous leaders, subject matter experts and Elders, to provide ongoing guidance on the implementation of the company’s commitments and targets. The Indigenous Advisory Council is guided by Luc Lainé of the Huron-Wendat Nation, Shani Gwin of Métis Nation Alberta, Carol Anne Hilton of Hesquiaht Nation, and  Dr. Kim van der Woerd of ‘Namgis First Nation. In addition to these members, the council will be adding up to six new members in 2023.
“Our team brings our lived experience as Indigenous People, our knowledge and understanding to help guide and develop respectful, honest and kind approaches,” said Shani Gwin, Founder and Managing Partner of
pipikwan pêhtâkwan
. “I come to this advisory council in the same way, ready to listen, understand, make thoughtful recommendations and also ensure Indigenous ways of knowing and doing are not forgotten throughout the process.”
Last year, TELUS provided relief to Indigenous communities affected by the fires, floods and mudslides across B.C. Its network team worked around the clock to maintain and repair service to keep customers connected, donated hundreds of mobile devices, and delivered more than 8,650 pounds of food and essential goods including PPE by boat, car and helicopter to residents in need.
“Chawathil qas te TELUS Lexw síyó:les, in our Halq’eméylem language, means Chawathil and TELUS working as one,” said Chetlámetleqw (Norman Florence), Chief of Chawathil First Nation.   “TELUS asked what we needed and supplied us with the resources to support our members and to those who we welcomed who were displaced. We are grateful to TELUS’ swift action and meaningful approach in prioritizing the needs of our community members. Létsemōt, ‘one heart, one mind’, does come to mind on the gratitude and efforts they have provided our Nation.”
To learn more about TELUS’ commitment to Reconciliation and to read the
2022 Indigenous Reconciliation and Connectivity Report
, visit
telus.com/reconciliation
.

For more information, please contact:

Lena Chen
TELUS Public Relations
[email protected]