TELUS launches Indigenous Advisory Council

Vancouver, Xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Territories April 26, 2022 – Today, TELUS is proud to announce the launch of its Indigenous Advisory Council to support its Reconciliation efforts. The creation of this advisory council is a direct result of extensive consultations TELUS held with Indigenous Peoples in 2021, and is a key commitment outlined in TELUS’ 2021 Reconciliation and Indigenous Connectivity Report including delivering on TELUS’ commitment to listen, learn and understand how TELUS can meet unique needs of Indigenous peoples and build meaningful relationships through cultural responsiveness and relationships pillar. The advisory council is composed of respected Indigenous leaders and professionals with experience serving in their communities, and who are committed to working alongside TELUS to advance its reconciliation commitment and goals.  The advisory council will work to provide guidance and advice for the effective implementation of TELUS’ commitments and targets outlined in the report. 

The Indigenous Advisory Council Members:

• Carol Anne Hilton - Nuu chah nulth from Hesquiaht First Nation (British Columbia) 

• Dr. Kim van der Woerd - 'Na̱mg̱is First Nation (British Columbia) 

• Shani Gwin - Métis Nation (Alberta)

• Luc Lainé - Huron-Wendat (Quebec) 

“TELUS is demonstrating tremendous leadership in the economic reconciliation space and can have the greatest impact in reconciliation by helping to advance Indigenous economic strength and the growth of Indigenous communities – of creating the space for inclusion,” said Carol Anne Hilton, Nuu chah nulth from the Hesquiaht Nation, CEO and founder of the Indigenomics Institute and the Global Centre of Indigenomics. “I look forward to supporting TELUS in their reconciliation efforts by providing insight into trends in Indigenous economic growth and supporting the design of corporate relationships with Indigenous communities.”

The IRAPAC will be co-chaired by TELUS board member Sean Willy, President and Chief Executive Officer of Des Nedhe Development, and TELUS Vice-President of Customer Network Implementation, Shazia Zeb Sobani. Advisory council members will serve two-year terms with five additional members being appointed in 2023. The advisory council will work to ensure Indigenous ways of knowing are implemented throughout the organization, advise TELUS on ongoing relationship development with Indigenous Peoples, share Indigenous values and teachings as respected voices of their respective communities, and provide feedback to TELUS based on their lived experience and subject matter expertise. Through the creation of this advisory council TELUS will continue to engage directly with Indigenous communities in the areas it serves.

“The establishment of this advisory council demonstrates our continued commitment to working collaboratively with Indigenous Peoples through meaningful engagement in our efforts to provide world-leading connectivity, tools and resources that enable unique community, social, economic, and governance goals,” said Shazia Zeb Sobani TELUS Vice-President of Customer Network Implementation and IRAPAC Co-Chair. “Personally, I am looking forward to learning from these respected advisory council members, and we are thankful for their openness to share their knowledge and time, as we work collaboratively to contribute to positive generational changes in communities.”

“The establishment of this Advisory Council will ensure authentic Indigenous feedback into TELUS' Reconciliation Action Plan. I'm pleased to be co-chairing this initiative, where Indigenous Advisors are encouraged to bring forward their experiences as Indigenous peoples,” said Sean Willy, TELUS Board Member. “Initiatives that impact Indigenous Peoples require strong organizational accountability, and TELUS is demonstrating their intent in many ways, including through this Advisory Council.”

Biographies of the Indigenous Reconciliation Action Plan advisory council members and the terms of reference can be found here. To learn more about TELUS’ commitment to reconciliation and to read the 2021 Reconciliation and Indigenous Connectivity Report visit telus.com/reconciliation.