Reconciliation
Celebrating a milestone: TELUS Indigenous Communities Fund reaches $1 million in support
May 11, 2026
Caption: Photo courtesy of Kihew Awasis Wakamik Cultural Society. Used with permission.
We're proud to announce a significant milestone for the TELUS Indigenous Communities Fund (ICF): we've now granted $1,125,000 to 54 Indigenous-led initiatives across Canada, making a meaningful difference in communities from coast to coast to coast.
What is the Indigenous Communities Fund?
Launched in 2021 as part of TELUS' Indigenous Reconciliation Action Plan, the Indigenous Communities Fund (ICF) provides grants ranging from $5,000 to $25,000 to Indigenous-led social, health and community programs. The fund was created to support grassroots initiatives that strengthen Indigenous communities and advance reconciliation through meaningful action.
Angela Phoon, Cree and Dene, is an ICF Committee Member and shared, “The ICF directly supports Indigenous-led and community-driven solutions in areas that matter most to our people. As a committee member, I have been able to witness firsthand how these investments create meaningful opportunities for youth and families. It is not just funding, but real, lasting impacts that strengthen our communities from within.”
Strengthening Indigenous-led solutions
The ICF is built on a fundamental principle: Indigenous communities know what they need. By providing flexible funding to Indigenous-led organizations and community projects, we're supporting locally-driven solutions that create lasting impact in areas that matter most—from health and wellness initiatives to cultural programs, youth engagement and community development.
The
Kihew Awasis Wakamik Cultural Society: Circle of Aunties
, a 2024 ICF recipient, is a powerful example of an organization that is providing access to culturally responsive maternity support and prenatal care. The Circle of Aunties is a group of birth workers, Knowledge Keepers, aunties, grandmothers, midwives and Elders in Edmonton, Alberta whose work centres on Indigenous resilience and sovereignty, helping to break down barriers through decolonization.They offer prenatal education to support families in this life transition while also teaching others how to provide this care in their own communities. The Society shared, “We’ve learned that we provide a rich curriculum that is grounded in the lived experiences of our Aunties, Elders, and others that may share, such as our mentees and other parents. Indeed, parents are the greatest teachers.”
We are honoured to stand alongside the Kihew Awasis Wakamik Cultural Society’s Circle of Aunties in their vital work.
A growing commitment
Reaching the $1-million mark and supporting 54 organizations is just the beginning. In 2023, TELUS doubled its commitment to the Indigenous Communities Fund, pledging $2 million through 2028. This expanded investment will amplify the vital work already underway in Indigenous communities, enabling them to deepen their impact and build on their own strengths.
Looking forward
This milestone represents more than numbers—it represents partnerships, trust and a shared commitment to reconciliation. Each grant supports real people doing real work to strengthen their communities, reclaim cultures and build brighter futures for generations to come.
We're grateful to the Indigenous leaders, organizations and communities who continue to inspire us with their vision and dedication. Together, we're working toward a future built on respect, partnership and meaningful reconciliation.
Learn more about the TELUS Indigenous Communities Fund and how to apply at
telus.com/indigenouscommunitiesfund
