TELUS yesterday released its fifth annual Indigenous Reconciliation & Connectivity Report, detailing how the company is on track or exceeding its reconciliation commitments and announcing a new goal to incorporate Indigenous perspectives into its data ethics and artificial intelligence (AI) strategy. The 2023 report features artwork by Indigenous creators Johnny Ketlo III of Nadleh Whut’en and Ryan Dickie of Fort Nelson First Nation, and includes dozens of inspiring stories about how Indigenous Peoples are harnessing the limitless possibilities of TELUS’ world-leading connectivity and investments to improve education outcomes, revitalize language, increase economic participation and drive long-term prosperity in their communities and beyond.
Included in the 2023 report are clear examples of how corporations can advance reconciliation across Canada through thoughtful procurement, recruitment and workforce-development strategies. For its leadership in economic reconciliation, TELUS was recently honoured with the Indigenomics 10 to Watch Award, which recognizes businesses, partnerships and initiatives who are leading the way toward a $100 billion Indigenous economy.
In 2021, TELUS became the first technology company in Canada to launch a public Indigenous Reconciliation Action Plan, embracing its corporate responsibility in this area and ensuring accountability for its strategic targets.
TELUS’ Indigenous Reconciliation Action Plan is built on four pillars with measurable targets and timelines. Key milestones for 2023 include:
Connectivity: 120 additional Indigenous lands connected to advanced broadband technology between 2022 and 2023, in partnership with Indigenous governments.
Enabling social outcomes: $2 million committed to support Indigenous-led organizations focused on mental health and well-being; language and cultural revitalization; access to education; and community building through the Indigenous Communities Fund
Cultural responsiveness and relationships: More than 700,000 students and educators engaged through the TELUS-funded Digital Witness Blanket project, which explores the legacy of residential schools in Canada through Indigenous experiences, perspectives and artifacts.
Economic reconciliation: 1 new commitment announced to incorporate Indigenous perspectives into TELUS’ AI and data ethics strategy
Tony Geheran, Executive Vice-president and Chief Operations Officer at TELUS
Together, we are making tremendous progress toward a world where all Indigenous communities have the connectivity they need to support their unique social, cultural and economic goals. We at TELUS will continue to work side by side with Indigenous Peoples and hold ourselves accountable to our commitments – our greatest hope is that our journey will ripple outward and inspire other businesses, leaders and individuals to embrace the important work towards reconciliation.
Chief Rupert Meneen, Tallcree First Nation
TELUS PureFibre and wireless connectivity will help with our future school of innovation and how we can connect to the outside world virtually so our kids can be educated without having to leave our communities, their families and support networks, which we hope will improve student success.
Tabatha Bull, President and CEO of the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business
Bridging the digital divide plays a significant role in enabling Indigenous businesses to participate equally in new sectors of economic growth. Connectivity in Indigenous communities is a crucial step toward reconciliation, since it increases opportunities for Indigenous economic engagement. We appreciate that TELUS recognizes this and is taking steps to help address these challenges.
