VANCOUVER and MUSQUEAM, SQUAMISH and TSLEIL-WAUTUTH TERRITORIES — Telus today released its 2022 Indigenous Reconciliation and Connectivity Report, which details how the telecom “embeds Reconciliation within its business” and includes stories of how connectivity and technology have enabled “transformative outcomes for Indigenous businesses and communities,” says a press release.
“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, in the release.
“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,” Geheran said.
During 2022, Telus connected 12 more Indigenous lands to broadband Internet, in partnership with Indigenous governments, according to the press release. “Now, more than 83% of homes, small businesses, and governing bands on Indigenous land can access high-speed internet and participate in digital tools,” the release reads.
In total, 84,000 Indigenous people are now connected to Telus’s PureFibre network across 240 Indigenous communities, the release says.
Through its Indigenous Communities Fund, Telus this year has 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, according to the release. An additional $100,000 will be allocated to more organizations by the end of 2022, the release says.
Some of the other highlights of Telus’s Reconciliation-related efforts in 2022 include its commitment of $1 million to help launch the digital Witness Blanket project in partnership with the Canadian Museum for Human Rights and Indigenous artist Carey Newman, and the Telus Pollinator Fund for Good’s investment of $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, in the release. “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.”
Last year, Telus launched its Indigenous Reconciliation Action Plan. In 2022, Telus established an Indigenous Advisory Council, which 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. The council will be adding up to six new members in 2023, according to the release.
Image screen captured from Telus’s 2022 Indigenous Reconciliation and Connectivity Report.
