2023 Indigenous Reconciliation & Connectivity Report
Learn more about TELUS’ reconciliation commitments and actions, and the remarkable outcomes that Indigenous communities are driving.
Art: Summer Sister Hummingbird | Tsunalhduz Sulhtus Shen
Johnny Ketlo III, Nadleh Whut’en
Photo: Fort Nelson, British Columbia, Ryan Dickie, Fort Nelson First Nation
Johnny Ketlo III, Nadleh Whut’en
Photo: Fort Nelson, British Columbia, Ryan Dickie, Fort Nelson First Nation
Supporting Indigenous Reconciliation
TELUS is proud to reaffirm its dedication to reconciliation and responsible Artificial Intelligence (AI) while upholding its commitment to artistic integrity by declaring that TELUS will not use AI technology to create or replicate the art or imagery of Indigenous Peoples.
Image: TELUS commissioned a work of art by Kenneth Letander, Ojibway artist originally from Manitoba and now living in Alberta's Treaty 6 region, to mark our declaration
Our reconciliation commitment
TELUS, in partnership with Indigenous Peoples, is committed to progressing the path of reconciliation in a deeply meaningful way, and is dedicated to fulfilling our role and responsibilities in alignment with Indigenous-led frameworks of reconciliation.
Our guiding pillars
Our reconciliation strategy includes four guiding pillars that enable the greatest outcomes as informed by Indigenous Peoples. It is underpinned by the integration of Indigenous ways of knowing and ethical space into TELUS.
Art: Johnny Ketlo III, Nadleh Whut’en
Summer Sister Hummingbird | Tsunalhduz Sulhtus Shen
Connectivity
Collaborate with Indigenous governments and organizations to deliver advanced broadband connectivity to Indigenous communities within our serving area.
Ancestor Eagle | Sbalyan Dusneke
Enabling social outcomes
Develop and expand programs that look beyond connectivity to enable communities for longer-term prosperity and success.
Season of the Salmon | Talook Ooza
Cultural responsiveness & relationships
Ensure culturally responsive customer experiences for Indigenous customers.
Walking Caribou | Whudzih Nuya
Economic reconciliation
Support sustainable economic participation and growth for Indigenous Peoples through involvement in TELUS’ business.
Our Indigenous reconciliation action plan
TELUS is working on implementing our first five-year Indigenous Reconciliation Action Plan (IRAP), remaining steadfast in our accountability to our reconciliation commitments. We continue to push for innovation and creativity through responding to the needs of Indigenous communities, and we have increased the number of commitments within our plan. We are pleased to share our Year 2 results.
Photo: Kotcho Creek, British Columbia, Ryan Dickie, Fort Nelson First Nation
Indigenous Advisory Council
In 2021, TELUS committed to establishing an Indigenous Advisory Council made up of Indigenous leaders and subject matter experts to guide and advise on the implementation of TELUS’ reconciliation actions. An overview of the TELUS Indigenous Advisory Council and frequently asked questions can be found
here
. 
Enabling connectivity with Indigenous communities
Using TELUS' world-leading technology and passion for creating stronger, healthier communities, we strive to enable the greatest outcomes as informed by Indigenous Peoples.
Supporting Indigenous-led solutions
Learn how TELUS is putting our commitment to social impact into action.
Witness Blanket
Inspired by a woven blanket, the Witness Blanket is a large-scale work of art that bears witness to the experience and the legacy of Canada’s residential schools.
TELUS is honoured to partner with the Canadian Museum of Human Rights and master carver and artist Carey Newman to provide the funding, tools and resources to digitize the Witness Blanket.
Photo: Jessica Sigurdson, CMHR
Indigenous Communities Fund
The TELUS Indigenous Communities Fund provides flexible grants to Indigenous-led programs supporting Indigenous Peoples across Canada.
These grants support Indigenous programs and community initiatives meeting social, health, cultural and community needs.
Artwork:
nch7mut | One Heart, One Mind, One People
míkw’achi7m | Marissa Nahanee, sḵwx̱wú7mesh and nisga’a Nation
Photo Credit: Mason Mashon, Saddle Lake Cree Nation
míkw’achi7m | Marissa Nahanee, sḵwx̱wú7mesh and nisga’a Nation
Photo Credit: Mason Mashon, Saddle Lake Cree Nation
TELUS Pollinator Fund for Good
The TELUS Pollinator Fund for Good invests in entrepreneurs addressing the biggest challenges in health, education, agriculture and the environment, by connecting them with the resources and capital they need to grow and thrive.
Supporting Indigenous Women at risk
Developed with Indigenous-led organizations, this program provides free smartphones and fully subsidized plans to Indigenous women at risk of or surviving violence, connecting them to emergency services, virtual healthcare and wellness resources, as well as to friends, family and other vital support networks.
Photo: Atl’kitsem | Texwnéwets | Howe Sounds, B.C. David Ward, Lil'wat First Nation
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TELUS’ commitment to artistic integrity
We are committed to supporting the artistic practices of Indigenous Peoples, while being mindful of the historic role organizations have played in the misappropriation of Indigenous art and culture. We have an obligation and responsibility to ensure that TELUS’ use of Indigenous art in our digital and physical spaces is respectful of Indigenous artists. TELUS works with each artist to ensure that they retain full intellectual property and control over their work.
