Reconciliation
Breaking the isolation: Technology as a shield for First Nations women
Dec 11, 2024
Access to a smartphone and a data plan can make a big difference in the life of an Indigenous woman experiencing or at risk of violence. For these women, mobility services provide a vital, direct link to the appropriate help resources, and a reassuring connection to family, friends and support networks. To prevent violence and maintain this all-important connectivity, TELUS has expanded its
Mobility for Good for Indigenous Women at Risk
program in Quebec. For half a century,
Quebec Native Women (QNW)
has been an advocate of Indigenous women’s rights. The organization helps make these women’s voices heard in public policy by supporting them in their quest for equality, justice, improved well-being, as well as in community involvement.QNW was created because of
discrimination against women in the Indian Act
. Violence against women, a problem that occurs in various communities, including Indigenous and urban ones, quickly became one of the organization's top priorities."Our organization stands up for the rights of First Nations women. We’re in contact with various communities to help meet their needs, which have grown since the pandemic," notes QNW President Marjolaine Étienne.
Although Indigenous women represent 4% of Canada's female population, they are at far greater risk of being killed or going missing.
In fact, 24% of femicide victims are Indigenous women.
They are also 12 times more likely to be murdered or go missing than other women in Canada. "For First Nations women who have experienced violence, it's essential to offer a specific approach that gives them a real sense of security," Étienne explains.
Hence the creation of
Quebec First Nations Women’s Space
. Established by Quebec Native Women last year, the organization's goal is to provide listening, referral and welcome services for women experiencing violence. Through a collaboration with TELUS, Indigenous women who are experiencing or at risk of violence have free access to smartphones and mobile services through the Mobility for Good for Indigenous Women at Risk
program, which has supported more than 3,450 women across the country to date. Thanks to this program, women feel safer. Preventing further tragedies
QNW’s approach is to offer at-risk women the chance to talk to someone immediately via the Quebec First Nations Women’s Space organization. The agent answering the call will then refer her to the right help resources on the spot, and will ensure she has access to the Mobility for Good phones and plans at no extra cost.
"The cell phones are distributed to Indigenous women's shelters, which then give them to women dealing with violence issues. This service is essential to prevent further tragedies. There's a great need out there," adds Étienne.
On the path of reconciliation
The QNW president believes that the partnership with TELUS, which addresses a cause aimed at helping First Nations women through their realities and difficulties, contributes to the long process of reconciliation between peoples. That’s because this cause is very important to her.
"TELUS is mindful of the historical context and traumas experienced by many First Nations people," says Étienne. “If we want to advance the cause of First Nations women in Quebec, we need partners like TELUS in our healing journey. For me, concrete actions like this are steps toward reconciliation.”
Read more about the Mobility for Good Indigenous Women at Risk program and initiatives like it that are focused on enabling social outcomes by reading this year’s
Indigenous Reconciliation and Connectivity Report
.
