TELUS' sixth annual report shares inspiring
stories of real change that will be felt for generations
VANCOUVER, BC, Nov. 20,
2024 /CNW/ - Today, TELUS released its sixth
annual Indigenous Reconciliation and Connectivity Report, filled
with concrete examples of how its reconciliation actions, in close
partnership with Indigenous communities, are helping deliver
sustained, positive social, cultural and economic outcomes that
expand far beyond connectivity. In 2021, TELUS became the first
technology company in Canada to
launch a public Indigenous Reconciliation Action Plan, built on
four pillars: Connectivity; Enabling social outcomes; Cultural
responsiveness and relationships; and Economic reconciliation.
"For years, TELUS has fostered meaningful and reciprocal
relationships with Indigenous communities to expand access to
connectivity, with the goal of furthering economic reconciliation
and creating positive social outcomes. Today, we are witnessing the
incredible results of that longstanding collaboration – new
economic opportunities; the protection of Indigenous resources,
traditions, and languages; and a generation of Indigenous youth
supported and equipped to reach their full potential," said
Shazia Zeb Sobani, TELUS
Vice-president Fibre Networks and co-chair of the TELUS Indigenous
Advisory Council.
"The stories in this year's report point to the bright and
boundless future that we can realize when Indigenous Peoples,
businesses and government come together and ground our actions in
mutual respect and collaboration," said Clint Davis, Inuk from Nunatsiavut, Indigenous
Advisory Council member. "TELUS is helping to drive inclusive and
sustainable economic development through its investments in
connectivity and relationships with Indigenous
communities."
The 2024 edition is beautifully presented with commissioned
artwork by Ojibway artist Kenneth
Letander and includes a full progress report detailing how
TELUS is on track to meet or exceed its 17 commitments. It includes
28 inspiring stories that demonstrate real action and real progress
on the path to reconciliation, as TELUS works alongside Indigenous
communities to enable remarkable outcomes, such as:
- Advocating for economic reconciliation through job
creation, including innovative skills training programs
developed in partnership with Nisg̱a'a Lisims Government to enable
Nisg̱a'a ownership and management of their wireless towers, built
in collaboration with TELUS
- Restoring Indigenous lands by planting at least 300
hectares by 2026, in collaboration with Piikani Nation, other
Indigenous communities and TELUS Environmental Solutions
- Safeguarding Indigenous data and artistic
integrity by expanding our industry-first commitment to
responsible Artificial Intelligence (AI) and ethical data
management
- Enabling 60 Indigenous lands with advanced broadband
connectivity in 2024 and creating customized solutions
that work best for these communities' needs
- Supporting Indigenous mental health and well-being
through the Indigenous Cognitive Behavioural Therapy program, which
combines Indigenous knowledge and best-in-class clinical practices
to promote healing and resilience for Indigenous team members
- Equipping Indigenous youth to reach their full
potential by awarding 53 bursaries to Indigenous youth
through the TELUS Student Bursary and granting $1 million from TELUS Community Boards nationwide
to support 62 youth programs
- Attracting, developing and retaining Indigenous team
members through a strategic employment strategy that
creates rewarding paths for career progression
- Investing $6 million in
Indigenous entrepreneurs since 2020 through the TELUS
Pollinator Fund for Good, which backs companies driving innovative
solutions in health, education, agriculture and the
environment
- Elevating hundreds of Indigenous voices and artists by
distributing more than $7.2 million
to 720 Indigenous content creators, filmmakers and storytellers
through TELUS STORYHIVE and TELUS originals since 2013
- Deepening respect for Indigenous lands and history
through in-person learning sessions with Indigenous Elders at 6
TELUS retail locations in B.C., Alberta and Manitoba
- Inspiring more than 20,000 personal reconciliation
journeys through our customized Truth and Reconciliation
e-learning program, created in partnership with Chastity Davis-Alphonse
TELUS is also privileged to announce that all four original
members of the TELUS Indigenous Advisory Council have committed to
a second two-year term – a testament to the relationships and
progress we have made toward achieving our shared reconciliation
vision. We are grateful for the Council's continued guidance along
this journey.
To learn more about TELUS' commitment to reconciliation and to
read the full 2024 Indigenous Reconciliation and Connectivity
Report, visit telus.com/reconciliation.
For more information, please contact:
Tricia Lo
TELUS Media Relations
tricia.lo@telus.com
About TELUS
TELUS (TSX: T, NYSE: TU) is a world-leading communications
technology company, generating over $20
billion in annual revenue and connecting more than 19
million customers through our advanced suite of broadband services
for consumers, businesses and the public sector. We are committed
to leveraging our technology to enable remarkable human outcomes.
TELUS is passionate about putting our customers and communities
first, leading the way globally in client service excellence and
social capitalism. Our TELUS Health business is enhancing the lives
of 76 million people worldwide through innovative preventive
medicine and wellbeing technologies. Our TELUS Agriculture &
Consumer Goods business utilizes digital technologies and data
insights to optimize the connection between producers and
consumers. Guided by our enduring 'give where we live' philosophy,
TELUS and our 140,000 team members have contributed $1.7 billion and volunteered 2.2 million days of
service since 2000, earning us the distinction of the world's most
giving company. For more information, visit telus.com or follow
@TELUSNews on X and @Darren_Entwistle on Instagram.
SOURCE TELUS Communications Inc.