Rogers Commits on Investing in Networks to Connect Indigenous Communities

In recognition of the ongoing and collective journey towards reconciliation, the need for action, and for greater collaboration with Indigenous communities, Rogers Communications has released its Truth and Reconciliation Commitment Statement.

Written in partnership with Indigenous leaders at the company, the statement reflects the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s 94 Calls to Action and the United Nations Declarations on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

Each employee, leader and line of business at Rogers plays a role in delivering on this commitment and joining Indigenous Peoples and allies to support and further reconciliation. Key highlights of the commitment include:

Connecting communities: Building on its legacy of partnering with Indigenous Peoples to foster improved connectivity, inclusion, and economic growth, Rogers commits to taking further action to invest in its leading-edge network to bridge the digital divide in rural and remote communities.

Through innovative partnerships with Indigenous communities, all levels of government, and its dedicated Indigenous Collaboration team, Rogers will help build digital infrastructure that will remove inequities and ensure no one is left behind due to access or geographical challenges.

Creating safe spaces and hiring top talent: Employee resource group Rogers Indigenous Peoples’ Network will continue working with leadership and allies across the company to promote safe spaces, educate colleagues, and grow the culture of inclusion.

Working in partnership with post-secondary institutions and recruitment agencies, Rogers will also recruit, retain and promote Indigenous talent across the country, including through internship and co-op initiatives.

Investing in the next generation: Rogers will continue to support and remove financial barriers for Indigenous youth attending post-secondary education through its Ted Rogers Scholarships program, and award community grants to organizations providing programming to Indigenous youth. Through Jays Care Foundation’s Indigenous Rookie League, youth in First Nation, Metis or Inuit communities will have greater access to sports.

Amplifying voices: Across Rogers Sports & Media, dedicated news coverage and online public information resources will amplify Indigenous voices and enhance awareness of the history and legacy of residential schools and the reconciliation process. The achievements and stories of Indigenous athletes will be featured on sports programming.

“It has been a privilege to work in partnership with Indigenous communities internally and externally, to listen and learn, and work together to bring greater connectivity, access to education, and economic growth. By investing in our networks to bridge the gap between rural and remote Indigenous communities, awarding scholarships, and aligning our business practices with community sustainability in mind, we are proud to do our part on the road to reconciliation," said, Tony Staffieri, President and CEO, Rogers Communications.

“As the Indigenous Chair of the Rogers Indigenous Peoples’ Network, I work to create a safe space for Indigenous and non-Indigenous employees to share, learn and grow together.  Rogers commitment to fostering corporate cultural growth and internal and external education at all levels is vital to ensuring Indigenous people can show up as their unique and authentic selves at work. It shows me the company I have called home for fifteen years looks to lead and create change; that I am valued as an Indigenous person; and, that leadership hears my voice and the voices of hundreds of my Indigenous colleagues. As a CityNews journalist, I am a passionate advocate for telling Indigenous stories that teach, inform, inspire and entertain and highlight our continued presence on this land. Rogers commitment to utilize its multiple media platforms as a conduit for Indigenous people to tell our own stories, in our way, is vital to the reconciliation process and aligns with the call to action," commented, Nicole McCormick, Co-Chair, Rogers Indigenous Peoples’ Network and Senior Manager, Newsgathering, CityNews.

“Rogers commitment to authentic Indigenous relations reaches beyond TRC Call to Action #92.  Diligent corporate citizenship and dedication to community development is the framework to becoming a service provider, employer & partner of choice for First Nations, Metis and Inuit peoples from coast-to-coast-to-coast.  This is our north star," said, Nathan Martin, Senior Manager, Indigenous Corporate Development Lead, Progressive Aboriginal Relations (PAR).

“The digital divide has long hindered coastal communities from taking full advantage of new opportunities to improve our well-being – culturally, socially or environmentally. We are thrilled to work with Rogers Communications in bridging that divide through hi-speed Internet. Improving connectivity throughout the North and Central Coast and Haida Gwaii is an example of reconciliation in action; it will bring transformational change to our communities, and a range of new educational, employment and economic opportunities," commented, Christine Smith-Martin, CEO, Coastal First Nations.

“Carrier Sekani Carrier Family Services (CSFS) would like to express our gratitude for support from the Ted Rogers Community Grant. Monetary grants and equipment donations from Rogers have been so important in supporting the educational work, upgrading, digital literacy, and digital accessibility needs of the Indigenous youths and families we serve. CSFS would like to recognize that the Ted Rogers Community Grants help Indigenous Youth in northern BC discover their highest potential. We are so pleased to see Rogers ‘walk the talk’ of reconciliation – Rogers has a fulsome Indigenous strategy based on UNDRIP, TRC and Reconciliation.  Furthermore, the company funds Indigenous-focussed initiatives across Canada. The campaign, #dosomething, is positively impacting communities across this country – thank you," said, Mary Teegee, CSFS Executive Director of Child and Family Services.

“Our partnership with Rogers Communications stands as a testament to the impact that financial support can have on Indigenous learners – and their communities. Rogers commitment continues to have transformative repercussions for First Nations, Inuit, and Métis students across the country, and we are pleased to be able to share this significant journey with them," said, Mike DeGagné, President and CEO, Indspire.