Rogers Communications Inc. (Rogers) is committed to supporting the collective journey towards truth and reconciliation in meaningful ways, and in partnership with Indigenous Peoples.
Digital technologies and infrastructure continue to evolve at a rapid pace, yet many First Nation, Métis and Inuit communities lag far behind in accessing and benefitting from those vital resources.
At Rogers we recognize this is the result of prolonged oppression, minimal access to digital resources, and perceived rural/remote geographical challenges.
Our strategic commitment toward investment in Indigenous Peoples, communities, partnerships, innovation, and reconciliation reflect the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s 94 Calls to Action – specifically 7, 43, 44, 86, 87, 92 (i, ii, iii) – all which seek leadership and adoption of efforts to acknowledge the United Nations Declarations on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP).
As a telecommunications leader, we have multi-platform potential to support the reclamation of language, history, and culture in support of individuality and authenticity. Our news content will provide dedicated news coverage and online public information resources on issues of concern to Indigenous People and all Canadians including the history and legacy of residential schools and the reconciliation process. Our sport platforms will continue to highlight achievements and stories of Indigenous athletes. Our business platforms will continue to give Indigenous business owners greater opportunity. Indigenous History Month will be acknowledged and celebrated each June. Truth and Reconciliation Week will be recognized annually with September 30th declared a day of reflection for all staff to pause and learn.
We will continue to provide a voice and solutions for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, Men, Two-Spirit and 2SLGBTQQIA+ and support calls for justice through investment of time, resources, and mentorship.
Indigenous connectivity and partnerships will drive economic growth and reconciliation through investment in leading-edge, resilient networks to help resolve the inequity of the digital divide. Through committed innovative partnerships, Rogers will assist to build ecosystems which benefits both rural and urban centres and remote and Indigenous communities.
Rogers Indigenous Peoples Network (IPN) will continue to foster corporate cultural growth, internal and external education at all levels, and provide ongoing support for both Indigenous and allied staff. Rogers goal is to double the representation of Indigenous team members by 2025 by creating an inclusive, safe place to self-identify and contribute their best self each day. Future generations of Indigenous talent will be recognized, recruited, and supported through ongoing and extended partnerships with post-secondary institutions and recruitment agencies. Ongoing opportunities will also be provided via Ted Rogers Scholarships for Indigenous students, provision of Community Grants to youth organizations, and the exploration of internship and co-operative learning initiatives.
The Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business (CCAB) will continue to coach Rogers in the development of Indigenous-friendly procurement practices with long-term community sustainability in mind. This also aligns with Rogers aim to achieve podium Progressive Aboriginal Relations (PAR) status in 2023. The Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business (CCAB) PAR program will guide Rogers and reflects the company’s strong commitment to learning and growth throughout our Indigenous relations journey.
At Rogers, each employee, leader, and line of business is part of delivering on the principles outlined in this commitment statement; we must all continue to educate ourselves, use our voices, and leverage our business to support and further reconciliation.