CNA partners with TELUS and CIBC to support educational and career aspirations across Indigenous communities in B.C.

Initiative to provide laptops and tablets as well as valuable online training opportunities

Merritt, Nlaka’pamux Nation – Today, Citxw Nlaka’pamux Assembly (CNA) celebrates a $100,000 donation from TELUS and CIBC to provide tablets and laptops to CNA community members’ households in need of a device to connect to the virtual world – equipping them to reap the full benefits of the TELUS high-speed internet connecting their communities.

This initiative will ensure that CNA members across eight participating bands can access the connectivity and tools that will support their educational and career aspirations, enable virtual social and health services, help maintain community connections and advance the long-term prosperity of their communities.

With these devices, teenagers will be able to research their assignments and sharpen their digital skills, Elders will be able to see their grandchildren through virtual meetings, and CNA members can participate in virtual meetings and events. 

In addition to their joint $100,000 contribution, both TELUS and CIBC are committed to providing online and in-person learning opportunities for CNA households, with a focus on online safety through TELUS Wise® and financial education for youth, adults and Elders.

Quotes:
Nicole Johnny, Acting Executive Director and Operations Manager for the Citxw Nlaka’pamux Assembly: 
“Providing our communities with enhanced connectivity is not only a technological advancement, but also a bridge to education and employment opportunities, a sign of progress, and it fosters voices that deserve to be heard and empowered. We are beyond excited and grateful for this opportunity, which will weave a network of opportunities and knowledge that transcends distance, helping to ensure every voice resonates and every community thrives.”

Cook’s Ferry Chief Christine Walkem, Chair of the Board for the Citxw Nlaka’pamux Assembly:
"Linking our eight communities isn't just about getting online – it's like opening a door to a world of opportunities. In this digital landscape, it's not just about finding connections; it's about paving the way for innovation, empowerment, and cultural exchange. This initiative is more than technology; it's about bringing people together, breaking the barriers of isolation, and creating a future where the sky's the limit. By tying and connecting community members anywhere, we aim to boost nłeʔképmx expertise, open up new opportunities, and build lasting connections that empower our communities to thrive together."

Jaimie Lickers, Senior Vice-president, Indigenous Markets, CIBC:
“This initiative is an important part of the work that we are doing to help create access to opportunities in all communities. We remain dedicated to helping Indigenous peoples get the support and resources they need to achieve their ambitions as we continue to support Indigenous communities through investments and active engagement across Canada.”

Shazia Zeb Sobani, TELUS Vice-president of Customer Network Planning:
“Working closely with, and listening to, the Citxw Nlaka’pamux Assembly, I am proud to share our continued efforts towards bridging the digital divide through technology and education. This partnership exemplifies the transformative power of reconciliation in action. Our goal is to connect communities to new possibilities, with all eight participating communities now able to access TELUS’ world-leading broadband networks as of the end of 2023. We remain dedicated to providing educational opportunities centered on online safety through TELUS Wise, benefiting individuals of all ages within the CNA member communities.” 


About The Citxw Nlaka’pamux Assembly 
The Citxw Nlaka’pamux Assembly (CNA) is a not-for-profit organization that was formed in 2013 to manage and administer the agreements relating to Teck Highland Valley Copper Mine (HVC) on behalf of Ashcroft Indian Band, Boston Bar First Nation, Coldwater Indian Band, Cook’s Ferry Indian Band, Nicomen Indian Band, Nooaitch Indian Band, Shackan Indian Band and Siska Indian Band (the Participating Bands). Although the CNA was created only 10 years ago, its work is rooted in hundreds of years of history and a legacy of protecting the nłeʔképmx people and our culture, values, and territory. Headquartered in Merritt, B.C. with a workforce of over 40, the CNA provides training and job readiness along with cultural, social, and technical programming to the over 2780 members of the eight Participating Bands.

About CIBC  
CIBC is a leading North American financial institution with 14 million personal banking, business, public sector and institutional clients. Across Personal and Business Banking, Commercial Banking and Wealth Management, and Capital Markets and Direct Financial Services businesses, CIBC offers a full range of advice, solutions and services through its leading digital banking network, and locations across Canada, in the United States and around the world. Ongoing news releases and more information about CIBC can be found at www.cibc.com/ca/media-centre.
 
About TELUS
TELUS (TSX: T, NYSE: TU) is a dynamic, world-leading communications technology company with more than $18 billion in annual revenue and over 18 million customer connections spanning wireless, data, IP, voice, television, entertainment, video, and security. Our social purpose is to leverage our global-leading technology and compassion to drive social change and enable remarkable human outcomes. Our longstanding commitment to putting our customers first fuels every aspect of our business, making us a distinct leader in customer service excellence and loyalty. The numerous, sustained accolades TELUS has earned over the years from independent, industry-leading network insight firms showcase the strength and speed of TELUS’ global-leading networks, reinforcing our commitment to provide Canadians with access to superior technology that connects us to the people, resources and information that make our lives better.

Operating in 32 countries around the world, TELUS International (TSX and NYSE: TIXT) is a leading digital customer experience innovator that designs, builds, and delivers next-generation solutions, including AI and content moderation, for global and disruptive brands across strategic industry verticals, including tech and games, communications and media, eCommerce and fintech, banking, financial services and insurance, healthcare, and others.

TELUS Health is a global healthcare leader, which provides employee and family primary and preventive healthcare and wellbeing solutions. Our TELUS team, along with our 100,000 health professionals, are leveraging the combination of TELUS’ strong digital and data analytics capabilities with our unsurpassed client service to dramatically improve remedial, preventive and mental health outcomes covering more than 69 million lives, and growing, around the world. As the largest provider of digital solutions and digital insights of its kind, TELUS Agriculture & Consumer Goods enables efficient and sustainable production from seed to store, helping improve the safety and quality of food and other goods in a way that is traceable to end consumers.

Driven by our determination and vision to connect all citizens for good, our deeply meaningful and enduring philosophy to give where we live has inspired TELUS and our team to contribute $1.6 billion, including 2.2 million days of service since 2000. This unprecedented generosity and unparalleled volunteerism have made TELUS the most giving company in the world. Together, let’s make the future friendly.

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