Indigenous Communities Fund

Established in 2021, the TELUS Indigenous Communities Fund offers flexible grant funding for Indigenous-led social, health and community projects. 

In 2025, the fund reached a milestone $1M contributed to supporting 48 unique Indigenous-led initiatives from coast to coast to coast.

From one of our very first grants to Workforce Warriors, an Indigenous-led non-profit expanding STEM training into remote Indigenous communities in Ontario, to Productions Innu Assi in Quebec digitizing traditional Innu tales to the Circle of Aunties program offering culturally grounded pre- and post-natal support in Edmonton, the Fund is supporting Indigenous innovation.   

Learn more at www.telus.com/indigenousfund.

In Northern Saskatchewan’s vast landscapes, where one mental health worker often serves 5,000 people, a powerful movement is taking root. Men of the North stands as a beacon of hope in communities where Indigenous men face suicide rates five times higher than the non-Indigenous population.

Men of the North has launched “Breaking the Silence,” an innovative mental wellness program in La Ronge, Saskatchewan that goes beyond traditional therapy. Their holistic approach weaves together breath work, shared meals and group discussions in safe, culturally-grounded spaces. The organization combines mental health workshops with traditional land-based activities, cultural ceremonies led by Elders, SMART goal setting and individual case management. They even provide transportation support, removing barriers to participation.

“It’s evolved more into a holistic program more than anything and providing more services and supports and giving young men and men opportunities to engage into these other areas, so that way they can find their potential and help them grow, as well as providing that sense of purpose and belonging,” founder Christopher Merasty shared with La Ronge Now.

Through the TELUS Indigenous Communities Fund, Men of the North received $25,000 in crucial funding that enabled the launch of their groundbreaking workshop series. 

The program is rebuilding vital connections with land, culture and community. Recent workshops have brought together dozens of men, creating networks of support where isolation once existed. As Men of the North reminds participants: “You don’t have to do it alone, we’re here for you.”

This isn’t just about mental health treatment; it’s about restoring Indigenous men’s connections to their heritage, breaking cycles of intergenerational trauma, and building pathways toward healing. Each participant represents hope, proof that silence can be broken and communities can heal together.

Listen to Chris’ episode on TELUS Talks and watch the Men of the North’s music video for their song, “Still Here” to learn more.

In a groundbreaking fusion of art, culture and language preservation, Manitoba Opera has staged a remarkable production that’s capturing attention far beyond the traditional opera audience. “Li Keur: Riel’s Heart of the North,” supported by a grant from the TELUS Indigenous Communities Fund, has not only shattered attendance records but also marked a significant milestone in Indigenous representation and language preservation on the operatic stage.

This unique production is the first of its kind to feature Heritage-Michif, French-Michif, Saulteaux and Anishinaabemowin languages in an operatic context. By bringing these Indigenous languages to the forefront of a major artistic production, Manitoba Opera has created a powerful platform for language revitalization and cultural celebration.

“This is really an Indigenous approach to telling opera,” Steele shared with APTN News. “We have a 21-Century student who is kind of stressing about identity and she gets a mystical visit from her mémère who is a trapper and shooter and someone who reminds the young girl about who she is.” 

The impact of “Li Keur” has been nothing short of phenomenal. With nearly 6,000 attendees across three almost sold-out performances, it achieved the highest opera attendance for Manitoba Opera since 2016. Additionally, over 700 students attended the Student Night at the Opera, exposing a new generation to both operatic art and Indigenous languages and culture.

Perhaps most striking was the shift in audience demographics. The performances saw an unprecedented turnout of Indigenous leaders wearing traditional Métis and First Nations regalia, marking a significant change in the typical opera audience in Manitoba. This diversity in attendance speaks volumes about the production’s ability to bridge cultural gaps and create a space where Indigenous stories and languages are not only included, but celebrated.

The success of “Li Keur” goes beyond mere numbers. It represents a pivotal moment in Canadian cultural history, where Indigenous languages and stories are being elevated to the same stage as classical European opera. This integration not only preserves these languages but also introduces them to new audiences, fostering greater understanding and appreciation across cultural lines.

Manitoba Opera’s achievement with “Li Keur” demonstrates the power of the arts to preserve language, celebrate culture and bring communities together.