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Our vision
Northwestel is proud to serve 97 northern communities, each with a rich and unique Indigenous history, culture and identity.
We exist to help ignite the power of these First Nation, Inuit and Métis communities through the very best communications technology and services.
We are committed to doing so in true partnership and consultation with Indigenous governments and other northern Indigenous partners in a way that creates shared benefits for people in the north.
We have published our plan publicly as a first step to further consultations with Indigenous governments and communities on how to make it better.
Our governance
In 2020, Northwestel created a new governance structure to ensure Indigenous leadership and northern perspectives at the highest level of the company.
Northwestel’s Community Advisory Board advises our management teams on service delivery, Indigenous community needs, First Nation government relations, and community and public relations campaigns.
The board provides a unique northern perspective that informs the development of Northwestel’s strategic priorities, provides a sounding board for new ideas and initiatives and is a source of feedback on issues and concerns from the community level.
Meet our Community Advisory Board members, from the left: Roberta Joseph, Darrel Beaulieu, and Randy Qamaniq
“First Nations are key economic drivers in the Yukon, and across the North. Already we see examples of the Yukon and NWT partnering with Northwestel, and there needs to be more opportunities like these. I've always been interested in telecommunications from one standpoint to another and I look forward to making a difference working with larger key service providers.”
Roberta Joseph, Community Advisory Board Member, Northwestel
Ehdiitat Gwich'in
We will connect communities to each other and the world through world-leading technology
We exist to ignite the power of community. Our focus is improving access to high-speed internet in the north, bringing real benefits to every community we serve. High speed broadband increases access to critical services like education and health care, and leads to more economic opportunities.
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We will seek a shared pathway to an even better north
We believe stronger connections build stronger communities. Just as we strive to have Indigenous communities benefit from quality broadband, we believe they should also share in the economic benefits of investments in the North.
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We will strive to have our operations reflect the communities we serve
Our North is largely Indigenous, and we strive for our operations to reflect the people we serve. We will prioritize providing access to jobs and training to Indigenous communities and people. Our hiring processes will be accessible and supportive. Our public messaging, including our recruitment and marketing, will be inclusive and representative of the north.
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We will deepen our understanding of the North’s unique Indigenous cultures
We learn from those who’ve called this land home for millennia. We will meet the future with a deeper understanding of the north’s Indigenous cultures, governance, histories, and traditions. Our employees will understand the history of Indigenous people in the North, and the impacts of colonialism and residential schools have had. We will celebrate Indigenous culture and amplify it to the North.
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Read more about how we’re learning from Indigenous perspectives
We will connect communities to each other and the world through world-leading technology
We exist to ignite the power of community. Our focus is improving access to high-speed internet in the north, bringing real benefits to every community we serve. High speed broadband increases access to critical services like education and health care, and leads to more economic opportunities.
Photo details
We will seek a shared pathway to an even better north
We believe stronger connections build stronger communities. Just as we strive to have Indigenous communities benefit from quality broadband, we believe they should also share in the economic benefits of investments in the North.
Photo details
We will strive to have our operations reflect the communities we serve
Our North is largely Indigenous, and we strive for our operations to reflect the people we serve. We will prioritize providing access to jobs and training to Indigenous communities and people. Our hiring processes will be accessible and supportive. Our public messaging, including our recruitment and marketing, will be inclusive and representative of the north.
Photo details
We will deepen our understanding of the North’s unique Indigenous cultures
We learn from those who’ve called this land home for millennia. We will meet the future with a deeper understanding of the north’s Indigenous cultures, governance, histories, and traditions. Our employees will understand the history of Indigenous people in the North, and the impacts of colonialism and residential schools have had. We will celebrate Indigenous culture and amplify it to the North.
Photo details
Read more about how we’re learning from Indigenous perspectives
Connecting with our communities
Take a closer look at stories about Northwestel's commitment to reconciliation.
The importance of truth on the road to reconciliation
Below, the incredibly gifted Yukon Tlingit artist, dancer, and lifelong learner Guná Jensen shares about her culture, artistic journey, and the incredible design featured on...
Meet our Community Advisory Board
Northwestel is launching a new Community Advisory Board, part of our continued commitment to fostering positive relations with the communities we serve, especially Indigenous communities...
Atlin becomes Northwestel’s 97th community served
As northerners, we know our needs are unique from the south. It’s important that our communities have local northern customer services that understand our landscapes...
