Background
As part of TELUS’ commitments in the 2023 Indigenous Reconciliation & Connectivity Report, TELUS recognized the need to include Indigenous perspectives in their data ethics strategy. In this report, TELUS committed to hosting workshops to explore the ethical use of Indigenous Knowledge and data in the context of applications of AI. This work required a culturally safe, inclusive approach that supported meaningful engagement with First Nations, Métis, and Inuit participants across Canada.

Our Work
TWC was engaged to design and facilitate virtual and in-person workshops with First Nations, Métis, and Inuit participants from across the country. Our role was to create a culturally safe space to discuss Indigenous data sovereignty, AI, and ethical data handling practices. By facilitating discussions about emerging technologies and Indigenous perspectives, we helped TELUS transform AI governance using actionable, values-based guidance.

Limited engagement from some regions and the need for broader national input led to a pivot in approach. TWC adapted by leveraging guidance from TELUS’s Indigenous Advisory Council and expanding outreach to include Indigenous leaders and experts in the AI space. Our flexible, multi-lens approach enabled deeper, more technical conversations and ensured the workshops reflected both grassroots and national organizational perspectives on Indigenous data and ethical practices for AI.

The Result
This engagement has become a model for inclusive, forward-thinking collaboration in digital spaces. The workshops and resulting reports inform TELUS’ 2025 Reconciliation Strategy and contribute to national conversations on Indigenous data ethics. Through human-centric design and culturally responsive facilitation, TWC supported TELUS in building trust, advancing reconciliation, and embedding Indigenous values into the future applications of AI. This work shows how applications of technology, when guided by Indigenous Knowledge and ethical design, can support meaningful, community-informed innovation.

Papers and Presentations

• Listening and Learning: Sharing Lessons in Indigenous Data Sovereignty, International Association of Privacy Professionals, Canadian Privacy Symposium 2025, Presented by Jesslyn Dymond (TELUS) and Melanie Demers (Two Worlds Consulting)
• Sustainable Involvement of Indigenous Peoples in AI, Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) International Humanitarian Technology (IHTC) Conference 2025, Presented by Kendal Burtch (TELUS) and Melanie Demers (Two Worlds Consulting)
• Burtch, K., and Demers, M. August 2025. Sustainable Involvement of Indigenous Peoples in AI, Canadian Privacy Symposium 2025, Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) International Humanitarian Technology Conference (IHTC) 2025 Conference Proceedings