Peace Hills Trust: Providing Financial Services for Indigenous Communities

For more than four decades, Peace Hills Trust has been a pillar of financial strength and stability for Indigenous communities across Canada. The company has remained steadfast in its mission to support economic development, prosperity and, most importantly, to provide financial services tailored to the unique needs of Indigenous communities.

Founded in 1980 by the Samson Cree Nation, Peace Hills Trust has been Canada’s largest and oldest Indigenous-owned financial institution for more than 40 years. Today, the institution serves as Canada’s only independent trust company, offering a comprehensive range of financial services, including trust, credit, and banking solutions. 

Peace Hills Trust was established to address the financial needs of First Nations communities, many of whom have faced barriers in accessing mainstream banking services. To this day, the remnants of these historical barriers can be seen in the challenges Indigenous entrepreneurs have with accessing credit, among other things.

Financial independence is central to Peace Hills’ vision for Indigenous communities. As it works in partnership with Indigenous communities, businesses, and individuals, Peace Hills Trust plays a crucial role in fostering economic growth, both on and off reserve. 

Across Canada, the institution boasts an impressive network of eight regional offices, including one in Winnipeg, serving over 20,000 clients, ranging from individuals and small businesses to large Indigenous institutions. Its team of more than 100 employees is dedicated to delivering financial services that not only respect but reflect Indigenous values.  

Through its work, Peace Hills Trust continues to bridge the gap between traditional financial services and Indigenous economic needs. By fostering understanding, respect, and collaboration, the organization is not only providing banking solutions but also creating pathways to long-term prosperity for Indigenous communities across Canada.

Peace Hills Trust’s story not only reflects the importance of building functional institutions to promote economic development within Indigenous communities, but also the role of Indigenous entrepreneurship in facilitating these institutions. What began as an idea in 1972 to solve a unique problem facing Indigenous communities has now evolved into a complex federally regulated financial institution offering a wide range of tailored services, from personal banking to commercial lending.
 

Entrepreneurship is about creating value for communities and institutions. But it is only through the rigorous support of important institutions, like Peace Hills Trust and the Indigenous Chamber of Commerce, that entrepreneurs can thrive. 

As Peace Hills Trust looks to the future, it remains committed to its founding principles: strengthening Indigenous economies, promoting financial self-sufficiency, and honoring the rich traditions of the communities it serves.