by Nicole Rutherford, Communications Manager at CPA Manitoba
CPA Manitoba is pleased to be working with the Indigenous Chamber of Commerce as we embark on forming the next phase of our reconciliation roadmap. This roadmap will guide the strategy that is rooted in our commitment to addressing the barriers to entry into the CPA profession and upholding our partnership through Winnipeg’s Indigenous Accord. We signed the Accord on November 27, 2023.
Our dedication to past and future action is always underpinned by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Call to Action #92 which emphasizes a commitment to meaningful consultation, ensures Indigenous peoples have equitable access to opportunities and provides education for management and staff on the history of Indigenous Peoples.
Consultation, Partnership and Collaboration
CPA Manitoba believes in the vital importance of consultation, partnership and collaboration with Indigenous peoples and organizations. We have been honoured to work with Renee Greyeyes, President & CEO of the Indigenous Chamber of Commerce on opportunities around financial literacy and education.
We have also been fortunate to build relationships with organizations including the Aboriginal Financial Officers Association (AFOA), First Nations Financial Management Board, Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak Inc., Manitoba Inuit Association, Manitoba Métis Federation and Southern Chiefs' Organization Inc. We continue to learn from Jordan Ulrich, CPA, CA, who sits on our Indigenous Understanding Working Group, and Elder Betty Ross.
Equitable Access to Jobs, Training and Education
In May 2022, CPA Canada received the summary of findings from the research project, ‘Hearing Indigenous Voices - Mitigating the Challenges and Barriers to the Accounting Profession faced by Indigenous People’. It was commissioned to gain a better understanding of the journey of Indigenous students to acquire business and accounting credentials, including the barriers experienced on their learning paths.
This research was a catalyst for the Aboriginal Financial Officers Association of Alberta (AFOA Alberta), the Chartered Professional Accountants Western School of Business (CPAWSB), and CPA Canada to launch the Indigenous Learners in Accounting (ILA) initiative in 2023. This initiative addresses systemic barriers and incorporates Indigenous content, context and culture to increase Indigenous representation in accounting. The courses are developed by Indigenous subject matter experts, supported by Indigenous facilitators, and taught by Indigenous instructors to redefine the conventional approach to accounting education.
A series of Financial Literacy sessions are also being developed to offer education that empowers individuals. The first session, Planning for Prosperity: Financial Literacy for Indigenous Youth, is currently being offered in high schools.
Education for the Board, Staff and Members
Recognizing that truth paves the foundation for reconciliation, CPA Manitoba has provided numerous learning opportunities to our Board, staff and members. These opportunities have been offered in a variety of formats, depth and breadth levels, and times over the past four years.
Recently, we launched the 4 Seasons of Reconciliation seminar, developed by Reconciliation Education and offered in partnership with RRC Polytech and First Nations University of Canada. It supports organizations and individuals on their journeys towards reconciliation, healing our communities, embedding the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s 94 Calls to Action, and fostering relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples.
Additional seminars being offered through CPA Manitoba's Professional Development program include Indigenous Community Engagement and Consultation and A CPAs Reconciliation Journey for First Nations, with more being added regularly.
To provide other ways to learn, CPA Manitoba developed a resources page that provides important information relating to truth and reconciliation. These resources help reflect and learn today, tomorrow, and always.
Moving Forward
As CPA Manitoba continues our journey, we value the opportunity to partner with organizations like the Indigenous Chamber of Commerce to improve the quality and relevance of our initiatives. We want to thank those who have offered us guidance and trust as we commit to making our profession more equitable for all and more welcoming for Indigenous peoples.