How the CPA Profession is Promoting Reconciliation through Education

The CPA profession in Canada is taking significant strides toward economic reconciliation. Recently, it has made efforts to increase Indigenous representation in the accounting profession. In 2023, CPA Canada, along with its collaborators, launched the Indigenous Learners in Accounting (ILA) program.

The program, developed in collaboration with First Nations, Métis, and Inuit experts, aims to integrate Indigenous knowledge and perspectives into the accounting curriculum. The ILA program directly addresses challenges Indigenous learners face in accessing the CPA designation, by offering relevant training and financial education.

Currently, the program includes five CPA preparatory courses and four modules from the CPA Professional Education Program (PEP), with plans for expansion in the future. Designed to be flexible and accessible, the program can be delivered in any location with a minimum of six leaners, ensuring that Indigenous communities have the opportunity to participate.

The success of the ILA program has led to the development of additional initiatives, including the Inuit Learners in Accounting program. Launched in November 2024 in partnership with the Manitoba Inuit Association (MIA), this initiative will provide Inuit-only cohorts for key CPA courses starting in early 2025. These targeted programs not only increase Indigenous participation in accounting but also empower learners to contribute to economic development within their communities. 

A cornerstone of the ILA program is its commitment to embedding Indigenous knowledge into the accounting curriculum. In collaboration with Indigenous experts, CPA Canada developed a custom textbook for the Introductory Financial Accounting course, believed to be the first Indigenous-focused accounting textbook in Canada. This resource incorporates symbolic visuals, humor, and storylines aligned with Indigenous values, ensuring that learners can engage with the material in a meaningful way. 

Additionally, case studies from the ILA program have been integrated into the broader CPA curriculum, allowing all accounting students to benefit from Indigenous perspectives. This approach fosters a more inclusive profession and enhances cross-cultural understanding within the field of accounting. 

Beyond professional education, CPA Manitoba is dedicated to improving financial literacy within Indigenous communities. Through the CPA Financial Literacy Program, CPAs deliver free financial education sessions to schools, businesses, and community organizations. These initiatives equip Indigenous individuals with the financial skills necessary to manage personal and community finances effectively, contributing to long-term economic self-sufficiency. 

Collaboration is at the heart of CPA Manitoba’s efforts to support Indigenous learners. In addition to partnerships with AFOA Alberta and the Manitoba Inuit Association, CPA Manitoba works with the Indigenous Chamber of Commerce to provide culturally tailored mentorship and support networks. Indigenous instructors and mentors play a central role in the program, creating a welcoming environment where learners feel supported throughout their CPA journey. 

While the ILA program is still in its early stages, it has already made a significant impact by fostering Indigenous representation in accounting. The CPA Western School of Business has successfully guided four cohorts of Indigenous learners through the program, and as participation grows, so does the potential for Indigenous accountants to contribute to their communities and Indigenous-led economic initiatives. 

By embedding Indigenous knowledge into accounting education, offering accessible learning opportunities, and building strong partnerships, CPA Manitoba is taking meaningful steps toward economic reconciliation. These initiatives not only create pathways for Indigenous learners but also enrich the accounting profession, ensuring that it reflects the diverse perspectives and talents of all Canadians.