Board Update: Hearing Indigenous Voices Learning Session

 
On January 25, CPA Manitoba and CPA Manitoba Foundation board members gathered for a learning session focused on the Hearing Indigenous Voices research project and the Indigenous Learners in Accounting (ILA) initiative.

Dr. Robert Andrews, CPA, CMA, Executive Director of the Aboriginal Financial Officers Association of Alberta and co-lead of the ILA initiative brought participants through the results of the Hearing Indigenous Voices - Mitigating the Challenges and Barriers to the Accounting Profession faced by Indigenous People project. Quotes from the study participants were woven into the presentation and offered a raw look at the challenges Indigenous learners face in Canada.

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 an innovative accounting education initiative for Indigenous learners. Yuen Ip, MBA, CPA, CMA, PMP, ICD.D, CEO of the CPA Western School of Business, shared the development, creative thinking and unlearning that went into establishing the Indigenous Learners in Accounting (ILA) initiative. The pilot took place in 2023 and has been well-received by learners for providing a transformational experience that incorporates relevant content and context.

To support the relevant learning focus, a custom textbook was created for the Introductory Financial Accounting course and is believed to be the first-ever Indigenous accounting textbook in Canada. Jennifer Reed, CPA, CA, Director, Professional Education Program at CPA Canada shared insight into the development of the textbook. The team recognized the importance of incorporating symbolic visual elements, familiar storylines, humour and alignment with Indigenous values to allow learners to connect in a meaningful way.

Following the presentation, attendees had the opportunity to asks questions of the presenters, with the big question being – how do we help amplify this initiative?

"I believe this session provided important context into the background and development of the pilot program. In speaking with other board members, it was clear that we were all deeply moved by the personal reflections of the presenters regarding their lived experiences both from the barriers they've faced, and the opportunities created by the pilot program. I left more convinced than ever that the profession is on the right track towards reducing barriers, creating opportunities and working towards reconciliation." - Doug Einarson, FCPA, FCA - Chair, CPA Manitoba Board

"A notable moment in my learning journey came during a discussion regarding the absence of Indigenous culture and context within business and accounting studies, and the associated impacts. I was heartened to learn of the collaborative efforts of AFOA Alberta, the CPA Western School of Business and CPA Canada to alleviate this barrier, among others. But there is much work to be done, and the financial barriers for Indigenous learners in business and accounting education remain high.” - Jennifer Ash, CPA, CMA - Chair, CPA Manitoba Foundation Board