CPA Manitoba's Reconciliation Roadmap

 
By CPA Manitoba   |   September 26, 2024
 

CPA Manitoba is currently embarking on forming the next phase of our reconciliation roadmap. This roadmap will guide the strategy which is rooted in our commitment to addressing the barriers to entry into our profession and upholding our partnership through Winnipeg’s Indigenous Accord. We proudly signed the Accord on November 27, 2023.

Our dedication to past and future action is always underpinned by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada: 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 fortunate to build relationships with organizations including the Aboriginal Financial Officers Association (AFOA), First Nations Financial Management Board, Indigenous Chamber of Commerce Manitoba, Manitoba Inuit Association, Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak Inc., Manitoba Métis Federation and Southern Chiefs' Organization Inc. We have also been honoured 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’. This research 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.

CPA Manitoba is exploring opportunities within our province relating to funding, mentorship, tailored paths and more. Approved ideas will be incorporated into our reconciliation roadmap. 

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. The next learning opportunity will bring together this group on October 17 for An Afternoon of Economic Reconciliation Learning. 

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 additional ways to learn, CPA Manitoba developed a microsite for observing National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. This day recognizes the injustices of the residential school system, the resilience of survivors and intergenerational survivors, and the memories of those who never returned home. These resources help us reflect and learn today, tomorrow, and always.

Moving Forward
As we continue our reconciliation journey, we value the opportunity to learn, unlearn and relearn. We 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.