The University of Winnipeg, (AFOA Canada), and the Chartered Professional Accountants of Canada (CPA Canada) are proud to introduce a new pilot program aimed at encouraging more Indigenous students to pursue a Certified Aboriginal Financial Manager (CAFM) designation.
Starting this spring, UWinnipeg’s Faculty of Business and Economics will be working with AFOA Canada training instructors to deliver this program to a cohort of 20 students. Self-declared Indigenous accounting and business majors at UWinnipeg, the University of Manitoba, Brandon University, University College of the North, and Assiniboine Community College are eligible.
Through this innovative project, Indigenous students across Manitoba will be supported on their journey to achieving the CAFM designation.
Dr. James currie
“At The University of Winnipeg, we are keenly aware of the need to support opportunities for Indigenous students to obtain a post-secondary education,” said Dr. James Currie, UWinnipeg’s Interim President and Vice-Chancellor. “Through this innovative project, Indigenous students across Manitoba will be supported on their journey to achieving the CAFM designation.”
“CAFMs have the financial and management skills grounded in cultural knowledge to lead Indigenous communities and organizations,” said Terry Goodtrack, AFOA Canada President and Chief Executive Officer. “This pilot with The University of Winnipeg will support Indigenous students on their path to the CAFM designation by building supportive peer and mentor networks.”
“The Manitoba government is encouraged by this partnership that creates much needed opportunities and champions the success of our Indigenous students,” said Minister Wayne Ewasko, Minister of Advanced Education, Skills and Immigration.
The project’s first cohort of students will complete two of four AFOA Canada Indigenous content courses as a first step towards the CAFM designation. Until recently, courses were offered exclusively online over a 15-week period.
To better support and facilitate the success of Indigenous students in accounting education, the delivery of courses was modified to include a blended model taught in one, two, or three weekend modules, each with appropriate online course coverage and evaluation.
This will allow students to build supportive networks, feel a sense of belonging and community, and have access to culturally relevant mentorship.
“We recognize the urgency to expand the academic pathways to the accounting profession for Indigenous students, particularly in Manitoba where the number of Indigenous young people is growing rapidly,” explains Charles-Antoine St-Jean, President and CEO, CPA Canada. “Today’s youth are poised to drive innovation and support the needs of businesses and communities in an ever-evolving marketplace.”
“CPA Manitoba is so excited for the launch of this pilot program in our province,” said Geeta Tucker, President and CEO of CPA Manitoba. “We look forward to welcoming a new generation of Indigenous CPAs into the profession in the years ahead.”
Administered by AFOA Canada, the CAFM is the only designation specifically established for Indigenous finance and management positions in Canada.
CAFMs are in demand because they have the specialized skills to handle the changing financial needs of Indigenous communities and organizations. They are key decision makers and leaders in their organizations and communities, and often form the backbone of Indigenous government administration.
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Brandon Logan, Digital Communications Coordinator
The University of Winnipeg
E: b.logan@uwinnipeg.ca
Douglas Beaver, Director of Marketing and Communications
AFOA Canada
E: dbeaver@afoa.ca
Perry Jensen, Manager, Media Relations
CPA Canada
Ph: 416-204-3941
E: pjensen@cpacanada.ca
