Langara College, AFOA Canada, and AFOA British Columbia (AFOA BC) are pleased to announce the first graduates from the Indigenous Financial Management Certificate. Thirteen women working in First Nations governments across British Columbia achieved the certificate as part of the first-ever cohort of this program.
Students are recruited from Indigenous communities throughout B.C. to enroll in the program and complete all the course requirements to attain the certificate. They study fully accredited post-secondary accounting in combination with AFOA Canada's Indigenous content. The ultimate goal is to build financial capacity within Indigenous governments and communities to support their goal of self-determination. The program was announced in September 2021.
"Langara College is very proud and honoured to have played a role in this important endeavour. My most heartfelt congratulations to the students who have worked so hard to accomplish this," said Dr. Paula Burns, President and CEO of Langara College. "They have blazed a critically important path that can now be followed by many. My most sincere appreciation, also, to the supportive families and the many people who have worked so hard to make this a reality."
"These 13 incredible women were dedicated to their own professional development, while working in First Nations governments and maintaining their family and community responsibilities," said Terry Goodtrack, President and CEO, AFOA Canada. "They created a supportive network amongst each other to uplift and encourage each other. We are incredibly humbled to be a part of this achievement."
The Indigenous Financial Management Certificate is the first step towards the Certified Aboriginal Financial Manager (CAFM) designation. Students enrolled in this program may also further their education by transferring several of these credits to Langara College or the Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) program. AFOA Canada owns, administers, and awards the Certified Aboriginal Financial Manager (CAFM) designation.
"I am so incredibly proud of these women who persevered through the 18 months to get this done. They are truly a testament to the power of having a network of support around you to help you succeed," said Wendy Ham, Executive Director, AFOA BC. "It was wonderful to be a part of their journey."
The second cohort began in the fall of 2022 and applications are currently being accepted for the third cohort. The deadline is September 30, 2023.
Photo courtesy AFOA Canada
