The Aboriginal Financial Officers Association of Alberta (AFOA Alberta), the Chartered Professional Accountants Western School of Business (CPAWSB), and CPA Canada announce an innovative accounting education initiative for Indigenous learners. In response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action, this initiative addresses systemic barriers and incorporates Indigenous content, context and culture to increase Indigenous representation in accounting.
These courses are based on the regular CPA certification program but will be tailored to address the challenges unique to Indigenous learners and incorporate Indigenous culture and context in the program.
Indigenous learners encounter significant obstacles within post-secondary and professional education due to societal biases, colonial legacy, and other barriers. Recognizing these pervasive issues, this initiative is dedicated to redefining the conventional approach to accounting education.
In conjunction with subject matter experts from First Nations, Métis, and Inuit peoples, CPA Canada incorporated content relevant to their communities and reflective of their world views and experiences in the learning materials.
Three of the fourteen essential prerequisite courses required for entry into the CPA Professional Education Program (CPA PEP) are currently being offered as CPA preparatory courses for Indigenous learners:
In addition, the following three CPA PEP modules for Indigenous learners are currently being offered:
Enrollment is open for our Summer 2024 session offerings.
Click on the link below to explore how the Indigenous Learners in Accounting Initiative was developed, why it was created, and what makes it unique. Hear testimonies from our learners and instructors and why they believe this program is changing lives.
The pilot launch is a significant step in the accounting profession's journey toward supporting the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action.
As the pilot continues, we are seeking partnerships with community leaders, businesses, organizations, and Indigenous CPAs to support this initiative as well as similar future initiatives. To learn more about this transformative opportunity and to join us in shaping a more inclusive future for accounting.
Mitigating Barrers to Indigenous Learners Findings and Recommendations