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Indigenous Learners in Accounting (ILA)

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. 

Transformational Learning Experience

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.

The courses are:

 
Developed by Indigenous subject matter experts
Supported by Indigenous facilitators
Taught by Indigenous instructors

Courses and Modules Offerings

The following prerequisite courses, required for entry into the CPA Professional Education Program (CPA PEP), are currently available or planned for upcoming sessions of the CPA preparatory courses for Indigenous learners:

  • Introductory Financial Accounting (IFA) - Currently Available
  • Introductory Management Accounting (IMA) - Currently Available
  • Intermediate Financial Reporting 1 (IF1) - Currently Available
  • Intermediate Financial Reporting 2 (IF2) - Upcoming Session 2025 Semester 1 – Winter/Spring*
  • Advanced Financial Reporting (AFR) - Upcoming Session 2025 Semester 2 – Summer/Fall*

*These course additions are planned but subject to change.

In addition, the following CPA PEP modules for Indigenous learners are currently being offered: 

  • CPA PEP Core 1 - Currently Available
  • CPA PEP Core 2 - Currently Available
  • CPA PEP Assurance Elective - Currently Available
  • CPA PEP Performance Management Elective - Upcoming Session 2025 Semester 1 Winter/Spring*

*These module additions are planned but subject to change.

Info on courses/modules and registration
Learn More About This Initiative
Video Library

Learn More About This Initiative

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.

Watch Now

Scholarship

CPA Alberta - Indigenous Scholarship
CPA SK - All Learners
CPA BC - All Learners
CPA MB - All Learners

Partnerships and Opportunities

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.

Reach Out for Partnerships and Opportunities