Indigenous Learners in Accounting (ILA)

The Indigenous Learners in Accounting (ILA) Initiative is a partnership between the Aboriginal Financial Officers Association of Alberta (AFOA Alberta) and CPA Western School of Business, CPA Canada. Created in response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action, ILA works to address systemic barriers and create more accessible, culturally relevant pathways to accounting and financial education for Indigenous learners. 

ILA began by adapting accounting education to better reflect the experiences, perspectives and communities of First Nations, Métis and Inuit learners. Working alongside Indigenous subject matter experts, CPA Canada and its partners incorporated Indigenous culture, content, and context into course materials and learning approaches. 

The Initiative takes a holistic approach to learner success, combining culturally relevant curriculum with Indigenous instructors, advisors and facilitators, cohort-based learning, mentorship, tutoring, financial assistance and flexible learning opportunities. These supports are designed to foster connection, belonging and confidence alongside the technical knowledge and skills learners need to advance their education and careers. 

Today, ILA is continuing to evolve its vision through Accounting for Communities, a new chapter focused on bringing practical accounting and financial knowledge directly into Indigenous communities while building financial capacity that can benefit individuals, organizations, businesses, families and communities.