Nov 7, 2022
Vancouver, BC - snəw̓eyəɬ leləm̓ Langara College is proud to welcome a second cohort of students to begin working towards AFOA Canada’s Indigenous Financial Management Certificate, a collaboration with AFOA Canada, and AFOA British Columbia (AFOA BC). This year's cohort will be on campus the week of November 14 for a kick-off event and to begin their coursework.
Following the success of last year’s pilot program, this unique partnership will see a second cohort of students from Indigenous communities or working in Indigenous government study fully accredited post-secondary accounting courses in combination with AFOA Canada’s Indigenous content courses.
The goal of the partnership is to recruit student cohorts from Indigenous communities throughout British Columbia to enroll in the program and complete the course requirements and attain the certificate. The partnership aims to build financial capacity within Indigenous governments and communities to support their goal of self-determination.
“The success of the first cohort and interest from many individuals who work in First Nation Governments, has been overwhelming. We are so glad we can provide this opportunity to build capacity in First Nations one student at a time,” said Wendy Ham, Executive Director, AFOA BC.
The Indigenous Financial Management Certificate is the first step towards obtaining AFOA Canada’s Certified Aboriginal Financial Manager (CAFM) designation. Students who enroll in this pilot program can also apply to transfer several of these credits to pursue further studies through Langara College, and to the Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) program of studies. AFOA Canada owns, administers, and awards the Certified Aboriginal Financial Manager (CAFM) designation.
About snəw̓eyəɬ leləm̓ Langara College
Langara College is located on the unceded traditional territory of the Musqueam First Nation. Langara was honoured to receive a name from Musqueam in their language, snəw̓eyəɬ leləm̓, which means house of teachings. Langara is one of BC’s leading undergraduate post-secondary institutions providing University Studies, Career Studies, and Continuing Studies programs and courses to more than 23,000 students annually. Langara’s accounting related courses are accredited as transfer credit to the Chartered Professional Accountants program of professional studies.
About AFOA Canada
Entering its 23rd year as an Indigenous institution, AFOA Canada is the centre for excellence and innovation in Indigenous management, finance, and governance. It is the only organization in Canada that focuses on the capacity development and day-to-day needs of those Indigenous professionals who are working in all areas of management, finance, band administration, leadership, and program management.
About AFOA BC
Originally established in 1996, AFOA BC was founded in response to the need for a united voice for those working in the critical fields of Indigenous finance and administration in this province. AFOA BC subsequently played an instrumental role in creating the national organization AFOA Canada. Together AFOA Canada and AFOA BC are recognized and certified to provide the latest in advanced Indigenous management, finance, and governance training, and continue to support Indigenous students to realize their dreams and goals.
Learn more.
Mark Dawson
Manager, Public Affairs
Langara College
mdawson@langara.ca
