In Canada, there are more than 630 First Nation communities, representing more than 50 Nations and 50 Indigenous languages. The Canadian statutory holiday Indigenous Peoples Day, celebrated on our summer solstice, June 21, recognizes Indigenous peoples' heritage, diverse cultures, and achievements of First Nations, Inuit, and Metis.
For 50 years Crowe MacKay has been building relationships with many indigenous business throughout Northern and Western Canada. The tailored services we provide to Indigenous communities continue to evolve and improve because of the lasting relationships we've cultivated together, embracing each other's unique cultures.
The relationships Crowe MacKay has built over the decades with Indigenous communities extend beyond our clients; we've made it a priority to give back. Mark Dickie, a former Partner and now Senior Associate, Professional Standards, served on a Task Force created by the (then) Institute of Chartered Accountants of British Columbia in the 1990s. This group was tasked to assist First Nations in identifying appropriate accounting and financial reporting policies and principles to best serve the needs of their financial statement users. Recognizing this was the first step in enhancing First Nations financial management, the Task Force went on to create the first Aboriginal Financial Officers Association (AFOA) in British Columbia.
Under First Nations leadership, the AFOA expanded across Canada with a national Association (AFOA Canada) and chapters in virtually every region of the country. Among other important initiatives, they have partnered with post-secondary educational institutions to establish three certified education programs specifically for First Nations financial managers, professional administrators, and Indigenous leadership. We continue our relationship with AFOA Canada today, as active members working with indigenous businesses to ensure they achieve success.
Additionally, the firm created the No Limits Award through the CPA Alberta's Education Foundation initiative, advocating to improve the accessibility to the CPA profession for Indigenous Albertans. The Crowe MacKay No Limits Award recognizes a post-secondary student studying business, and who is dedicated to improving their community. The recipient receives financial support for their studies, as well as the opportunity to work in our Edmonton office.
Building lasting relationships is important to us. Join us in celebrating Canada's heritage and the cultural mosaic extending coast to coast. Happy Indigenous Peoples Day!
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