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Indigenous Youth in Finance: Navigating a Complex Path

In this report, we consider that Indigenous professionals are under-represented in finance and management occupations. With Indigenous youth a rapidly growing force in the Canadian labour market, the education, financial, and non-profit sectors can explore pathways to help choose careers in finance and management. How can the different sectors remove barriers and improve the post-secondary experiences of Indigenous youth? What proactive policies, reconciliation action plans, and cultural awareness training for Indigenous and non-Indigenous employees can improve the workplace experience for early-career Indigenous professionals? How can we set Indigenous youth up for success at the early stage of their education and career? Read the issue briefing to get our full analysis.

Key insights

Indigenous professionals are under-represented in finance and management occupations. First Nations, Inuit, and Métis youth across Canada have limited exposure to financial institutions and careers in
the field, which limits opportunities for them to learn about finance and to consider it as a career option.

Financial literacy education at an early age builds a much-needed foundation for finance careers; Indigenous-led and -designed programming can close gaps for children and youth.

Indigenous resource centres at post-secondary institutions play an important role in student success by connecting students with their peers, employers, communities, or resources.

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