Empowering dreams: Indigenous success continues at Harvard
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
OTTAWA, ON, May 17, 2022 – More Indigenous professionals from across Canada have attended Harvard University through a unique partnership between AFOA Canada and the Harvard Business School (HBS). From May 9-13, 2022 AFOA Canada members together with participants from the United States, Australia and New Zealand achieved an Executive Education Program Certificate.
“When I was 19, I had an opportunity to go to Boston to tour Harvard. I was in awe…” says Katherine Moses, a program participant from Waskaganish who works for the Cree Nation of Wemindji in Quebec. “I had a dream to go to Harvard that I never thought would happen. When I got the email from AFOA Canada that there was an opportunity to go, I took it. I couldn’t believe how amazing the program was – dreams really do come true.”
The Leading People and Investing to Build Sustainable Communities program utilizes the HBS case study method to teach participants investment tools, products, and practices, and how to use them in a community context. Participants include elected leaders, senior managers, youth, and AFOA Canada Certified members.
“It’s been an incredible week learning from various business cases that have enhanced our ability to build strategic plans that will benefit our Nations for today but also for the seven generations to come,” says Emily Martell, an Indigenous youth participant from Waterhen Lake Cree Nation, Sask.
This is the fourth year the program has run, a total of 182 Indigenous people have attended through AFOA Canada. A fifth cohort is expected to take place May 2023.
“I am looking forward to seeing how participants of this program will apply what they have learned toward improving the lives of our peoples,” says Terry Goodtrack, President and CEO, AFOA Canada.
AFOA Canada would like to thank Harvard University, CPA Canada, Nutrien, RBC Royal Bank and TD Bank for sponsoring participants.
AFOA Canada is entering its 23rd year as an Indigenous Institution with approximately 1400 members across Canada. It has become a recognized leader in developing certified capacity in Indigenous management, finance, and governance.
Announcements about the fifth cohort application process to follow, visit afoa.ca to stay up to date or to learn more.
Media inquiries:
Douglas Beaver, Director of Marketing and Communications
