In recognition of Indigenous History Month, we are pleased to share this story from Kamloops, B.C.

This past November, Joy, JABC’s Manager of Indigenous Programs co-delivered her first JA program with another volunteer at Four Directions Secondary School.

Joy said, “I was pretty nervous at first. The students were quiet at the beginning of the class but did start talking and sharing a bit more as we progressed through the program. It was great to be able to share our own education and career paths with the students, they definitely opened up a bit more after hearing about our experiences.”

As part of the  Economics for Success Program, these Indigenous students in grades 9-12 mapped career clusters, considered post-secondary options, created a budget and developed strategies to achieve goals. According to Joy, “The most impactful part of the program delivery was the budgeting activity. Students mentioned that they have never done this before and were quite shocked to see how much it costs to live on your own!”

After the program, students said:

  • “I learned how to better prepare for handing in a resume or going to an interview.”
  • “I learned about how much it will cost every month after high school, like university funds and living on my own.”
  • “I learned how to budget and about how college works.”

Indigenous youth are the fastest growing population in Canada and JABC is committed to partnering with Indigenous communities to deliver programs focused on building financial literacy, work readiness and entrepreneurship skills.

Once the program delivery was complete, Joy commented, “Giving these students the tools they need to help them chart their future was an awesome experience.”

As part of JABC’s Strategic Plan, Bright Future for all BC’s Youth, JABC’s 2019-20 goal was to deliver 15 programs in Indigenous communities. This goal was surpassed and, as of today, 23 JA programs have been delivered, reaching hundreds of Indigenous students across BC.

In addition to all the business and community leaders who volunteered their time to deliver a JA program, we would like to thank the following communities:  Tkemlups te Secwepemc, Tsartlip First Nation, Urban Youth in Prince George, Cowichan Tribes, Witset First Nation, Heiltsuk First Nation, Urban Youth in Vancouver, and Urban Youth in Kamloops.

We would also like to express our gratitude to the following organizations who have given us the opportunity to promote our Indigenous Programs and engage with like minded people: UBC Ch’nook Indigenous Business Education, CPA BC, AFOA BC and the Community Futures Development Corporation of Central Interior First Nations (CFDC of CIFN).

JABC acknowledges the financial support provided for these programs from the Founders of JABC’s Indigenous Futures Circle: Deloitte LLP, Worth Allaye-Chan/Raymond James Ltd, Concert Properties, Leith Wheeler, Illahie Foundation, Jarislowky Fraser Partners Foundation, and Miller Thomson LLP.