June 5, 2019– Over the next year, the Community Futures Development Corporation of Central Interior First Nations (CFDC of CIFN) will support the delivery of JA British Columbia (JABC) programs to Indigenous youth in the B.C. communities they serve.
“As a result of our organization’s participation in the Youth Aboriginal Business Circles (Youth ABCs) pilot project, and the relationship of mutual respect and trust we have developed, we will continue to work together to bring entrepreneurial programs to Indigenous youth,” said George Casimir, General Manager CFDC of CIFN.
As part of the agreement, CFDC of CIFN will engage its staff, interns and Indigenous community partners in facilitating the delivery of Be Entrepreneurial, and potentially other JABC programs, in Indigenous communities. They will also engage leaders and educators within their region to create program opportunities. JABC will provide program facilitator training, program materials and support.
“We are so very pleased to work with CFDC of CIFN to deliver important educational programs,” said Sheila Biggers, President and CEO of JA British Columbia. “JABC is committed to opening doors for Indigenous learners, by providing access to community-based, culturally accessible educational programs focused on building financial literacy, career readiness and entrepreneurial knowledge and skills.”
By summer 2019, JABC will have a Manager for Indigenous Programs in place to support this partnership and oversee new program deliveries in Indigenous communities across B.C. Increased delivery of programs is due to positive feedback from a 2017 pilot program, Youth Aboriginal Business Circles (Youth ABCs), which resulted in the successful delivery of 13 Be Entrepreneurial programs in eight Indigenous communities, in addition to program deliveries to Indigenous students in BC public schools.
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.
About CFDC of CIFN
Community Futures Development Corporation of Central Interior First Nations (CFDC of CIFN) promotes and provides community economic development support services to Indigenous people within the Central Interior of British Columbia. For more information visit cfdcofcifn.com.
About JA British Columbia
JA British Columbia (JABC or Junior Achievement of British Columbia) is a member of JA Canada and part of JA Worldwide (JA), the world’s largest not-for-profit organization dedicated to educating young people about business. JABC’s purpose is to inspire, prepare and empower B.C. youth for lifelong success. Last year, almost 38,000 BC students benefited from JABC programs delivered free of charge by business community volunteers, who bring their real-life experience into the classroom. 8% of these 2017/2018 deliveries were to Indigenous youth in B.C. JABC programs focus on work readiness, financial literacy and entrepreneurship, giving students the confidence and skills they need to become the next generation of business and community leaders. To learn more visit https://jabc.org.
(Pictured above: George Casimir, General Manager, CFCD of CIFN; Julie and Archie Antoine from the Bonaparte First Nation; and Deborah Wakeham, Director, Programs, JABC)
For more information, please contact:
George Casimir
General Manager
CFCD of CIFN
Phone: 250.828.9833
Deborah Wakeham
Director, Programs
JA British Columbia
250.893.4495