Gathering Our Voices 2025

Date: March 18-21, 2025
Location: Kamloops, BC

From March 18-21, 2025, CPABC had the pleasure of participating in the BC Association of Friendship Centres’ annual Gathering Our Voices youth event which took place in Kamloops, BC. Gathering Our Voices aims to “provide Indigenous youth with the tools to empower and inspire so that they can contribute their gifts to their communities and the world.” Over two days, CPA volunteers facilitated five Financial Literacy sessions that were tailored for the Indigenous youth.

Approximately 80 Indigenous youth participated in the Financial Literacy workshops presented by CPABC. The workshops were supported by CPA Financial Literacy volunteer Trish Elliott CPA, CA and facilitated by CPABC Financial Literacy volunteers, including Mae Romero, CPA, CGA, Alison Bepple, CPA, CGA, Kevin Sewell, CPA, CGA, CA, Kim Christiansen, CPA, CA, and Wendy Epp, CPA, CGA. The sessions included 'Money Basics for Indigenous Youth with a game of Bingo,' 'Navigating Your First Tax Return,' and 'Budgeting for Independence.'

From left to right: CPABC Financial Literacy volunteers Mae Romero, CPA, CGA and Trish Elliott CPA, CA.
 

From left to right: CPABC Financial Literacy volunteers Alison Bepple, CPA, CA, Trish Elliott CPA, CA, and Kevin Sewell, CPA, CGA, CA.
 

From left to right: CPABC Financial Literacy Volunteers Wendy Epp CPA, CGA, and Kim Christiansen, CPA, CA.

The sessions received many positive comments from the youth participants, Financial Literacy program volunteers, and CPABC staff. For CPABC, it was a great experience to be a part of an inspirational event like Gathering Our Voices. We hope that each participant took away at least one thing from our sessions that resonated with them, and which might help them on their path toward achieving their life and financial goals.

From left to right: CPABC staff Jesse Bruised Head and Sheila Cheung.

CPABC also had an exhibitor booth at the event where staff engaged with interested youth and community members, sharing valuable information about the various pathways to becoming a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA). They provided details on CPABC's programs, resources, and support available for Indigenous students and professionals pursuing a CPA designation. Knowledgeable staff answered questions, offered insights into the profession, and highlighted opportunities for mentorship, scholarships, and career development within the accounting field.

Thank you to CPABC Financial Literacy volunteers, the BC Association of Aboriginal Friendship Centres, and, most of all, the Indigenous young people in attendance!

More information on Gathering Our Voices.

Questions? Email indigenous@bccpa.ca.