Inspired by their co-operative philosophy, credit unions provide inclusive and much-needed financial services to the Aboriginal population in a way that respects and understands Aboriginal peoples’ aspirations. Over the past year, Canadian Central, with the assistance of the Credit Union Social Responsibility Committee, developed a series of three System Briefs focused on Aboriginal people and financial services.
Canadian Central is proud to present, the third instalment in the Aboriginal People System Brief series, Deepening Relationships: Credit Union and Aboriginal Peoples Case Studies. By studying real life examples of how credit unions are working to strengthen their relationships with Aboriginal peoples, communities and businesses, this Brief demonstrates the importance of building relationships based on respect and consideration of Aboriginal peoples’ traditions, cultures and governments. This last Brief builds on the first Brief which focused on the opportunities and challenges of working with Aboriginal peoples, and the second which examined the federal programs and initiatives available to assist credit unions in their efforts.
Credit unions featured in Deepening Relationships: Credit Union and Aboriginal Peoples Case Studies include:
- Affinity Credit Union
- Anishinabek Nation Credit Union
- Assiniboine Credit Union
- Concentra Financial
- Innovation Credit Union
- Me-Dian Credit Union
- Vancouver City Savings Credit Union (Vancity)
This last System Brief concludes the series on Aboriginals and financial institutions. Canadian Central will continue to explore ways to assist credit unions in servicing this growing segment of the Canadian population. I also wish at this time to thank those credit unions who were key contributors to our series.
This System Brief was authored by Kathryn Martin, Policy Analyst, Government Relations & Co-operatives at Canadian Central.
Click here to read the System Brief
