TORONTO, June 21, 2017 /CNW/ - Across the country, young
Indigenous leaders are making a positive impact in their
communities and businesses, as shown by the success stories
featured in the latest edition of A Chosen Journey: RBC Aboriginal
Partnership Report.
First published by RBC in 2008, A Chosen Journey has been issued
annually to highlight the many successful collaborations that
continue to grow between Aboriginal peoples and RBC.
"In our role as a community partner, we witness firsthand the
exciting opportunities for Aboriginal people today and we recognize
the tremendous work they are doing in their communities and
businesses," noted Kirk Dudtschak,
Executive Vice-President, Personal and Commercial Banking at RBC.
"It's especially inspiring to see how younger people are taking the
lead and contributing to the economic and social fabric of our
country. This report displays just a small collection of these
successes and is a testament to the strength and hope we've seen in
Aboriginal clients and their communities."
The 2017 edition contains a wide range of stories about people,
communities and businesses, including: how the Joint Economic
Development Initiative has helped facilitate Aboriginal involvement
in New Brunswick's economy; how
Teach for Canada works with
Northern Ontario First Nations to recruit, prepare and support
teachers; and how the Flying Dust First Nation in Saskatchewan erected the first Lodge built
exclusively for First Nations seniors to enable them to live
independently.
Passion and pride are evident in the stories featured within A
Chosen Journey – a few examples of how RBC has collaborated with
communities follows below.
- Joe Shannon, Chair of the
Cape Breton University (CBU)
Shannon School of Business, shares
why more and more Aboriginal leaders are calling for business
graduates and how RBC's support is helping CBU coordinate
mentorship to aboriginal youth and entrepreneurs so communities
achieve financial independence, prosperity and empowerment for
generations to come.
"Supporting Canada's
Aboriginal youth in their pursuit of business education is critical
to ensuring self-reliance for First Nation communities as well as a
sustainable workforce for the future."
- Mike Caverly, RBC Senior
Commercial Account Manager, highlights how he and his colleagues
collaborated with Kettle and Stoney Point
First Nation to deliver, at their request, financial
education to support Indigenous wealth creation and ensure money
received from a recent settlement has lasting impact in the
community.
"From listening to our First Nation neighbours, I have come
to appreciate the absolute importance they place on improved
financial literacy as fundamental to their community's long-term
success. They actively look for partners who are passionate about
transferring their financial know-how, but in a way that best meets
that First Nation's unique needs."
- Francine Dyksterhuis, RBC
Regional President, joined in celebrating the 25th
anniversary and success of RBC's Ohsweken branch in South Western Ontario –
Canada's first chartered bank to
be established on First Nation Reserve.
"Having the branch on the First Nation ensures economic
development. The money stays in the community and it circulates
within the community, helping to generate its own wealth."
Francine Dyksterhuis, RBC Regional
President.
The complete set of success stories can be found by clicking on
A Chosen Journey: RBC Aboriginal Partnership Report at
rbc.com/chosenjourney.
About RBC Aboriginal Banking
For more than 100 years,
RBC has been building strong relationships with First Nations,
Inuit and Métis communities across Canada. We are committed to serving Aboriginal
governments, communities, organizations, businesses and individuals
by creating opportunities for sustainable economic development
through access to banking and capital, community and social
development, employment, education and training and procurement.
RBC also provides donations and grants that support Aboriginal
interests in three key areas: youth literacy and education; the
environment, specifically water; and culture and heritage. More
information is available at rbcroyalbank.com/aboriginal.
SOURCE RBC Royal Bank