There is substantial evidence of active programming responsive to Call #1 across Canada. Financial literacy and business curricula targeting Indigenous youth and adults are being delivered through national Indigenous organizations, provincial education systems, federal initiatives, and digital platforms. The programming ranges from elementary school through adult career training, with several curricula developed by and for Indigenous Peoples that incorporate Indigenous knowledge systems, cultural values, and traditional teachings.
Academic research reinforces the need for culturally-grounded approaches. Studies consistently find that conventional financial literacy education has failed in Indigenous communities because it ignores cultural context, systemic barriers, and the distinct economic realities of Indigenous Peoples. Researchers emphasize place-based curricula that integrate Indigenous business practices and traditional resource management principles rather than simply adapting mainstream content. The programs documented below reflect a growing shift toward this approach.
