Deloitte commits over half a million dollars to Indigenous educational charity

Deloitte Canada has committed $175,000 annually for three years to Indspire, an Indigenous national charity that provides scholarships, training, and curriculum to First Nations, Inuit, and Métis across the country.

Deloitte’s financial commitment will support financial awards and educational programs that help Indigenous youth graduate high school, attend post-secondary educational institutions, and break cycles of poverty and social marginalization.

Indspire in 2019-2020 provided more than $17.8 million through 5,554 bursaries and scholarships to First Nations, Inuit, and Métis students in Canada.

“We’re happy to work with Deloitte as they continue to take a leadership role in corporate Canada towards reconciliation,” said Dr. Mike DeGagné, president and CEO of Indspire. “Their support will have a significant impact for Indigenous students and communities by allowing us to build educational capacity, help strengthen Indigenous youth identity, and in the long term, increase economic sustainability and prosperity.”

The sponsorship is a part of Deloitte’s Reconciliation Action Plan, a response to the Truth and Reconciliation Committee’s calls to action, which includes a call for businesses to foster meaningful and lasting relationships in working with Indigenous peoples, clients, and communities.

Deloitte says it is building meaningful relationships with Indigenous communities, investing in education and training, and progressing towards being a trusted partner and employer for Indigenous businesses and professionals.

The Toronto-headquartered accounting and consulting firm says that in the last couple of years it has given more than 450 hours to volunteer and pro bono projects impacting Indigenous peoples. The firm has also donated more than $500,000 through fundraisers, sponsorships, partnerships, and events to support Indigenous organizations and communities.

“We have made firm commitments toward investing in the education of Indigenous youth and building a talent pipeline for all Canadian organizations,” said Anthony Viel, CEO of Deloitte Canada. “We believe that full Indigenous participation in all aspects of our economy is key to a resilient and prosperous Canada and we see education and sponsorship as the path towards achieving that goal.”