Vancity announces new Indigenous Advisory Committee
July 04 2024 - 7:00AM
Vancity today announced its newly formed Indigenous Advisory
Committee (IAC), an independent group dedicated to guiding
Vancity’s Indigenous Banking Strategy. The group will focus on
three key areas:
- Financial inclusion and empowerment
- Affordable and climate-ready housing
- Support for entrepreneurs
The members of the committee, who are compensated for their
expertise and contributions, are Charla Huber, Elder Larry Railton,
and Steven Stark.
“Our Indigenous Banking Strategy addresses three critical needs
identified by Indigenous communities. Each of our advisors brings
invaluable expertise in these areas. We are grateful for the
guidance these exceptional leaders will provide,” said Michelle
Laviolette, Director of Indigenous Banking at Vancity.
Committee Members
With roots in Fort Chipewyan and Inuit communities,
Charla Huber has deep connections across
Indigenous communities in BC. She is an associate faculty member at
Royal Roads University, holding a master’s degree in professional
communication and a chartered housing designation from the
Chartered Institute of Housing Canada. Charla has extensive
experience in the affordable housing and non-profit sectors, known
for fostering strong relationships between Indigenous and
non-Indigenous communities.
“I have had the honour of working with Vancity on several
projects, witnessing their unique approach to honouring Indigenous
people and communities with humility and integrity. Vancity isn’t
about ticking boxes; it’s leading the way, and I’m grateful to play
a part in that,” said Charla.
Elder Larry Railton, with Métis heritage, has
held leadership roles in various educational institutions for over
30 years. He is an advisor and facilitator for Vancity’s Wealth
Mindset Program, a financial literacy and empowerment initiative
for Indigenous people. Larry is a long-time advocate for improved
education for Indigenous youth and also advises the World Forum for
Early Care and Education Conference Committee.
“It is my pleasure to serve as an Elder for the Vancity Wealth
Mindset Program and as an advisor on the Indigenous Advisory
Committee, supporting positive relations for Indigenous peoples and
communities,” said Larry.
Steven Stark, President and Owner of Tsawwassen
Shuttles Inc. and founder of Two Worlds Transportation and
Tsawwassen Constructors, is passionate about entrepreneurship, team
leadership, and business strategy. As a proud member of the
Tsawwassen First Nation, Steven is committed to creating a positive
impact through sustainable and innovative business solutions.
“Vancity was instrumental in helping me start my business, and
we collaborated closely to create the Tsawwassen First Nation Home
Mortgage Program. I am proud to be a part of Vancity’s Indigenous
Advisory Committee and to support the Indigenous Banking strategy
moving forward,” said Steven.
Vancity’s Commitment to Reconciliation
Reconciliation is a core value at Vancity. The formation of the
Indigenous Advisory Committee represents the next phase in the
credit union’s Reconciliation journey and commitment to the
Progressive Aboriginal Relations (PAR) certification program. This
initiative builds on Vancity’s history as a founding partner of
Reconciliation Canada, its adoption of the Truth and Reconciliation
Commission’s call to action for businesses, and the UN Declaration
on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
About Vancity
Vancity is a values-based financial co-operative serving the
needs of its 570,000 member-owners and their communities, with
offices and more than 50 branches located in Metro Vancouver, the
Fraser Valley, Victoria, Squamish and Alert Bay, within the
territories of the Coast Salish and Kwakwaka’wakw people. With
$35.5 billion in assets plus assets under administration, Vancity
is Canada’s largest credit union. Vancity uses its assets to help
improve the financial well-being of its members while at the same
time helping to develop healthy communities that are socially,
economically and environmentally sustainable.
Media Relations
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