Rt: Honourable Rob Norris, Minister of Advanced Education, Employment and Immigration, Minister Responsible for Innovation; Daphne Taras, Dean, Edwards School of Business; Dana Soonias, President AFOA SK

The Edwards School of Business, University of Saskatchewan and the Aboriginal Financial Officers Association (AFOA) of Canada signed an unprecedented articulation agreement today in which both organizations signify their intent to work together to establish academic programs that will be delivered by the Edwards School to support Aboriginal Peoples.

Ernie Daniels, President & COO, AFOA Canada

"This represents an exceptional opportunity for Aboriginal people who are trying to pursue an education in the field of finance," said Ernie Daniels, president and chief operating officer of AFOA Canada. "Aboriginal communities are in dire need of educated finance and business professionals."

Daphne Taras, Dean, Edwards School of Business

"This agreement launches a partnership between the Edwards School of Business and the AFOA," states Daphne Taras, dean, Edwards School of Business.  "We are excited about this opportunity to work together to create more educational opportunities for Aboriginal students."

Lt – Rt: Alison Renny, Associate Dean of Undergraduate Programs, Associate Professor; Daphne Taras, Dean, Edwards School of Business; Nola Buhr, Professor, PotashCorp Enhancement Chair for SK Enterprise; Josephine McKay, Acting Director, Aboriginal Initiatives

The AFOA was founded in 1999 to raise financial and management skills in First Nations and build the foundation for self-government. AFOA's premise is that developing finance and management skills is essential to Aboriginal economic and social prosperity. Since its founding, AFOA has built a solid reputation in developing Aboriginal educational and certification programs for financial managers. The AFM program was designed by AFOA Canada to lead to the Certified Aboriginal Financial Managers (CAFM) designation. There are currently over 350 CAFMs in Canada.

The Edwards School of Business at the University of Saskatchewan is a comprehensive business school that has demonstrated a total commitment to an excellent educational experience for students for nearly 100 years. With over 100 faculty and staff, and over 2,100 students, the Edwards School has five degree programs, and four certificate programs in business administration, commerce and accounting.

Lt – Rt: Dana Soonias, President AFOA SK; Nola Buhr, Professor, PotashCorp Enhancement Chair for SK Enterprise; Daphne Taras, Dean, Edwards School of Business; Honourable Rob Norris, Minister of Advanced Education, Employment and Immigration, Minister Responsible for Innovation; Jody Warrens, Education Program Manager AFOA Canada

For more information contact:

Jody Warnes, Education Program Manager
AFOA
Phone: 1-866-722-2362
Email jwarnes@afoa.ca

Teri Rosenfelt, University Communications
University of Saskatchewan
Phone: (306) 966-5659
Email: teri.rosenfelt@usask.ca