Building Confidence, Skills, and Financial Stability
Flexible Delivery | Fully Customizable | First Nations–Focused
The Financial Literacy program is a practical, hands-on workshop designed to guide participants through the real-world skills needed to manage money with confidence.
This program focuses on everyday financial decision-making — budgeting, banking, credit, and basic investing — using clear language, relatable examples, and step-by-step activities. It is designed for participants at all levels, including those who feel overwhelmed, unsure, or behind when it comes to finances.
Who This Program Is For
- First Nations adults and youth
- Ontario Works and Employment & Training participants
- Community members entering or re-entering the workforce
- Individuals managing limited or fixed incomes
- Participants with no prior financial education
No experience is required. Concepts are explained simply and applied immediately through practical exercises.
Program Overview
Financial literacy is about more than money — it’s about choice, confidence, and stability. This program helps participants understand how their financial decisions impact daily life, long-term goals, and overall well-being.
Participants learn how to:
- Set realistic and meaningful financial goals
- Create and manage a personal budget
- Track income and expenses
- Understand banking and credit in Canada
- Use credit responsibly
- Begin planning for savings and future security
The program emphasizes practical skills participants can use right away, not theory or jargon.
Standard Program Structure (4 Days)
While fully customizable, this program is commonly delivered as a 4-day workshop, covering the following core topics:
Day 1 – Introduction to Financial Literacy & Goal Setting
- What financial literacy really means
- Why financial skills matter in daily life
- Setting SMART financial goals
- Creating personal, realistic financial goals
Day 2 – Budgeting & Money Management
- The basics of budgeting
- Creating a personal budget
- Tracking income and expenses
- Understanding the importance of emergency funds
- Drafting a working budget participants can take home
Day 3 – Banking & Credit in Canada
- Overview of the Canadian banking system
- Different types of bank accounts
- Introduction to credit and credit scores
- Responsible credit card use
- Practical tips for building and maintaining good credit
Day 4 – Investing for Beginners
- Introduction to investing (plain-language approach)
- Types of investments (savings, GICs, stocks, bonds)
- Understanding risk and return
- Introduction to registered accounts (RRSPs, TFSAs)
- Creating a simple, realistic investment plan
Fully Customizable to Community Needs:
Although designed as a 4-day program, this workshop is completely flexible. Communities can choose:
Program Length:
- One-day or two-day condensed delivery
- Four-day standard format
- Sessions delivered weekly or spread out over time
Content Focus
The program can be tailored to emphasize:
- Budgeting on limited or fixed incomes
- Credit repair and rebuilding
- Employment readiness and financial responsibility
- Managing debt
- Saving for short- and long-term goals
- Understanding benefits, income sources, and financial planning
Group Type:
- Youth, adults, or mixed groups
- Staff-specific or program-specific delivery
- Small group or large group settings
First Nations–Focused & Practical:
This program is delivered with an understanding of the unique financial realities many First Nations individuals and families face, including:
- Limited access to financial education
- Historical and systemic barriers
- High cost of living in remote communities
- Stress and anxiety related to money management
The approach is:
- Respectful and non-judgmental
- Grounded in real-life situations
- Strength-based and empowering
- Focused on building confidence, not shame
Why Communities Bring This Program In:
Communities choose this Financial Literacy workshop because it:
- Builds practical life skills that support stability and independence
- Helps participants feel more confident managing money
- Supports employment readiness and accountability
- Reduces financial stress and anxiety
- Strengthens individual and community capacity
- Can be adapted to match local needs and funding requirements
This program supports long-term outcomes, not just short-term learning.
Why Funders Support This Program:
Funders value this program because it:
- Builds essential life and employment skills
- Supports financial responsibility and self-management
- Reduces barriers to employment and stability
- Aligns with financial wellness and poverty-reduction goals
- Encourages accountability and informed decision-making
- Is flexible and adaptable to multiple funding streams
The program delivers measurable, real-world outcomes funders look for.
Delivery Options:
- In-person delivery within the community
- Virtual delivery where appropriate
- Flexible scheduling to meet funding timelines
- Interactive activities, discussions, and hands-on exercises
Outcomes Participants Can Expect:
Participants often leave this program with:
- Greater confidence managing money
- Clear personal financial goals
- A workable budget they understand
- Improved understanding of credit and banking
- Reduced anxiety around finances
- Increased motivation and accountability
Bring Financial Literacy to Your Community:
If your community is looking for a practical, respectful, First Nations–focused financial literacy program, this workshop offers meaningful tools that support long-term stability and success.
We work closely with communities to ensure the program:
- aligns with local priorities
- meets funding objectives
- supports participants at their own pace
