Put your money where it
A commitment to Reconciliation.
As a financial institution, Reconciliation means creating equitable access to financial services and capital.
In 2011, Vancity became the first financial institution in Canada to recognize a First Nation as a government for lending purposes. We have since worked closely with several First Nations governments to tailor banking solutions to the unique needs of their members.
An Indigenous-centred financial wellbeing looks like:
Vancity’s Wealth Mindset is a financial workshop delivered by Indigenous facilitators. The participants are accompanied by an Elder as they explore traditional and personal concepts of wealth.
Wealth Mindset workshops are also delivered by our partners, Métis Nation of BC and Sto:lo Community Futures.
Vancity invests in the Indigenous economy:
A founding partner of Indigenous Prosperity Centre (IPC), an Indigenous-led economic development initiative in Victoria, BC.
One of the first to invest in Raven Indigenous Capital Partners, Canada’s first purpose-driven Indigenous venture capital firm investing in revitalizing the Indigenous economy.
Two-time sponsor and guest judge on APTN’s Bear’s Lair, a business competition TV show to support Indigenous entrepreneurs.
Vancity offers a variety of solutions for Indigenous members to build, renovate or buy a home:
Energy efficient homes reduce costs for the homeowner and create more resilient communities to face extreme weather events. It's why Vancity piloted a home retrofit program in partnership with the Tsawout, Musqueam, ʼNa̱mǥis and Heiltsuk First Nations, resulting in energy retrofits for 186 Indigenous homes.
Reconciliation is one of Vancity’s core organizational values. Our commitment to the Partnership Accreditation in Indigenous Relations (PAIR) certification program marks the latest phase in our ongoing journey.
This builds on steps we've taken, such as being a founding partner of Reconciliation Canada, adopting the call to action for businesses from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, and adopting the UN Declaration of the rights of Indigenous Peoples.
Email us at indigenous_partnerships@vancity.com to connect about our Indigenous partnerships and programs.
2009
Vancity is the first credit union in Canada to participate in the First Nations Market Housing Fund, which facilitates and broadens the range of housing options for residents of First Nations communities.
2011
Vancity becomes the first financial institution in Canada to recognize a First Nation as a government for lending purposes.
2012
Vancity becomes a founding partner of Reconciliation Canada in support of Indigenous communities and the process of Reconciliation.
2015
Vancity opens the Cormorant Island Community Branch; a partnership with the ‘Namgis First Nation and the Village of Alert Bay.
2016
Reconciliation becomes a core value at Vancity, with a commitment to ensure equitable access to opportunities and build meaningful relationships with Indigenous partners.
2021
Vancity becomes a founding partner of the Indigenous Prosperity Centre (IPC), an Indigenous-led economic development branch of the South Island Prosperity Partnership.
2021
Vancity Community Investment Bank partners with the Six Nations of the Grand River Development Corporation to refinance the second-largest wind farm in Ontario.
2022
Created with guidance from Elders and our Indigenous colleagues, Vancity develops Wealth Mindset - an Indigenous taught and led financial education workshop that builds financial skills and celebrates Indigenous resilience.
2022
Vancity commits to the Partnership Accreditation in Indigenous Relations (PAIR) certification program by the Canadian Council for Indigenous Business.
When your money is changing the world, you are changing the world.
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