Aboriginal Success Stories Spotlight Youth, Community Leaders and Businesses in RBC's A Chosen Journey Report

Montreal QC job agency: increasing inclusion through employment
Sioux Lookout ON youth hockey league: building a sense of belonging
Fisher River MB scholarship student: closing the opportunity gap
Prince George BC men's shelter: turning no one away

TORONTO, June 21, 2016 /CNW/ - The investments that Aboriginal peoples are making in themselves, in communities and in businesses are paying very big dividends, as shown by the success stories featured in the latest edition of A Chosen Journey: RBC Aboriginal Partnership Report.

RBC first published this Report in 2008, in response to a challenge by the Assembly of First Nations to corporate Canada to partner with the Aboriginal community. A Chosen Journey has been issued annually since, highlighting the many successful partnerships which continue to grow between RBC and Aboriginal peoples.

The 2016 edition includes stories about an employment consulting firm in Quebec that provides internships as well as full-time job opportunities; five northwestern Ontario communities coming together to establish a hockey league for youth; a young man pursuing his dreams at university in Manitoba; and the construction of a much-needed men's shelter in northwest BC. 

"In a year where we've seen government, media and the public refocusing on Indigenous issues, we are proud to shine the spotlight on just a few of the ways that Aboriginal peoples continue to contribute to the economic and social fabric of our country," noted Elizabeth Jordan, national director, Aboriginal Markets at RBC. "We are honoured that so many First Nations, Inuit and Métis continue to choose to partner with us and share their successes."

Passion and pride are evident in the stories featured within A Chosen Journey – a few examples follow below.

• "If you want true reconciliation, do more business with Aboriginal business, hire our people and give us opportunities – that's inclusion." Montreal-based Aboriginal consulting firm Acosys Consulting Services promotes job opportunities for First Nations, Inuit and Métis talent.
• "A team sport like this will teach what it means to be part of a family and feel connected, providing a sense of belonging…Hockey cannot change everything but it can help a lot." The Shibogama Minor Hockey Association gets ready to launch in northwestern Ontario.
• "It becomes really hard…to make the connection that education is a pathway to success. Success stories like Murdock's can and do make all the difference." With support from Pathways to Education, Brandon Murdock of the Fisher River Cree Nation pursues a BA in Urban and Inner City studies at the University of Winnipeg in Manitoba.
• "There's a huge gap for affordable housing for single men in our community…These men deserve their dignity and quality of life." The Prince George Native Friendship Centre in BC builds its Ketso Yoh Men's Shelter to provide support services for men with mental and physical challenges.

The complete set of success stories can be found by clicking on A Chosen Journey: RBC Aboriginal Partnership Report at www.rbcroyalbank.com/aboriginal.

About RBC Aboriginal Banking
For more than 100 years, RBC has been building strong relationships with First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities across Canada. We are committed to serving Aboriginal governments, communities, organizations, businesses and individuals by creating opportunities for sustainable economic development through access to banking and capital, community and social development, employment, education and training and procurement. RBC also provides donations and grants that support Aboriginal interests in three key areas: the environment, specifically water; youth literacy and education; and culture and heritage. More information is available at rbcroyalbank.com/aboriginal.

SOURCE RBC

Image with caption: "Brandon Murdock of Fisher River Cree Nation, is pursuing his Bachelor of Arts degree at the University of Winnipeg. (CNW Group/RBC)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20160621_C4717_PHOTO_EN_717782.jpg

Image with caption: "Indigenous people are being trained to respond to emergencies in rural and remote B.C. communities. (CNW Group/RBC)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20160621_C4717_PHOTO_EN_717785.jpg

Image with caption: "Celebrating Aboriginal success stories: RBC’s A Chosen Journey Report (CNW Group/RBC)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20160621_C4717_PHOTO_EN_717783.jpg

Media contacts: Rob Merk, [email protected], RBC Corporate Communications, 416-955-6665; Kathy Bevan, [email protected], RBC Corporate Communications, 416-974-8820