The Indigenous Technical Advisory Group (ITAG) is a national association of finance and accounting professionals dedicated to supporting First Nations in Canada with the adoption and implementation of new accounting, financial reporting, and sustainability standards. The ITAG provides essential interpretation, guidance, and practical tools to ensure consistency in the application of new standards for all First Nations.
Why ITAG Matters
Non-Indigenous public sector entities such as federal, provincial, territorial, and municipal (FPTM) entities benefit from dedicated advisory groups that support professionals in implementing complex financial reporting standards and regulatory requirements. While First Nations are not formally excluded from these groups, the unique governance structures, reporting environments, and community contexts of First Nations differ significantly from FPTM entities. As a result, existing FPTM Advisory Groups are often ill-equipped to meet the needs of First Nations, leaving them to interpret new standards independently, often at increased cost and with inconsistent outcomes. ITAG is designed to close this gap by offering culturally relevant, technically sound guidance that supports accurate, timely, and comparable reporting for First Nations.
Vision, Mission, and Objectives of ITAG
Vision: To empower First Nations across Canada with equitable access to expert financial and sustainability reporting guidance that fosters self-determination, economic reconciliation, and excellence in public accountability.
Mission: To provide a professional, non-political, and Indigenous-focused forum to allow those preparing financial statements and other reports to raise and receive support for implementation challenges pertaining to the first-time adoption of new accounting, financial reporting, or sustainability standards.
Objectives:
- Interactive and safe forum: To facilitate discussions among First Nations finance and accounting professionals on emerging issues and technical requirements.
- Tools, templates, and guidance: To develop a suite of resources, templates, and other non-authoritative guidance materials that could be accessed by preparers and practitioners for the purpose of creating consistency of application.
- Promotion of reconciliation: To work in collaboration with CPA firms, practitioners, and First Nations finance professionals to advance reconciliation within the accounting profession.
- Engage standard-setters and regulators: To serve as an intermediary representing First Nations’ perspectives in engagement with bodies such as the Public Sector Accounting Board (PSAB) and its Indigenous Advisory Group on reviewing new standards and regulations and their impact on First Nations.
Get Involved
As a new initiative, we are seeking First Nations financial experts to join the ITAG. This volunteer-based group will consist of 12-16 members with diverse expertise across finance, accounting, public sector governance, and CPA practice. We welcome professionals and government representatives who are passionate about contributing their knowledge and experience.
Your voice matters. Your expertise is needed. Let’s build a stronger, more equitable future together! Interested in helping shape the future of ITAG, or staying informed with and free, non-authoritative guidance materials?