Indigenizing the Ledger: An Indigenous Pathway to Accounting « Autochtoniser » le grand livre : une voie autochtone vers la profession comptable

Abstract

Indigenous accountants are underrepresented in Canadian accounting practice and education despite ongoing educational and employment recruitment strategies. This article explores reasons why current Indigenous employment strategies seem not to be working by examining cultural chasms between Indigenous and Eurocentric worldviews. In effect, Indigenous accountants are forced to learn a rigid and unchanged system that contributes to their oppression, including Eurocentric views on ownership, governance, financial capital orientation, contract definition, land and natural resources, and intangible assets. These economic concepts are deeply embedded in the accounting profession and contribute to low rates of financial literacy among Indigenous Peoples and limited participation in the profession. On the other hand, the accounting profession wields power to improve economic and cultural outcomes for Indigenous Peoples. This article initiates a conversation on ongoing structural issues in accounting, reimagines the accounting profession through an Indigenous lens, and suggests possible ways for accountants and the accounting profession to move forward “in a good way.” Our current Eurocentric accounting systems have much to learn from Indigenous views on accounting practice.