Building Confidence and Connection Through Financial Literacy in Moose Factory
At the end of February, our team had the opportunity to travel to Moose Cree First Nation for the Moose Cree Business Development Conference. It is a visit that is still sitting with us in the best way, one that reminded us why being in community matters so much.
Alejandra Metallic-Janvier, Program Officer at IPF, was there representing our team, connecting with youth, families, and community members who came together to learn, share, and explore what is possible when it comes to building businesses and shaping their futures. Being invited into this space and welcomed so openly made the experience even more meaningful. We are grateful to have been there and to have been part of something built with such care and intention.
Learning, Laughter, and Big Dreams
We were invited by Futurpreneur to bring Money Smarts to the conference. Money Smarts is a hands-on financial literacy program built around a board game that helps participants learn through play. It introduces concepts like income, saving, spending, and decision-making in a way that feels interactive and relatable.
The session quickly became one of the highlights of the week. Youth gathered in groups, learning by doing, asking questions, and laughing their way through all eight rounds. The room was full of energy with snacks, friendly competition, and real conversations about money, careers, and what their futures could look like. It did not feel like a workshop. It felt like people coming together, learning from each other, and enjoying the process.
Some participants were already thinking big, talking about becoming lawyers and what that might mean for their community. Others were focused on building income, making smart choices, and understanding how it all connects.
One moment that stood out was seeing families learning together. Parents and youth sat side by side, supporting each other and sharing the experience. It was a reminder that learning in community creates something deeper. It builds connection, confidence, and lasting memories. Moments like that are why we do this work.
Building Pathways Together
Working alongside Futurpreneur felt like a natural fit and a reminder of how strong things can be when we build together. While IPF focuses on building that early foundation, they support entrepreneurs as they move into the next stages. Together, it creates a pathway that feels connected and accessible.
Outside of the sessions, some of the most meaningful moments happened over shared meals and conversations. Moose Cree First Nation was incredibly welcoming, and the care put into the gathering was felt throughout the entire experience.
Looking back, what stands out most is the energy and potential of the youth. When they are given space to learn in ways that feel right to them, grounded in community and culture, they show up with curiosity, confidence, and big dreams.
And that is something we are proud to be part of and grateful to experience alongside communities.
We are always grateful for opportunities to connect with communities. If you are interested in working together or bringing programs like Money Smarts to your community, we welcome the conversation.
Explore our interactive financial literacy game designed to build confidence through play.
→ Money Smarts