B.A.A. apologizes for scheduling Boston Marathon on Indigenous Peoples’ Day

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BOSTON — The Boston Athletic Association apologized Friday, August 27, for scheduling this year’s Boston Marathon on the same day as Indigenous Peoples’ Day. The non-profit organization said it didn’t intend to take away the opportunity for the Indigenous and Native American Community to celebrate the holiday.

“In selecting the fall date for the Boston Marathon, the Boston Athletic Association (B.A.A.) in no way wanted to take away from Indigenous Peoples’ Day or celebrations for the Indigenous and Native American Community. We extend our sincere apologies to all Indigenous people who have felt unheard or feared the importance of Indigenous Peoples’ Day would be erased. We are sorry.” — Boston Athletic Association

B.A.A. continued to say that it plans to take immediate steps with representatives from the Federal and State Recognized Tribes to plan to recognize the holiday during October.

Those plans include having a land acknowledgment that will take place to recognize that the Boston Marathon travels through Indigenous homelands. The non-profit also plans on donating to the Indigenous Peoples’ Day Newton Committee by working through its fiscal agent, Newton Community Pride. It also intends to support work created by the Indigenous Peoples’ Day Newton Committee and be able to fund the committee’s first-ever Indigenous Peoples’ Day Celebration.

The B.A.A. also plans to celebrate previous Boston Marathon runners by presenting them throughout its banner program across Boston. It also wants to recognize Indigenous athletes participating in the 125th Boston Marathon over race weekend and on Indigenous Peoples’ Day.

For more information on the Boston Marathon and how B.A.A. plans to contribute to Indigenous Peoples’ Day, click here.

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New MNP book explores Canada’s historic and ongoing relationship with Indigenous peoples

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All sales support the Orange Shirt Society and the Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund

CALGARY, AB, Aug. 31, 2021 /CNW/ - National accounting, tax and consulting firm MNP is proud to announce the release of a thought-provoking book on Indigenous rights and Canada’s historic and ongoing relationship with Indigenous peoples.

An Introductory Guide to Understanding Indigenous Rights discusses across more than 130 full-colour pages the 300 years of treaties, conflicts, and the journey towards reconciliation — and the collective role these have played in shaping Canada.

“This book offers an opportunity to contribute to the continued understanding of the responsibility Canadians have to uphold Indigenous and treaty rights as a fundamental part of who we are as a country,” says Clayton Norris, MNP’s Vice-President of Indigenous Services.

Norris, himself a member of Cold Lake First Nation, notes there is an absence of general audience literature on Indigenous rights and history in Canada. Particularly important is research and insights that cover the entire timeline from pre-confederation through the present.

“The book covers a long timeline, but it is far more than a history lesson,” adds Norris. “With Canadians now once again facing the country’s unsettling residential school history, the underlying message is perhaps more important and relevant than ever.”

The book is available to anyone looking to better understand Canada’s historic and ongoing relationship with Indigenous peoples and contribute to the journey of truth and reconciliation.

MNP’s commitment to First Nations, Métis, Inuit

Having invested considerable time and resources into understanding Indigenous culture and history, MNP appreciates the immense influence Indigenous and treaty rights have on decision making, goal setting and realizing beneficial outcomes.

Norris says An Introductory Guide to Understanding Indigenous Rights is an important next step in the firm’s commitment to support the Indigenous community and advocate for equal and active participation in all aspects of society.

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“As a national firm, MNP works with many public sector organizations, resource developers and privately-owned businesses who either work with Indigenous nations, employ Indigenous people, or have contracts with Indigenous-run businesses. We believe this book has the potential to drive deeper understanding and conversations that can inform these working relationships.”

Proceeds support grassroots initiatives

Keeping in line with the MNP’s mission to support continued learning and education, the firm will be donating proceeds from the sale of the book in support of the Indigenous community. Proceeds will go to the Orange Shirt Society and The Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjak Fund – two transformational organizations focused on education, reconciliation, and eliminating prejudice against Indigenous peoples.

“Education is a critical step toward building a better Canada,” says Sarah Midanik, President and CEO of the Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund. “Too many Canadians have been denied the opportunity to learn about the true history regarding the relationship between Canada and Indigenous Peoples, and this book is a necessary step in the right direction.”

“Now more than ever, Canadians are reckoning with the terrible injustice of the residential school system,” says Phyllis Webstad, Executive Director, at Orange Shirt Society. “An Introductory Guide to Understanding Indigenous Rights provides much needed context on the events and mindsets that led to its implementation and the effects these continue to have on Indigenous communities across the country.”

MNP has invested more time and resources into understanding our Indigenous clients than any other firm in the country. With more than 300 dedicated professionals serving this unique client group, MNP has developed a diverse suite of services designed to support our clients' path to success.

Where to find the book

An Introductory Guide to Understanding Indigenous Rights is available for purchase through the MNP website at MNP.ca/indigenousrights. This landing page also includes a book synopsis, several preview pages, information about author Tracy Campbell and a list of frequently asked questions.

About MNP

MNP is one of the largest national accounting and consulting firms in Canada, providing client-focused accounting, taxation and consulting advice. National in scope and local in focus, MNP has proudly served individuals and public and private companies for over 60 years. Through the development of strong relationships, MNP provides personalized strategies and a local perspective to help them succeed. For more information, visit www.mnp.ca .

SOURCE MNP LLP

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Peoples Bank launches “Pigs in Places” Treasure Hunt to encourage saving — and giving back

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Continuing its tradition of encouraging people to give back to others while understanding the importance of saving, Peoples Bank will launch “Pigs in Places” over the long Labor Day weekend. Between Sept. 3-6, Peoples Bank will hide 10 small piggy banks filled with $30 within a one-mile radius of each of Peoples Bank’s 23 branches in Chelan, Island, King, Skagit, Snohomish, and Whatcom counties – for a total of 230 hidden pigs. KAFE Radio will also give away ten cash-filled pigs to listeners on Sept. 3 to help kick off the hunt.

The Edmonds branch is located at 201 Main St., Suite 101.

In the spirit of the campaign, people who find piggy banks are encouraged to keep $15 and pay $15 forward. They can also enter to win a grand prize of $1,000 ($500 to keep and $500 to donate) by visiting www.peoplesbank-wa.com/pigs to fill out a brief form and upload a photo with their pig, or by bringing the pig into a local branch.

People who don’t find a pig can still win cash by visiting @peoplesbankwa on Facebook and Instagram to share their favorite local business and enter to win one of 10 $100 gift cards to spend at their favorite spot.

According to survey data released in May by GoBanking Rates, 63% of Americans say their personal finances were affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Reflecting the toll of the pandemic on people’s financial health, the survey found 40% of Americans have less than $300 in savings. This is a significant drop compared to the pre-pandemic figure of $400 in savings used by the Federal Reserve as a gauge for measuring households’ financial well-being.

“The financial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has been felt by individuals, businesses, and nonprofits serving our communities,” said Lisa Hefter, chief operating officer at Peoples Bank. “While it can be challenging, we encourage customers to have six months in expenses saved in case of unforeseen circumstances, such as a large medical expense, auto repair bill, or a change in employment. Pigs in Places is a fun way to bring awareness to the importance of saving, lending a helping hand to others, and supporting the local businesses and nonprofits that contribute so much to our communities.”