By Ewa Chwojko-Srawley
Sometimes, the hardest part of managing money is knowing where to start.
That’s the idea behind Money Matters, a free, in-person financial literacy workshop. It takes place on February 19 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Sutton District High School – First Nation Study Centre.
Developed by ABC Life Literacy Canada, the workshop is designed to help adults build practical skills, confidence, and comfort when it comes to everyday financial decisions.
“Financial literacy is a foundational life skill,” says Kain Big Canoe, an investment consultant and a member of the Chippewas of Georgina Island First Nation.
“It’s something many adults were never formally taught,” he says, adding that as a result, financial decisions can feel stressful or overwhelming.
Programs like Money Matters help fill that gap by offering clear, usable information that people can apply right away—no financial background required.
For example, Big Canoe explains, “Some local First Nation community members have received settlement proceeds connected to historic treaties—often for the first time. That can feel overwhelming without the right support.”
Programs like Money Matters help people feel more confident and prepared, whether that means creating their own plan or learning how to work with a trusted financial professional.
Money Matters is designed to be welcoming and supportive. There is no pressure, no judgment, and no expectation that participants arrive with prior knowledge. Big Canoe emphasizes that even learning one new concept can make a difference.
By offering a safe space to ask questions and learn the basics, Money Matters supports not just individual financial confidence, but long-term well-being for families and the broader community.
For anyone feeling unsure about where they stand financially, the workshop offers a simple message: you don’t have to have all the answers, you just have to start.
“Sometimes,” Big Canoe adds, “just starting the conversation about money is the most valuable step.”
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