Gustavson MBA graduate Chris Hunt brings banking expertise back to the classroom

By Jennifer Ivanov

For Chris Hunt, MBA '11, teaching is another way to support Indigenous economic growth. As an instructor in the MBA in Advancing Reconciliation (AR) program at UVic’s Peter B. Gustavson School of Business, he shares his expertise in accounting while helping students better understand Indigenous perspectives on business and community development.

“I learn just as much from the students as they do from me,” says Chris. “The energy they bring to the room and the different experiences they share are so valuable.”

Chris’s connection to Gustavson began during his own MBA studies. His instructor, Brent Mainprize, encouraged him to share his knowledge about entrepreneurship with local Indigenous communities.

“It was a great experience because one of my goals with my MBA was to see Indigenous communities participate more in the Canadian economy,” says Chris. “It’s what brought me to UVic.”

His commitment to supporting Indigenous economic success extends beyond the classroom. As Director of Indigenous Commercial Financial Services at Royal Bank of Canada (RBC), Chris provides financial advice to Indigenous governments, communities and economic development corporations.

Helping Indigenous communities thrive

Through his work at RBC, Chris has supported Indigenous communities across the province in a wide range of initiatives, from financing community infrastructure and housing, owner occupied real estate developments, to business acquisitions and industry partnerships—an interest that was further strengthened during his MBA.

“The most rewarding part of my job is getting out into the communities, learning about their priorities and then helping them create a plan and providing capital to get their ideas in motion,” explains Chris. “I also help them find ways to earn more and invest their money.”

Despite all his success, Chris describes his path into banking as somewhat accidental. He was born in Port Hardy and is a member of the Kwagu’ł First Nation, part of the Kwakwaka’wakw people of Northern Vancouver Island. Growing up, many of his friends pursued careers in forestry or mining, but Chris was drawn to numbers and decided to explore business instead.

Chris turned his interest into a career, pursuing an undergraduate degree and entering the banking industry, where he steadily advanced over the next two decades.

“I've always taken the approach that the client should be at the center of everything we do,” he explains. “We need to provide financial advice that's in their best interests, with ideas that are going to help communities accomplish their priorities and goals.”

Upholding Indigenous values

Chris explains that Indigenous communities are continually seeking ways to create economic development and employment opportunities for their members, while also generating additional sources of revenue to help fund programs and services that are often underfunded. He emphasizes that Indigenous perspectives on wealth place greater value on collective well-being and generosity, values he shares in his work.

“Indigenous people look at wealth in a very different way,” says Chris. “The focus is not on what we have, it’s on what we share with others and give away. Many communities host a potlatch, the word means 'to give away.' In our communities, the wealthiest people are the ones who have almost nothing.”

Chris brings these unique perspectives to both his banking career and the classroom, helping others better understand Indigenous values while sharing his passion for numbers. As an accounting instructor at Gustavson, he sees teaching as another opportunity to support growth and create impact.

“I’m just happy to be able to play a small part in someone’s professional career as they move forward.”