BlocPal International Inc., a digital transaction company, brings together blockchain and payment processing solutions to offer more affordable and easily accessible financial services. Along with OneFeather, a leader in providing robust indigenous banking solutions, on July 5, 2021, broke the news of the launch of a brand-new digital banking app, dubbed as “OneFeather APP.”

The idea behind

Introduction to the OneFeather App marks a milestone in financial inclusion for the indigenous communities, given the necessity for indigenous accessibility in financial services at the lead. The launch of this app opens access to banking solutions, First Nations Status Card renewals, and digital voting, all in a single and independent digital wallet.

Canada has around two million indigenous, out of which 15% fall under the unbanked category. Additionally, more than 44% of the Indigenous population lives on reserves, making traditional financial institutions and services extremely difficult to access.

Elements such as limited transparency, overwhelming transaction fees, and administrative layers are a few of the challenges faced by native communities. As a result, BlocPal has come up with a digital solution to meet the diversified needs of the community. On the solutions front, the introduction to OneFeather APP will give the indigenous community stronger control over their finances compared to the past.

The solution

The BlocPal and OneFeather’s banking solutions are making a serious move toward technology inclusion to help First Nation communities. Additionally, by using BlockPal’s digital transformation platform, the OneFeather APP is updated with features like government distributions, GST rebates, micro-loans, and bill payments, to offer a highly exclusive solution with the capacity to provide much-awaited convenience to First Nations members.

On the solutions front, the OneFeather APP comes across as a convenient and affordable one-stop shop for Indigenous Peoples across Canada and, at the same time, remains true to the company’s mission of enhancing and improving people’s lives.

On similar lines, BlocPal’s stays true to its mission to enhance financial inclusivity and financial empowerment in underserved communities. Moving ahead with the collaboration, OneFeather dedicatedly works toward redefining the Indigenous experience via a blend of innovation and tradition.

The experts’ take

Nick Mellios, CEO of BlocPal, said, “Our goal at BlocPal is to continue to increase financial inclusivity in the communities who need it most.” He added, “Having the ability not only to be an investor but a strategic partner with OneFeather has helped attain this goal of affordable banking solutions and has helped increase accessibility for Canadian Indigenous communities.”

“The launch of the new OneFeather APP couldn’t come at a better time,” said Lawrence Lewis, Founder of OneFeather. “The Indigenous communities have been at a considerable disadvantage with banking accessibility and its associated costs. Having the ability to use this digital wallet for multiple uses will provide a place for First Nations to launch and run businesses, have control over their finances, and be a part of digital banking options. BlocPal’s strong technology perfectly complements our value proposition resulting in an innovative digital wallet for members of the community.”