AFOA CANADA TO HOST OVER 1,200 INDIGENOUS PROFESSIONALS IN MONTREAL
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
OTTAWA, Ont., Feb. 2 – Over 1,200 Indigenous professionals and leaders will gather in Montreal, Que., from February 10-12, 2026, for AFOA Canada’s sold out 24th National Conference, the largest conference of professionals in Indigenous finance, management, and governance. The conference theme is Generating Wealth, Growing Capacity for a Stronger Community.
“Generating wealth and growing capacity are critical to building stronger Indigenous communities. This conference creates a national space for Indigenous changemakers to discuss solutions that support long-term prosperity and community well-being,” says Terry Goodtrack, President and CEO of AFOA Canada.
Held at the Palais des congrès de Montréal, the National Conference will include two plenary events, workshops, networking receptions and awards ceremonies. The opening plenary on Wednesday, February 11 will start with a grand entry and keynote address by Kahsennenhawe Sky-Deer, former Grand Chief of the Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke. The keynote and panel will discuss how Indigenous communities can turn economic growth into lasting resilience by strengthening governance and investing in people to improve community well-being.
The plenary on Thursday, February 12 will host a keynote by Pete Upton, Chairperson, CEO, of the Native CDFI Network, USA, followed by a panel discussion that will explore how Indigenous communities can help people navigate sudden changes in wealth through culturally grounded financial education, and how to build supports for long term financial wellness.
The ceremonies for the MNP-AFOA Canada Indigenous Community Excellence Award, the Nutrien Indigenous Youth Financial Management Award, and the Indigenous Leadership award will take place throughout the event. There is also a networking program for recipients of the Next Generation Indigenous Youth Professional Development scholarship. The conference will end with a convocation of newly certified graduates from AFOA Canada’s Certified Programs.
AFOA Canada’s National Conference is the premiere event where Indigenous financial professionals, Chief Administrators/Executive Officers, Program and Business Managers, Chiefs, Tribal Council members, consultants, government representatives, and Corporate Canada can get together to explore emerging strategies and tools to enhance finance, management and leadership in Indigenous communities and organizations.
ABOUT AFOA CANADA
After 27 years as an Indigenous Institution, AFOA Canada is the center for excellence and innovation in Indigenous management, finance, and governance. It is the only organization in Canada that focuses on the capacity development and day-to-day needs of those Indigenous professionals who are working in all areas of management, finance, band administration, leadership, and program management.
For further information and interview requests, please contact:
Toni Baggos, Acting Director, Marketing and Communications
