FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

OTTAWA, Ont., Feb. 19– AFOA Canada will host its 23^rd National Conference in Halifax, N.S. from February 25-27, 2025, with at least 1,200 Indigenous professionals, leaders, and representatives of Corporate Canada expected to attend. It is the largest conference of Indigenous professionals in the finance, management, and governance fields.

The conference, which will be held at the Halifax Convention Centre, is themed Empowering People for the Next Generation.

“From enhancing human capital to navigating the future of Generative AI, to advancing reconciliation, this conference will spark vital conversations and empower action that will shape the future for the next generation,” says Terry Goodtrack, President and CEO of AFOA Canada.

The National Conference will include two plenary events. The opening plenary will start with a grand entry and keynote address by Dr. Michael Hartmann, Principal at the Director’s College and Executive Director of the EMBA in Digital Transformation at McMaster University. The keynote and panel discussion will explore how thoughtful governance can ensure generative AI aligns with ethical design, cultural values and digital equity, serving as a tool for empowerment within the workplace.

The Day 2 plenary will host a keynote by Georges Erasmus, former National Chief of Assembly of First Nations and Chief Negotiator for the Dehcho First Nation, followed by a panel discussion, that will explore how building meaningful relationships creates a path to True Reconciliation.

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.  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 for the exchange of knowledge and information on Indigenous management, finance, and governance in Canada.  It is an important venue where Indigenous financial professionals, Chief Administrators/Executive Officers, Program and Business Managers, Chiefs, Tribal Council members, government representatives and consultants working with Indigenous communities can get together to explore emerging strategies and tools to enhance finance, management and leadership in Indigenous communities and organizations.

About AFOA Canada
Now in its 25^th year 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.

AFOA Canada’s premise is that one of the keys to successful self-determination, creating a better life for Canada’s Indigenous people and a better future for the next generation lies in improving the management skills of those responsible for the stewardship of Indigenous resources.

For further information and interview requests, please contact:

AFOA Canada
Toni Baggos, Acting Director, Marketing and Communications
tbaggos@afoa.ca