AFOA Canada was founded as a not-for-profit association in 1999 to help Indigenous people better manage and govern their communities and organizations through a focus on enhancing management, finance and governance practices and skills. 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.

After over 25 years in operation, AFOA Canada has become the centre 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—We are Building a Community of Professionals.

A panel of four Indigenous speakers, two men and two women, on stage at a conference
    VISION

    AFOA Canada is the centre of excellence for Indigenous management, finance and governance.

    MISSION

    Building a community of professionals by respecting and supporting individuals, organizations and communities on their journey to management proficiency, professional certification & self-reliance.

    PRINCIPLES
    • Being Relevant: Responding to the needs and aspirations of members and communities;
    • Demonstrating Integrity: Safeguarding the trust placed in us;
    • Maintaining Excellence: Strengthening impact though high quality standards;
    • Encouraging Innovation: Creating change that is positive, valued & applied; and
    • Building Collaboration: Participating in relationships to create solutions.

    AFOA Canada achieves its mandate by:

    • Building capacity aimed at enhancing competency and skills development in financial management, general
      management, program management and leadership;
    • Publishing the Journal of Aboriginal Management (JAM), Canada’s only professional Indigenous
      management, finance and governance journal;
    • Professional development training;
    • Development of Indigenous financial management, accounting and reporting standards;
    • Certifying Indigenous Financial Managers, Indigenous Professional Administrators, and Indigenous Leaders;
    • Promoting excellence and professionalism in Indigenous communities and organizations;
    • Promoting best practices;
    • Encouraging Indigenous youth to enter the finance and management professions;
    • Providing a forum to support our members through sharing of knowledge and experience; and,
    • Supporting Indigenous accountability and self-determination efforts.

    We serve our members’ professional needs so that they can help their organizations and communities maximize resources, strengthen decision-making and governance, enhance the delivery of programs and services and meet accountability requirements. We serve our members’ needs so that they can improve their skills and knowledge, grow professionally, and progress through their careers.

    AFOA membership spans the country from the Pacific to the Atlantic to the Arctic. AFOA members are leaders in their communities, organizations, and companies. What binds them is their commitment to financial and management excellence. They are the people who get things done. You can be among them.

    AFOA Strategic Objectives 2023-2028

    1. Increasing Membership Value and Participation
    2. Supporting Indigenous Communities in Achieving their Aspiration
    3. Strengthening Organizational Sustainability

    By-Law #1

    By-Laws relating generally to the transaction of the business and affairs of AFOA Canada.

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