[Meeting Room 201, Level 2– Simultaneous Interpretation Available]

The Public Sector Accounting Board (PSAB) develops accounting standards and other related reporting guidance for public sector entities in Canada. Many Indigenous governments use these standards in preparing financial statements to provide accountability to their communities. A key objective in PSAB’s 2022-2027 Strategic Plan is to enhance relationships with Indigenous governments and build stronger ties with these communities. This session will provide an overview of the key strategies and projects that may affect the financial reporting of Indigenous governments.

Moderator: TBD
Speakers: Clyde MacLellan, FCPA, FCA, Chair Public Sector Accounting Board
Michael A. Puskaric, MBA, CPA, CMA, Director, Public Sector Accounting, Public Sector Accounting Board
Lauren Pennycook, CPA, CA, Principal, Public Sector Accounting, Chartered Professional Accountants of Canada

[Meeting Room 205, Level 2]

The RoadMap project outlines and develops a new, optional framework to advance economic reconciliation for First Nations. In simplest terms, RoadMap supports First Nations self-determination and economic growth, which leads to healthier and wealthier communities, and true reconciliation.

RoadMap offers realistic, implementable options to empower First Nations governments to move past the failed one-size-fits-all status quo approach, and implement the principles of UNDRIP through indigenous-led initiatives. The project looks at six key areas to advance these options (Data and Statistics, Infrastructure, Economic Development, Strength Through Working Together, Jurisdiction, and Governance). RoadMap was developed with input from other First Nations Fiscal Management Act institutions, Indigenous thought leaders, and First Nations over the past several years.

Moderator: TBD
Speakers: Geordie Hungerford, CFA, CAIA, MBA, LLB, Chief Executive Officer, First Nations Financial Management Board
Scott Munro, CPA, CA, CAFM, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, First Nations Financial Management Board

[Meeting Room 206, Level 2– Simultaneous Interpretation Available]

Natural resource exploration and development in Canada bring significant opportunities in the form of jobs, business opportunities and revenue streams to the doorstep of indigenous communities.
The viability and long-term success of these opportunities increasingly depend on indigenous communities and industry working together. Panelists will discuss Increasing the participation of Indigenous communities in major projects as equity partners while addressing common obstacles and emerging opportunities.

Moderator: TBD
Speakers: Adam Fiser Ph.D., Lead, Indigenous and Northern Communities Knowledge Area, Conference Board of Canada
Stephen Lidington, Vice President, Colliers Project Leaders Inc.

[Meeting Room 207, Level 2]

After extensive engagement, the Government of Canada is pleased to announce that the procurement strategy for Aboriginal Business is being modernized to better enable Indigenous businesses compete for and win government contracts across Canada.

The Government of Canada has a commitment that a mandatory minimum target of 5% of the total value of contracts are awarded to Indigenous businesses annually – this presents a huge opportunity for Indigenous entrepreneurs. This presentation will provide an overview of how the Government of Canada incorporates Indigenous participation into federal procurement processes and what Indigenous entrepreneurs need to know in order to find and bid on these opportunities.

This workshop will also showcase Indigenous led planning for an Indigenous Procurement Supply Institute for Canada and the opportunities and barriers occurring in moving to the 5 percent minimum target in federal government procurement.

Moderator: TBD
Speakers: John Giraldez, Director, Business Development, Indigenous Services Canada
Shannin Metatawabin, Chief Executive Officer, National Aboriginal Capital Corporations Association
Philip Ducharme, Vice President, Entrepreneurship & Procurement, Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business

[Meeting Room 208, Level 2]

Misko Ginew, a 4th level Mide will provide cultural ceremonies and teaching from the Anishinaabek Midewewin Society for the mental health and wellness of the employees of the Indigenous organization.

The growing demands on individuals creates anxiety, confusion and concern regarding their well-being. Misko Ginew will provide teachings on balancing the mind, ceremonies to recognize the challenges we are going through on a daily basis and tools to help stabilize the mind and demands on a person.

Discussion will be provided on the use and benefits of the smudge, the different plants used in a smudge. The benefits of prayer & meditation, the sweatlodge ceremony, naming ceremony, tobacco ties & prayer, seven sacred teachings, songs, and traditional medicines.

The growing demand for mental health services has resulted in a need to pursue the traditional and cultural teachings of the Midewewin Society of the Anishinaabek to create the balance between the demands of the job and the cultural identity of Indigenous employee. Let us look within ourselves and our culture to help maintain and attain a balance.

Moderator: TBD
Speakers: Dave McPherson “Misko Ginew”, Indigenous Services Provider, Traditional Wellness Team, Peguis Public Health, Peguis First Nation
Debbie McElhinney, Community Fund Project Officer, Peguis Surrender Claim Trust, Peguis First Nation

[Meeting Room 202, Level 2]

Indigenous communities want to participate in economic development activities, but many don’t know where to begin or lack the capacity to advance projects. This session will share knowledge on the resources, most free of charge, available to indigenous communities and their respective economic development entities, for projects of any scale.

The session will focus first on the importance of creating an effective economic development strategy, then progress to developing specific project plans, using currently available resources and provide guidance as to the most effective process to follow when navigating and applying resources to advance economic development strategies and projects.

Topics will include developing an effective strategic plan, identifying powerful partnerships, funding and/or financing opportunities, and free, public tools to support business activities most beneficial to the community.

Presenter:
Angela van den Hout, Founder, Seven Generations Indigenous Business Consulting

[Meeting Room 203, Level 2]

Interested in a better way to address important challenges in your community? Frustrated with the status quo and lack of progress on these issues? Want to maintain community voice, ownership, and sovereignty while finding the solution? Join this workshop to learn about Raven’s approach to achieving better community outcomes through an innovative Indigenous outcomes finance model.

This workshop will discuss:

• Who is the Raven Indigenous Impact Foundation (RIIF) and what do we do?
• What is outcomes finance and how can it be used to address community-level issues?
• Is my community and/or initiative a good fit for this model?

Speakers: Wáhiakatste Diome-Deer, Raven Indigenous Impact Foundation (RIIF)
Rebecca Waterhouse, from the Raven Indigenous Impact Foundation (RIIF)

Sponsored by Raven Indigenous Capital Partners

[Meeting Room 205, Level 2]

Join us to learn about recent developments in First Nation’s tax that applies to employment, investment and business income. This includes the application of Section 87 of the Indian Act and its application to specific types of income. The workshop will also provide information on how First Nation communities may structure its business and investment activities to take advantage of tax exemptions.

KPMG Presenters :
Tim Tisdale, CPA, CA, National Leader, indigenous Tax Services, KPMG
Derek Dougherty, CPA, CGA, Senior Manager, Enterprise Tax, KPMG

[Meeting Room 201, Level 2– Simultaneous Interpretation Available]

This presentation will highlight important areas of collaboration regarding various policies and programs affecting the relationship between the Government of Canada and First Nation Governments. Participants will learn about the technical work that is currently underway to examine the scope and costs of governance in a modern First Nation context, and ISC’s funding supports for governance. The presentation will address collaborative work on policies affecting funding agreements, including supports for First Nation Governments experiencing challenges related to capacity and service delivery. The presentation will also cover the latest work to advance the New Fiscal Relationship, including an update and potential expansion of the 10-Year Grant and the implementation of a National Outcomes Based Framework. Participants will receive information on how to get involved and provide input.

Presenters:
Catherine Ward, Director of Governance Capacity, Indigenous Services Canada
Eric Hains, Director of Transfer Payment Advisory Services, Indigenous Services Canada
Davy Coyle, Director of New Fiscal Relationship, Indigenous Services Canada

[Meeting Room 206, Level 2– Simultaneous Interpretation Available]

Unlocking the full potential of First Nations, Inuit and Métis organizations requires a collaborative team who can grow and change with them, while adapting to their unique needs. The following case study for Membertou First Nation provides a real-life example of creating positive change towards the Indigenous Economy. This success story provides all the considerations to maximize your business outcome. Whether that be financing, capital requirements, acquiring a business, selling a business, or managing growth and change, our holistic approach aims to help achieve creating meaningful, intergenerational independence.

Moderator: TBD
Speakers: Patrick Lahey, Tax Partner, Grant Thornton LLP
Kevin Fraser, Advisory Partner, Grant Thornton LLP
Tara Benham, National Tax Leader, Grant Thornton LLP
Jennifer Deleskie, VP of Business Development & Public Affairs, Membertou Corporate

[Meeting Room 207, Level 2]

T.E. Wealth joint with Community representation will look at various risk management strategies that go well beyond the security selection process. The development of appropriate spending policies; sustainable cash-flow management; portfolio structure and asset mix considerations all play an important role in developing an appropriate risk management strategy that will increase the probability of success in meeting Community objectives both today and into the future.

Moderator: TBD
Speakers: Jack Jamieson, Vice President, T.E. Wealth, Indigenous Services
Gordon Clissold, FCPA, FCGA, Senior Advisor, T.E. Wealth, Indigenous Services

Sponsored by: T.E. Wealth

[Meeting Room 208, level 2]

Understanding stress is important to start managing it. This workshop goes into focused strategies to effectively manage stress and an understanding of how it affects our daily life Self-care is a component to providing care for others. This workshop teaches participants relaxation techniques, self-care strategies, various teachings on well being and stress management. Each participant will leave the course with their individual toolkit for managing stress and integrating health practices into daily life.

Presenter:
Charlene Bruno, B.Com, ICD.D, Bruno Consulting

[Meeting Room 202, Level 2]

Join Chad for a discussion on business valuations and what to be aware of when approached with investment opportunities. Not all deals are as good as they sound –learn about minority discounts, special interest purchasers, and other key factors contributing to estimates of value. Be confident going into your next negotiation.

Presenter:
Chad Rutquist, CPS, CA, CFA, CBV
Session Sponsored by Crowe MacKay

[Meeting Room 203, Level 2]

Come join us at this information session to learn about opportunities to take your career to the next level. AFOA Canada’s four designations offer the critical skills and competencies to build successful Indigenous Governments and Organizations.

Developed by and for Indigenous people, these certifications in Management (CAPA), Finance (CAFM), Governance (CIL) and Human Resource Management (CIRHP) are designed to certify senior administrators, senior finance staff, elected leaders, board members and aspiring administrators working in Indigenous communities and organizations.

Presenter:
Robin Potts, Senior Manager, Education and Training, AFOA Canada

[Meeting Room 201, Level 2– Simultaneous Interpretation Available]

Data and Information are important First Nations resources that should be controlled, wielded, and protected by First Nations.
Please join the First Nations Information Governance Centre and Statistics Canada for an informative session to discuss how data and information can be used to enable First Nations’ success, exploring First Nations data sovereignty and the First Nations Principles of OCAP. Learn where and how to access relevant social and economic data at local, regional and national levels. This session will also share information on available training relevant to the effective gathering, use, and governance of First Nations data.

Presenters:
Kristine Neglia, Senior Manager, Education & Training, First Nations Information Governance Centre
Vivian O’Donnell, Manager, Analysis and Data Development team, Centre for Indigenous Statistics and Partnerships, Statistics Canada

Room 

Over the past five decades, T’eqt”aqtn’mux incrementally reversed the adverse impacts of colonization, industrialization, globalization, and urbanization. By realizing that the lands and resources that sustained the community since time immemorial had the same potential today, the community took concrete steps to develop a collective vision of becoming self-determining and self-governing. Through the successful development of a 50 MW run-of-river Kwoiek Creek Hydro Project, the community freed itself from solely relying on a system of government transfer dollars that originated in 1876. At the same time, the community-led engagement guided the leadership to strengthen the community’s system of authority, decision-making and accountability. This was the enactment of the Community’s Membership, Elections and Governance Codes in 2013.

By sharing Kanaka Bar’s story, we will help participants understand the problems faced by the community, how these were overcome, and the lessons learned during the journey. It is important to note that Kanaka Bar maintained a balance of Traditional community knowledge and Western worldviews throughout and the material that will be shared can be applied to all Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities in Canada and beyond.

Moderator: TBD
Speakers: Kukpi7 Patrick Michell, Former Chief of Kanaka Bar Band (T’eqt”aqtn’mux)
Zain Nayani, Community Advisor and CEO of ZN Advisory

[Meeting Room 206, Level 2 – Simultaneous Interpretation Available]

Private and public business are actively pursuing MOUs, partnerships, and joint ventures with First Nations. This session will cover best practices and questions to ask before entering into these agreements. We will also cover tools and training that can be utilized for oversight over First Nation economic development entities.

Speaker:
Keith Fonstad, CPA, CA, CAFM, National Assurance Director & Provincial Director (SK), Indigenous Services, MNP

Room

The past three years have provided investors with an important reminder of what volatility in financial markets really feels like. Even for leaders with over 10 years’ experience in the gently rising stock markets we experienced in the years preceding the COVID crisis, all the stories of the Great Recession, Internet Bubble, and the Crash of ’87 were important to know but difficult to understand.

To be successful stewards of capital, Indigenous leaders need to understand the history and values of their own communities, broader financial markets, and which investment strategies have worked well in the past. They also need to have a handle on the current themes and future trends that are shaping local and global economies. Armed with this knowledge, leaders will be equipped to successfully navigate the turbulent times we find ourselves in and ensure their community’s investments assets remain aligned with its values and positioned for long-term economic success.

This presentation will highlight the key factors currently driving the global economy like inflation and rising interest rates, the conflict in Europe, and the importance of Environmental, Social, and Governance factors, and their likely implications on the expected returns of a traditional investment portfolio.
Moderator: TBD
Speakers: Michael Job, CFA, VP Portfolio Manager, Leith Wheeler Investment Counsel
Daren Atkinson, CFA, VP Portfolio Manager, Leith Wheeler Investment Counsel

[Meeting Room 208, Level 2]

Housing is a key component for economic growth in a First Nation community. By providing members with the opportunity to live in their own community, it will encourage more people to start businesses and create jobs there as well. The adoption of new technology (which took place during the Pandemic) has created opportunities for Indigenous People to create new businesses in their own communities. This is increasing demand and interest in the housing options that are available in First Nations. The First Nations Market Housing Fund (FNMHF) has been working with First Nation clients since 2008, promoting and encouraging First Nations to include homeownership and market rent to own homes in their housing mix. This workshop will provide the opportunity to learn more about the First Nations Market Housing Fund (FNMHF). The presenters will provide a summary of housing research that was completed in 2022, examples of projects that have been carried out with First Nations, examples of services that have been provided to First Nation homeowners, and the FNMHF’s plans for the Future.

Speakers: Travis Seymour, FCPA, CAFM, MBA, Acting Executive Director, FNMHF
Nancy Pine, Senior Program Officer, FNMHF
Jennifer Martin, Senior Program Officer, FNMHF

Room

Join Chad for a discussion on business valuations and what to be aware of when approached with investment opportunities. Not all deals are as good as they sound –learn about minority discounts, special interest purchasers, and other key factors contributing to estimates of value. Be confident going into your next negotiation.

Speaker: Chad Rutquist, CPS, CA, CFA, CBV, Crowe MacKay LLP

Session Sponsored by Crowe MacKay LLP

Room 

Kicking off AFOA Canada’s Policy Workshop Series, this module will aim to demonstrate the series of steps needed to develop a Community Engagement Plan that is based on cultural humility, cultural safety, and community values.
Participants will be provided with mini-case studies of successful engagement processes in Indigenous communities along with tips, templates, tools, work plans, key “Do’s and Don’ts” and a helpful outline for Development of a Community Engagement Plan

This module will be of interest to those responsible for engagement initiatives in their community (i.e.: Directors/Managers, Program Administrators, Financial Officers, Project Coordinators, Communication Officers, Chief and Council, Policy Officers, etc.)

Kicking off AFOA Canada’s Policy Workshop Series, this module will aim to demonstrate the series of steps needed to develop a Community Engagement Plan that is based on cultural humility, cultural safety, and community values.
Participants will be provided with mini-case studies of successful engagement processes in Indigenous communities along with tips, templates, tools, work plans, key “Do’s and Don’ts” and a helpful outline for Development of a Community Engagement Plan

This module will be of interest to those responsible for engagement initiatives in their community (i.e.: Directors/Managers, Program Administrators, Financial Officers, Project Coordinators, Communication Officers, Chief and Council, Policy Officers, etc.)

Kicking off AFOA Canada’s Policy Workshop Series, this module will aim to demonstrate the series of steps needed to develop a Community Engagement Plan that is based on cultural humility, cultural safety, and community values.
Participants will be provided with mini-case studies of successful engagement processes in Indigenous communities along with tips, templates, tools, work plans, key “Do’s and Don’ts” and a helpful outline for Development of a Community Engagement Plan

This module will be of interest to those responsible for engagement initiatives in their community (i.e.: Directors/Managers, Program Administrators, Financial Officers, Project Coordinators, Communication Officers, Chief and Council, Policy Officers, etc.)

Presenters:
Sean Moore, Advocacy School
Melissa Bryan, Advocacy School

[Room 201, Level 2 – Simultaneous Interpretation Available]

During the pandemic, the scammers have been busy finding new ways of committing fraud against companies across Canada. Fraud and cyber crime have combined to become a lucrative business for fraudsters. The risk is real and in Canada, according to the Canada Anti-Fraud Centre, this is more that a half a billion dollar problem for Canadian businesses. This session will cover the most common types of fraud in cyberspace and will cover best practices to ensure that your organization is effectively managing this risk.

Speakers:
Blair Smith, FCPA, FCA, Assurance Service Line Leader – Central, BDO Canada LLP
Rob Philpotts, Director, Cyber Threat Management and Response, BDO Canada LLP
Colin Stobo, CPA, CA·IFA, CFF, Senior Manager, Forensic Dispute & Investigations, BDO Canada LLP

Room 

Several First Nations in Ontario struggle with sound financial management. There are both common and variable issues that contribute to these challenges. Various lockdown measures due to the COVID-19 Pandemic added to the workload of First Nations administrators and finance personnel. The Capacity Connect strategy is wholistic and touches on various community needs and challenges. Solutions go beyond financial management and encompass other key areas such as First Nations governance, management and administration. This presentation will inform participants of current offerings open to all Ontario First Nations by Capacity Connect. Key learnings, best practices and future planned initiatives will be discussed. Capacity Connect was implemented in 2021 in partnership with Southern First Nations Secretariat, and Nokiiwin Tribal Council and offers FREE support services and resources to all 133 Ontario First Nations.

Presenters:

Shantelle Graham, Capacity Development Manager
Jennifer Shaw, Lead Finance Advisor
Lauren Williams, Finance Advisor

[Room 208, Level 2]

Indigenous women are an untapped engine of our economy. In Canada, Indigenous women are engaged in business twice as often as non-Indigenous women and forty-eight percent (48%) of Indigenous businesses in Atlantic Canada are owned and operated by women. More recent research has indicated that there are unique challenges faced by Indigenous business owners and those challenges are often more acute when faced by Indigenous women.

This workshop will also highlight National Aboriginal Capital Corporations Association’s new women’s program that includes mico-lending, mentorship and business support services delivered by Indigenous Financial Institutions.

Presenters:
Mary Oxner, Associate Professor, St Francis Xavier University

Tiffanie LaBillois BA Med, Director of Education, Eel River Bar
First Nation

Magnolia Perron, Manager, Women and Youth Programs, National Aboriginal Capital Corporations Association

Room

In every First Nation, housing is a multimillion-dollar operation however it is not always economically sustainable. Management of housing operations is frequently the cause of a major portion of the First Nations’ debt. This presentation will explore how finance professionals can work with housing professionals to improve overall debt management related to housing.
We will highlight the opportunities to improve debt management for housing including: adopting a non-profit housing approach, limiting the use of non-housing funds to cover recurring expenses, identifying savings and efficiencies, confirming tenure and responsibilities, introducing or increasing rent payments or, recovering housing assistance provided to homeowners.
First Nations are encouraged to consider what is needed to implement a property management plan and to plan for future housing projects.

Presenters:
Roxanne Harper, FNHP, Turtle Island Associates Inc.

[Room 206, Level 2 – Simultaneous Interpretation Available]

This workshop will discuss how many of us often bring our home stresses into our workspace and may take it out on our coworkers, which includes the, often ‘unconscious’ behavior of, “Lateral Violence” occurring. On the other side of the coin, we must also have time to discuss the funny, sometimes hilarious stories that have happened within our workplaces.

This workshop will help participants address some of the difficult but unique issues which often include: Impulsiveness, misdirection, misplaced anger and other, sometimes annoying but, often, entertaining encounters that we seem to find only in Indian Country.

Presenter:
Konwatsitsawi M. Meloche
V.I.S.T.A Seminars

Room

Interested in a better way to address important challenges in your community? Frustrated with the status quo and lack of progress on these issues? Want to maintain community voice, ownership, and sovereignty while finding the solution? Join this workshop to learn about Raven’s approach to achieving better community outcomes through an innovative Indigenous outcomes finance model.

This workshop will discuss:

• Who is the Raven Indigenous Impact Foundation (RIIF) and what do we do?
• What is outcomes finance and how can it be used to address community-level issues?
• Is my community and/or initiative a good fit for this model?

Presenters:
Wáhiakatste Diome-Deer and Rebecca Waterhouse from the Raven Indigenous Impact Foundation (RIIF)

Sponsored by Raven Indigenous Capital Partners

[Meeting Room 203, Level 2]

When we first began working in Indigenous communities in 2008, we were surprised to see that most, if not all, of their HR materials weren’t developed for an Indigenous community or organization, but rather were more in line with a unionized organization, non-Indigenous government, or law firm. This type of HR is generally overly complicated, hard to understand, rules-based, disciplinary-focused, and lacking in alignment with both community culture and organizational culture, making it difficult for employees at all levels to resonate with and follow.Imagine using traditional stories to inform practices. Imagine redefining Statutory holidays by introducing an innovative practice which empowers employees to choose how to use statutory holidays. Imagine a new way, a way that is still compliant while aligned to your organization and the community it serves. For the presentation, we will bring in current examples of having undone the traditional western methodology to HR and taken a more story-telling approach, and the positive effects it has had. We will share our process and collaborate with attendees to leave them with the kinds of questions they can start asking in their respective organizations and empower leaders to reimagine their thinking of HR so that it is relatable, functional, and effective.

Moderator: TBD
Speaker: Cori Maedel, MBA, PCC, CEC, CPHR, Founder and CEO, Jouta Performance Group

Download the conference mobile app to your smartphone or tablet today!
Search for AFOA in the “app store”.

All conference activities are being held at the Shaw Centre unless otherwise indicated.

Join our conference Elder Verna McGregor from Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg for the morning prayer at 7:15 am Wednesday, February 15th and on Thursday, February 16th. The morning prayer will be held on in Parliament Foyer II, Level 3.

Please visit the Xerox Technology Café located in the exhibit area in Canada Hall 2. Xerox representatives are available to discuss technology and solutions for you and your community or organization.

Please visit the exhibitors and artisans/vendors in Canada Hall 2.
Refer to your program or the mobile app for a schedule and for a list of exhibitors and vendors.

Please see the program for the workshops in each series.
Information sessions are being held concurrently with the conference workshops.

Share your experiences on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok or LinkedIn and tag us by using #AFOA2023 or AFOA Canada.

Please identify yourself to your server if you require a diabetic or a vegetarian menu.

AFOA Canada Annual General Meeting
February 15, 2023 – 4:30 – 5:45 pm

The annual general meeting for AFOA Canada members will be held in Meeting Room 206 on Level 2 at the Shaw Centre. This meeting is for members in good standing.

Thursday, February 16, 2023
Reception at 5:30 pm
The national conference dinner, awards presentation and CAFM/CAPA/CIL/CIHRP Convocation is an evening of
celebration. The Andy Dewache Band will perform. This evening of celebration will be held in Canada Hall 1 on Level 3.

Did we meet your expectations? Did the conference program and sessions address the issues that are important to you and meet your needs? AFOA Canada would like to continue to enhance the National Conference program so it meets the capacity development needs of all Indigenous organizations, communities and individuals.

Please help us to do so by completing the conference evaluation on the mobile app. A copy can also be found in your delegate kit. Please leave your completed form at the registration desk or return it to the conference secretariat by email
conference@afoa.ca or by fax at Fax: (613) 722-3467