Chief Financial Officer
Alberta First Nations Information Governance Centre
320-295 Midpark Way SE
Calgary, AB T2X 2A8
Tel: 403-519-4488
Ayoabdul@gmail.com

Tel: 780-983-4458
pjacobk@yahoo.com

Regional Program Development Team Leader, Child and Family Services
Indigenous Services Canada
Edmonton, AB
Tel: 780-984-6108
bpickett@telus.net

Financial Controller
Samson Management (2009) Ltd
Samson Condo Warehouse
Maskawacis, AB T0C 1N0
Tel: 780-200-7831
regmi@ualberta.ca

Financial Controller
Whitefish Lake First Nation #128
Box 271
Goodfish Lake, AB T0A 1R0
Tel: 780-547-5241
makaitaz@yahoo.com

CFO
Penticton Indian Band
841 Westhills Drive
Penticton, BC V2A 6J7
Tel: 250-493-0048
Fax: 250-490-2282
cfo@pib.ca
pib.ca

Biography
I have worked as an accountant since the mid 1980’s, when I started in the corporate world in Vancouver. Since 2003, I have focused on serving BC First Nations working as a Director of Finance and CFO at the Heiltsuk Tribal Council, Westbank First Nation, and most recently, the Penticton Indian Band. I work to bring transparency, trust, understanding and capacity to the community I serve through sound financial management, ethical practices, and open communications.

Bringing good financial management to a community does not solve every challenge or problem, but it does allow the community to have the freedom to choose and respond on its own terms; whether it is new housing, better infrastructure, enhanced education, better social programs, or a deeper understanding of traditional culture, values, and identity. Self-determination and self-sufficiency are the keys to a better present and brighter future for First Nations.

Controller
Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada
800-333 Seymour Street
Vancouver, BC V6B 5A6
Tel: 604-351-1028
joe@indigenoustourism.ca
indigenoustourism.ca

Biography
Joe migrated to Canada from Indonesia in 2004. He studied law before becoming an accountant. Passionate about finance and accounting, he holds a CPA, CMA professional designation as well as CAFM in Canada.

Joe had previously worked at University of British Columbia as a Senior Financial Specialist and then moved to FinTech Company, Hyperwallet, as a Risk Fraud Analyst. He has been working for Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada since 2017, and currently works at the Organization as a Controller. He enjoys implementing his interdisciplinary experience to develop strategy to solve complex problems, drive organizational growth, and deliver value to stakeholders.

One of his accomplishments during his works for ITAC was managing his Finance Team to administer and deliver the COVID-19 Stimulus Development Fund payments to 678 Indigenous tourism businesses with the total amount of $16.21 million as non-repayable contributions and accomplishing required reports and documents in a timely manner for the Federal Government via Indigenous Services Canada. This stimulus grant funding as part of their ongoing efforts to help Indigenous tourism operators recover and build resiliency from the devastating impacts of COVID-19.

Joe loves travelling, culinary experiences and music. He is grateful to be working for an Indigenous Corporation, so he has a chance to support a bright future for Indigenous and non-Indigenous people together.

CEO
ZN Advisory Services Inc
308-207 West Hastings Street
Vancouver, BC V6B 1H7
Tel: 604-227-376
Fax: 604-757-4690
zain@zn-advisory.com
zn-advisory.com

Biography
Born in a hard-working Ismaili family in Karachi, Pakistan, Zain Nayani’s interest in numbers and curiosity about commerce led him to gaining a B.Sc. in Applied Accounting and experience working in internal audit, finance, and administrative departments of various organizations. In 2011, Zain relocated from Pakistan to Coast Salish Territory (Vancouver) to pursue his Master of Business Administration at Simon Fraser University. After moving to Canada and witnessing Indigenous peoples living with the consequences of colonization and ongoing systemic oppression, he was deeply affected, especially as someone from a previously colonized country himself.  To gain better understanding of the issues and be part of the solution, Zain immersed himself as an intern, working with T’eqt”aqtn’mux (Kanaka Bar Band). Driven by his passion to work with communities who want to become self-sufficient while challenging the status-quo in the wake of climate crisis, Zain established ZN Advisory in 2013, a consulting practice that partners with Indigenous communities and organizations, to build organizational resilience through offering governance, strategy and planning, management, and capacity building services.

Zain has held senior leadership and management positions in various Indigenous organizations. He is a Visiting Lecturer at the Beedie School of Business (SFU) and served as member of British Columbia’s Indigenous Climate Adaptation Technical Working Group. Zain is an Affiliate of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) and has been a Fellow since 2017. He is also a Member of Chartered Professional Accountants of BC and Canada and a Certified Aboriginal Financial Manager through AFOA Canada.

Director of Finance
Shuswap Indian Band
3A-492 Arrow Rd
Invermere, BC V0A 1K2
Tel: 250-341-3678
Fax: 250-341-3683
dof@shuswapband.ca
shuswapband.net

Finance Manager
Blueberry River First Nations
PO Box 3009
Buick Creek, BC V0C 2R0
Tel: 250-329-7435
amohan@blueberryfn.ca 

Financial Analyst
First Nations Financial Management Board
Terrace, BC
604-316-6135
harrisj15@hotmail.com
sam_harris@fnfmb.com

CFO, Owner
Ravenstone Construction Ltd
Duncan, BC
250-748-7730
kathy@ravensc.ca
ravensc.ca

In November 2020 we launched RSC with the vision to create long term, sustainable, career building opportunities for our community members. We currently employ 30+ full time workers, 75% of which self identify as First Nations. Our workers range from Entry Level to Skilled Labourers, Carpentry Apprentices, Foremen, Superintendent, Plumber, Heavy Duty Equipment Operators, Safety Co-ordinator, Painter and Pipelayers. RSC is a registered Carpentry sponsor with SkilledTrades BC. Our primary focus is Civil Construction and labour force, with many valued clients in the area of Victoria to Nanaimo.
In August 2022 we obtained our COR Certification through BCCSA; a vast accomplishment for our company.
My current position with the company is CFO. I co-own RSC with my brother Dan; and assist with his civil construction company Porlier Pass Contractors. I manage the finances, administration, hiring and HR related matters, and oversee our Safety Program as well.
In 2003 my career adventures started in Cowichan my homeland within the Hospitality and Tourism Industry working at the Quw’utsun Cultural and Conference Centre in Duncan, BC. Over the next 10 years I received a mentorship to become the Operations Manager of the facility overseeing the day-to-day operations of the business offering conference/catering events, First Nations cultural experiences, restaurant, and retail services. During this time in management, I took great pride in creating sustainable and supportive employment for Cowichan Tribes band members.
In 2012 my husband, son and I relocated to Northern BC where I acquired a position with the McLeod Lake Indian Band. This position was working with the Tse’khene Elders, it was a great introduction to the community learning the cultural ways and building a strong foundation in the community. In 2014 I was offered the opportunity to expand my skills and training and was mentored by the CFO over the next five years. During this period, I learnt how to process the full accounting cycle, prepare annual budgets, yearend audit, and financial statements. In the Fall of 2019 I was honored to take on the Finance Director role, and enrolled in the AFOA Certified Aboriginal Financial Manager Designation program which I continue to study with long term goals of also obtaining my Chartered Professional Accountant Designation. In the Fall of 2020 I was invited by my late father Ted and brother Dan to join their team, and navigate the launching of RavenStone Construction. Our business focuses on Civil Construction, and First Nations labour force providing career building opportunities in the Construction Industry. #Relations #Salish #Community RSC our 3 Pillars which guide us on our Professional Journey
Professionally my passion is to continually be learning and educating myself. Education is power and that drives me to always be evolving.
My family and community are my motivator. Our goal is to see the middle class rise in our First Nations communities and if we can make even a small difference to the livelihood of our community members by providing them with meaningful employment and means to grow themselves and their careers, I know I have been successful.

Finance Manager
Lax Kw’alaams Business Development LP
100 1st Avenue East
Prince Rupert, BC
250-800-1448
daria@laxbdl.ca
https://dwrightconsulting.ca/

Daria Wright, CAFM, is a Finance Manager based in Northwest British Columbia with over 15 years of experience working alongside First Nations–led organizations and community-owned enterprises. Living and working in the Northwest BC region, she brings a strong understanding of the governance, operational, and funding realities facing Indigenous communities.

Daria holds the Certified Aboriginal Financial Manager (CAFM) designation from AFOA Canada and brings more than 10 years of senior financial management experience, supported by an earlier 10-year background in procurement and quality control. Her expertise includes budgeting, payroll, financial reporting, cash-flow management, and compliance with Indigenous funding agreements and governance frameworks.

She currently serves as Finance Manager for Lax Kw’alaams Business Development and operates DWright Consulting Ltd., supporting First Nations and Indigenous-owned organizations in strengthening financial systems, improving transparency, and supporting long-term community sustainability. Daria works closely with leadership, Boards, and operational teams to ensure financial decisions align with community priorities and economic development goals.

CEO
Indigenous Management Group Inc
616-294 Portage Ave.
Winnipeg, MB R3C 0B9
Tel: 204-284-9255
Fax: 204-425-6830
scbear@indigenousmanagement.ca
indigenousmanagement.ca

Biography

Stanley Bear, is a member of Peguis First Nation, has an MBA from Queen’s University, holds a Project Management Professional (PMP) designation, and holds a Certified Aboriginal Financial Manager (CAFM) designation.   Mr. Bear has over 30 years of experience in First Nation business and organizational development.  Since 1989 Mr. Bear has owned and managed a management consulting company (Indigenous Management Group Inc.).  Prior to working in the private sector, Mr. Bear has over 15 years of experience with the Federal Government, managing programs at the senior level with Industry Canada.  Indigenous Management Group Inc. (IMG) is a private company that provides specialized financial and project management services.  IMG team is made up of qualified professionals with various credentials including: Chartered Professional Accountants (CPA); Certified Aboriginal Financial Managers (CAFM); Project Management Professionals (PMP); Masters’ of Business Administration (MBA); Masters’ of Economics (MA); Chartered Manager (C. Mgr.); Human Resource (HR) Professionals; and Financial Analysts.

Capacity Development Manager
First Nations Financial Management Board
850-125 Garry St.
Winnipeg, MB R3C 3P2
Tel: 204-575-1227
priscille_buors@fnfmb.com
fnfmb.com

Financial Advisor | Accountant
Winnipeg, MB
Tel: 204-451-9803
gmaxfield@shaw.ca

Biography
Gina Maxfield is a Certified Professional Accountant (CPA, CMA) and has a Bachelors of Commerce (Hons) Degree from the University of Manitoba in Business Administration and Marketing with a Psychology minor and has taken courses in economic analysis, financial management, corporate finance and project management.   Ms. Maxfield also holds two designations — a Certified Aboriginal Financial Manager (CAFM) from AFOA Canada, and a Certified Aboriginal Professional Administrator (CAPA) from AFOA Canada.

Ms. Maxfield has more than 30 years experience in the finance and accounting business. Her current role is as a first nation band manager.  Previously, she was a financial advisor.  Ms. Maxfield is involved in business strategy, marketing, financial and management controls and operational management, where beginning to end solutions are provided. As the Financial Advisor, Ms. Maxfield is responsible for providing accounting & advisory support services in the areas of accounting/CFO services, financial planning, forecasting, reporting, policy development and analysis, financial and debt management, capacity-building, Financial Administration Law, Financial Performance, and business consulting.

Ms. Maxfield has experience in financial management and accounting which includes preparation of management account statements, financial analysis, budget preparation, account reconciliation, analyzing and evaluating operational risk and internal controls, finance and process improvement and automation.

Ms. Maxfield’s previous experience included working for IMG as a financial advisor, and for the Health Sciences Center as Finance Director in Winnipeg, Manitoba.

Kenora, ON
Charlene_bird@outlook.com

Human Resources Officer
Aamjiwnaang First Nation
978 Tashmoo Ave
Sarnia, ON N0N 1C0
Tel: 519-336-8410 ext. 235
Fax: 519-336-0382
afisher@aamjiwnaang.ca

Capacity Development Manager
First Nations Financial Management Board
170 Laurier Ave W, Suite 608
Ottawa, ON K1P 5V5
Phone: 613-319-8012
margaret_harding@fnfmb.com

Chartered Professional Accountant, Chartered Accountant
The Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte
68 Fenwood Cres
Belleville, ON K8N 4Z7
Tel: 613-243-5604
doxtator_05@hotmail.com
www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-doxtator-cafm-cpa-ca

Jessica Chesterton (Doxtator) is an accomplished Indigenous finance professional and member of the Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte, with over 15 years of experience spanning municipal government, public accounting, Indigenous organizations, and private enterprise. A Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA, CA) and Certified Aboriginal Financial Manager (CAFM), Jessica is dedicated to advancing Indigenous-led financial governance, accountability, and sustainable community development.
Jessica has held key leadership roles in financial reporting, budget management, and compliance, and has supported program leads across multiple departments with external funding requirements. Her experience includes teaching post-secondary accounting and payroll courses, managing internal financial systems, and liaising with federal and provincial funders.
An advocate for inclusive workplaces and community well-being, Jessica also contributes through volunteerism—founding co-ed hockey and baseball leagues that promote physical and mental health in diverse, welcoming environments.
A lifelong learner and high-achieving student, Jessica graduated with First-Class Standing from Brock University’s Honours Bachelor of Accounting (Co-op) program, maintaining a 89% average and earning over 15 scholarships and awards, including the KPMG Aboriginal Scholarship and Beta Gamma Sigma designation. She continues to advance Indigenous knowledge and representation through her work on the Indigenous Knowledge Building Council with CPA Ontario.

Sr. Finance Technician
Muscowpetung Saulteaux Nation
PO Box 1310
Fort Qu’Appelle, SK S06 1S0
Tel: 306-723-4747
shelly.bitternose@muscowpetung.com
muscowpetung.com 

Partner
McClelland Debusschere CPA
109-838 48th Street East
Saskatoon, SK S7K 3Y4
Tel: 306-242-1019
Fax: 306-978-1886
mark@mdcpask.com
mdcpask.com

Mark has 19 plus years offering business advice and assurance services to local and national companies. He obtained his Bachelor of Commerce, with a major in Finance and minor in Accounting, from McGill University while playing on the varsity hockey team for 4 years. He went on to obtain his Chartered Accountant (CA) designation while working at national accounting firm PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) in Saskatoon. While at PwC, Mark worked with local businesses, NPO’s and First Nations to offer operating and tax advice as well as assurance services. In this role he also offered budgeting assistance, financial analysis and led training sessions for Boards.

After PwC, Mark joined the University of Saskatchewan as Senior Financial Officer in their Corporate Administration department where he assisted with policy development, served on the Board of a university subsidiary, offered accounting assistance to subsidiary’s and managed the finances for the university’s real estate portfolio including retail and land leasing.

Mark then became the Director of Operations at Muskeg Lake Cree Nation where he was responsible for managing the overall operations of the band. He was able to implement many policies and operating changes to increase operating capacity, which resulted in a surplus for Muskeg Lake.

Mark continues to work with NPO’s and First Nations on assurance and consulting engagements. He obtained his Certified Aboriginal Financial Manager (CAFM) designation in 2018, his Certified Aboriginal Professional Administrator (CAPA) designation in 2024 and his Certified Indigenous Human Resources Professional (CIHRP) designation in 2025. He currently teaches and develops courses for AFOA Saskatchewan which he delivers across the Province as well as directly to clients.

Mark is married to Laura and they have twins. He is actively involved in his kids activities as a serious dance dad with two ‘Dance Dad Revolution’ first place finishes thanks to his kids teachings. He likes to golf and play hockey and has been on the organizing committees of the World Junior Hockey Championships and the Memorial Cup in Saskatoon along with various other volunteer positions.

EDUCATION
• Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) Designation
• Chartered Accountant (CA) Designation
• B.Comm from McGill University
• Certified Aboriginal Financial Manager (CAFM) Designation
• Certified Aboriginal Professional Administrator (CAPA) Designation
• Certified Indigenous Human Resources Professional (CIHRP) Designation
• FNI.Dir Designation
• The Osgoode Certificate in Fundamentals of Indigenous Peoples and Canadian Law
• Commissioner for Oaths