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Conferences & Events

National Conference 2006

AFOA's 2006 National Conference was held in Winnipeg, Manitoba on February 21-23, 2006.

Over 700 people attended AFOA's 2006 National Conference. See the menu at left for information on the conference program and to view copies of speakers presentations. Photographs from the Conference are also now available by clicking at left.

Written Proceedings now available

For the first time AFOA has produced written Conference proceedings, in both official languages. The proceedings contain summarized versions of all workshops and plenary presentations, in an easy to read, useful format. If you are interested in receiving AFOA's 2006 Conference Proceedings, copies are $98.00 for members and $149.00 for non-members and can be ordered by clicking on the link below:

Conference Proceeding 2006 - 53KB

Conference Program

Last updated: February 7, 2006

Download a printable copy of the program.

PDF - 53KB

Tuesday February 21, 2006

11 am - 5 pm	Exhibitor Set-Up
4 pm - 8 pm	Registration
6 pm - 9 pm	Opening Reception with Exhibitors

Wednesday, February 22, 2006

7:30 am - 5 pm	Registration
8 am - 9 am	Networking Breakfast / Visit the Exhibitors
9 am	Prayer: Elmer Courchene, Resident Elder of the Assembly of First Nations Welcome Conference Co-Chairs: Stephanie Blackbird, CAFM, Finance Administration Manager, Keeseekoowenin Health & Wellness Centre Harold Calla, CAFM, Chairman, First Nations Financial Management Board Greetings: Grand Chief Ron Evans, AFN Regional Chief, Manitoba representative t.b.c., Métis National Council William Lomax, President, Native American Finance Officers Association (NAFOA)
9:30 am - 10:30 am	Opening Plenary
10:30 am - 11 am	Networking Break with Exhibitors
11 am - 12:30 pm	Concurrent Workshops
Success Story Series	Workshop A - Success Stories in Housing Management Aboriginal community housing has become a focal point for media attention this past year but that focus has been overwhelmingly negative. There are success stories to tell. This session will focus on how effective financial management strategies have resulted in enhanced housing programs in two Aboriginal communities and will also look at the Assembly of First Nations' special housing initiative. Moderator: Earl Commanda, Director of Housing and Infrastructure, Assembly of First Nations Speakers: Frank Lavalley, Executive Director, Public Works and Housing Department, PikwÃ kanagÃ n First Nation Chris Maracle, Director of Housing, Parks and Band Property Maintenance, Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte
Financial Management Series	Workshop B - Investing in Your Future: Developing Trusts and Other Investment Strategies This session will focus on: various types of trusts and their purposes, alternative arrangements for funds arising from land claim settlements, the use of trust money in the context of scholarship funds and economic development initiatives, forecasting the long-term growth of funds held in a trust and long-term performance and risk of various investments and expected future returns. The session will also feature the investment management experience of the Mississaugas of the New Credit First Nation. Speakers: Chief Bryan LaForme, Mississaugas of the New Credit First Nation Brent Poirier, Director, Institutional Portfolio Group, Scotia Cassels Investment Counsel Limited George Sirois, Manager, Scotiatrust
Healthy Workplace Series	Workshop C - Values and Ethics in the Aboriginal Workplace Values and ethics are important issues for everyone and take on a special importance for Aboriginals. This session will explore through case study situations, where Aboriginal communities and organizations have dealt with ethical challenges. It will also feature the experience of the Sakimay First Nation who has developed a code of conduct for Chief and Council. Speakers: Jennifer Young, Senior Consulting Manager, Grant Thornton LLP Chief Lindsey Kequahtooway, Sakimay First Nation
Financial Management Series	Workshop D - The New First Nations Fiscal Institutions - Up and Ready to Go The four new First Nations Fiscal Institutions - the First Nations Financial Management Board, the First Nations Finance Authority; the First Nations Tax Commission and the Statistical Institute - have now been established and are up and running. What are the next steps for these institutions and how can you access their services? Speakers: Harold Calla, CAFM, Chairman, First Nations Financial Management Board Advisory Panel Deanna Hamilton, President and Chief Executive Officer, First Nations Finance Authority Manny Jules, Chairman, Indian Taxation Advisory Board
Beginners Series	Workshop E - A Session In Two Parts: How to Budget Effectively & How to Prepare for an Audit This session will be presented in two parts - the first part will focus on preparing for an audit. It will look at the myths about auditors including their role and who the auditor actually works for, the information needs and requests auditors may have and why the auditor asks lots of questions at the start and near the end of the field work, and other key issues. The second part of the session will explore how to budget effectively with a vision in mind. It will explore a method that will move you towards budgeting in a manner that will help you achieve goals you feel are really important instead of just "getting it done" or "getting it balanced." Moderator: Dwayne Lewis, President, Xyntax Native Systems Speakers: Mike Zubach, Senior Manager, Meyers Norris Penny Elaine Eccleston, Consultant and Instructor, College of the Rockies
11 am - 11:40 am	Product Information Sessions
	Securization Presented by: Aon Reed Stenhouse Inc.
	Financial Management Tools for First Nations Presented by: Abenaki Associates
11:45 am - 12:25 pm	Product Information Sessions
	Risk Management for First Nations Presented by: AFN Insurance Brokers
	Liability in Employee Benefit and Pension Plans Presented by: Rice Financial
12:30 pm - 1:45 pm	Luncheon Guest Speaker: William Lomax, Board Member, Native American Finance Officers Association
2 pm - 3 pm	Plenary Defining a New Relationship Between the Government of Canada and Aboriginal Peoples Speakers: Bill Austin, Assistant Secretary, Treasury Board of Canada Richard Jock, Chief Executive Officer, Assembly of First Nations
3 pm - 3:30 pm	Networking Break with Exhibitors
3:30 pm	Concurrent Workshops
Success Story Series	Workshop F - The Tribal Councils Investment Group of Manitoba: A Success Story Allan McLeod, President & CEO of TCIG, will be providing a detailed presentation on the story, vision and accomplishments of one of the most dynamic First Nation owned companies in Canada. The session will focus on the genesis of the company and business philosophy that has made TCIG a success and leader in the mainstream economy. The presentation will feature an overview of the TCIG companies and focus on the economic leakage from Aboriginal communities and understanding your development capacity. This is a story you will want to hear. Speaker: Allan McLeod, President & CEO, Tribal Councils Investment Group of Manitoba Limited
Financial Management Series	Workshop G - Financial Reporting by First Nations - Establishing the Standards The Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants (CICA), with the support of the First Nations Financial Management Board (FNMB) and AFOA, will be recommending to its Public Sector Accounting Board (PSAB) that CICA conduct a research study on First Nations Accounting Standards. The study will cover the changing environment for First Nations financial reporting, best practices and stakeholder and user needs. This session will provide background to this study and an overview of its objectives. Most importantly it is an important opportunity for participants to provide preliminary input into the study. Moderator: Caroline Davis, Assistant Deputy Minister, Indian and Northern Affairs Canada Speakers: Nola Buhr, Associate Professor, College of Commerce, University of Saskatchewan Sandra Waterson, Principal, Public Sector Department, Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants (CICA) Harold Calla, CAFM, Chairman, First Nations Financial Management Board
Aboriginal Management Series	Workshop H - Capacity Development Within Anishinabek First Nations - Success in Developing Strong Communities Over the past three years, the Union of Ontario Indians and its 42 member First Nations have been involved in a unique and rewarding Capacity Development project. The main objectives for the project have been: identifying key capacity development areas; developing relevant workshop materials and implementing sixteen successful capacity development workshops. This has produced excellent results within the communities. This session will focus on the work completed within the area of Capacity Development, including methodology, successes and the key areas that have been the focus of the workshops implemented to date. Speaker: Jamie Restoule, Self-Government Project Manager, Union of Ontario Indians
Aboriginal Management Series	Workshop I - Comprehensive Community Planning - Strategies for Success The November 2005 First Ministers' Meeting resulted in commitments to make major improvements within ten years in the quality of life of Aboriginal people in Canada. Specific targets include education, housing, health and economic development. A key challenge for Canada, the provinces and territories, and First Nations governments will be to deliver tangible results on those commitments at the community level. Comprehensive community plans can provide a powerful lens to focus investments on citizen and community development. This session will provide practical information on strategies, principles and tools for comprehensive community planning. Moderator: Harold Tarbell, Lead Negotiator, Gaspe Tarbell and Associates Speakers: The Hon. Michael Harcourt, Chair of the Prime Minister's External Advisory Committee on Cities and Communities Patrick Kelly, Director, Strategic Planning and Communications, Indian and Northern Affairs Canada Elmer Derrick, Chief Negotiator, Gitxsan Treaty Society
Beginners Series	Workshop J - Successful Management Under a Remedial Management Plan The objective of this session is to provide assistance to First Nations that are either faced with the prospect of co-management or are currently under co-management. It will explore an effective RMP that will help them to return to a solid financial position. The session will cover strategies beginning most importantly with an understanding of the current position; dealing with communication between management, council and the community; and finally assessing priorities and developing a plan that will address the community's needs and the financial constraints. Speakers: John MacNeil, Partner, Grant Thornton LLP Stephen Ashe, CAFM, Manager, Grant Thornton LLP
3:30 pm - 4:10 am	Product Information Sessions
	Litigation Insurance Presented by: Aon Reed Stenhouse Inc.
	Strategic Community Planning Presented by: Abenaki Associates
4:15 pm - 4:55 pm	Product Information Sessions
	Specialty Benefits Presented by: AFN Insurance Brokers
	Loss Prevention Programs for First Nations Presented by: Rice Financial
5:15 pm	Annual General Meeting (for AFOA Canada members only)
	Evening of free time for participants

Thursday, February 23, 2006

7:30 am - 7 pm	Registration
7:30 am - 8:30 am	Continental Breakfast / Visit the Exhibitors and the Xerox Technology Café
8:30 am - 8:35 am	Prayer Elmer Courchesnes
8:35 am - 10 am	Plenary Part A - The Nisga'a Story The Nisga'a Treaty ratified in 2000 has been described as a "symbol of hope and reconciliation between aboriginal and non-aboriginal Canadians". Edmund Wright was a key member of the Nisga'a negotiation team and has been described as the "financial genius" who represented Nisga'a in securing one of the most important agreements in the history of government/aboriginal relations. With the Nisga'a treaty now entering into its sixth year of the implementation phase, Mr. Wright is now leading the Nisga'a Lisims Government (NLG) is developing financial systems and regimes that provide for open and transparent administration. In this session Edmund Wright will discuss NLG's efforts in this area and other aspects of the treaty implementation. Guest Speaker: Edmond Wright, Secretary-Treasurer, Nisga'a Lisims Government Part B - Ushering Spirituality and Balance into our Working Lives We all seek peace, happiness and contentment in our working lives. Elder Tobasonakut Kinew has some interesting and thought- provoking ideas on how to achieve spirituality and balance in the workplace. Guest Speaker: Elder Tobasonakwut Kinew, Onigamiing First Nation
10 am - 10:30 am	Networking Break / Exhibits and Xerox Technology Café
10:30 am - 12 pm	Concurrent Workshops
Success Story Series	Workshop K - The Pictou Landing First Nation Success Story In 2004 Pictou Landing's Community Planning Project won the prestigious United Nations Habitat Diversity Award. This session will explore the Community's experience as it developed and implemented its Community Plan and discuss the importance of Community Planning to achieving community goals and objectives. Speakers: Chief Ann Francis-Muise, Pictou Landing First Nation Brenda Francis, Community Planner, Pictou Landing First Nation
Financial Management Series	Workshop L - Income and Commodity Tax Update The objective of this session is to provide participants with a basic refresher of the existing tax rules applicable to individuals, corporations, First Nations, and other entities such as trusts and partnerships while also examining current trends and court decisions. The presentation will build on this base to explore opportunities and pitfalls that the current landscape presents to First Nations as they expand their business ventures. Speakers: Vance LeCocq, Tax Partner, Grant Thornton LLP Mark Singer, Tax Principal, Grant Thornton LLP
Healthy Workplace Series	Workshop M - Resolving Conflict with Integrity The demographics have changed, and will continue to change as our roles become more complex and demanding. The challenge is How do we honor diversity in our communities? This session will provide an overview of the dispute resolution process, assessment of different styles of communication and managing conflict. Speaker: Romeo Crow Chief, CAFM, President, AFOA Alberta and AFOA Canada Board Member
Aboriginal Management Series	Workshop N - Human Resource Management - Best Practices and Leadership Human Resources management can be a challenge for all Aboriginal managers. This session will focus on the experience of the Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority where they have spearheaded a number of effective human resource strategies. The session will also focus on the topic of leadership as it relates to Aboriginal organizational settings. Participants will discuss how leadership is currently being defined and role-modeled in their organizations and will explore current leadership definitions and styles, as well as a model for creating holistic organizational health. Speakers: Elma Shoulak, Senior Vice President Human Resources, Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority Angie Lafontaine, Human Resources & Leadership Development, Collective Initiatives
Beginners Series	Workshop O - Recovering GST - The Basics Most First Nations bands have a unique exemption from certain taxes in Canada. However, they often are not aware of the extent of the GST rebates to which they are entitled and either do not file the appropriate claims or miss GST that is hidden in certain expenses. This session will discuss the types of GST rebate claims available and the processes involved in calculating, documenting, and filing the claims under Canada Revenue Agency's current policy. Moderator: Brian Wurts, Senior Manager, Indirect Tax, PriceWaterhouseCoopers LLP Speaker: Twila Riffell, Senior Manager, Indirect Tax, PriceWaterhouseCoopers LLP
10:30 am - 11:10 am	Product Information Sessions
	Bonding for Aboriginal Contractors Presented by: Aon Reed Stenhouse Inc.
	Strategic Community Planning Presented by:Abenaki Associates
11:15 am - 11:55 am	Product Information Sessions
	Loss Prevention Programs for First Nations Presented by: AFN Insurance Brokers
	Funds Have Been Receivedâ€¦ What do we do Now? Part 1 Presented by: Rice Financial
12 pm - 1:30 pm	Luncheon
1:30 pm - 3 pm	Concurrent Workshops
Success Story Series	Workshop P - The Shoal Lake #40 First Nation Success Story Shoal Lake #40 First Nation is a small community between Winnipeg and Kenora with 200 members. Under third party management in 2000 for debt management, in just one short year they successfully implemented a remedial management plan and now are self-managed and almost without debt. Today the community continues to build capacity in governance and administration. Speakers: Chief Irwin Redsky, Shoal Lake #40 First Nation Vernon Redsky, Councillor, Shoal Lake #40 First Nation Don Morrison, Financial Advisor, Shoal Lake #40 First Nation Rhonda Beauvais, Funding Services Officer, Indian and Northern Affairs Canada
Financial Management Series	Workshop Q - Introducing the First Nation and Inuit Transfer Payment Project (FNITP) The First Nations and Inuit Transfer Payment Project (FNITP) is an initiative which will allow Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC) to improve governance, accountability, and the transfer payments management process. The goal of the FNITP project is to build a web-enabled transfer payments management system that will provide integrated service delivery, enhanced management tools for First Nations and Inuit communities and improved accountability by providing better financial and non-financial reporting capabilities for transfer payment recipients. Speakers: Christian Dussault, FNITP Project Manager, Indian and Northern Affairs Canada Régent Allie, FNITP Project Coordinator, Indian and Northern Affairs Canada
Healthy Workplace Series	Workshop R - A Focus on Healing and Reconciliation - The Residential School Settlement November 2005, the Assembly of First Nations (AFN) signed a historic agreement on behalf of all residential school survivors representing what National Chief Fontaine called "the largest and most comprehensive settlement package in Canadian history". This session will provide an opportunity for participants to get information on this settlement and ask any questions they may have. Information will also be provided on how survivors can manage their settlement dollars to enable community financial managers to provide advice on these issues. Moderator: Caroline Garon, Chief Financial Officer, Assembly of First Nations Speaker: Charlene Belleau, Manager, Residential School Unit, Assembly of First Nations
Aboriginal Management Series	Workshop S - Managing by Results - A Look at Results- Based Management and Performance Reporting This workshop will present recent approaches to Result-Based Management and Accountability through the practice of Strategic and Business Planning processes. Topics to be covered by the presenters include First Nation planning models, Strategic, Business and Operational Planning processes, the Results-Based Accountability Framework, Client-focused Outcomes, Performance Measurement Framework, Integrated Management Information Systems and Performance Reporting. The presenters will share their experience and approach in applying this practice in First Nation communities. Speakers: Robert Breaker, Breaker Consulting William Wong, President, WHW Performance Management Consulting Inc.
Beginners Series	Workshop T - Effectively Managing Debt Key issues for all Aboriginal communities and organizations are deficit financing and debt management. Too many First Nations are penalized for poor debt management by being put into third party management. This session will look at the best ways that communities can manage their financial affairs to avoid debt and intervention by the Government. Speaker: Michael Bonshour, Visions Financial Services
1:30 pm - 2:10 pm	Product Information Sessions
	Risk Management for First Nations Presented by: AFN Insurance Brokers
	Funds Have Been Received - What do we do Now? Part 2 Presented by: Rice Financial
2:15 pm - 2:55 pm	Product Information Sessions
	Life and benefits insurance for the Community/ Independant Power Production Presented by: Aon Reed Stenhouse Inc.
	Financial Management Tools for First Nations Presented by:Abenaki Associates
3 pm - 3:30 pm	Networking Break with Exhibits
3:30 pm - 4:15 pm	Closing Plenary The Big Bear is one of Canada's favorite Aboriginal stand-up comedians and has shared the stage with some of the funniest people on the planet. He can be seen in his own comedy show on the Aboriginal People's Television Network and has appeared in several movies. This closing keynote will focus on humour and laughs - a fun way to end the proceedings! Guest Speaker: Gerry Barrett "Big Bear", Comedian
4:15 pm - 4:30 pm	Closing Remarks Conference Co-Chairs: Stephanie Blackbird, CAFM and Harold Calla, CAFM
5:30 pm	Reception
6:30 pm	Dinner, Presentation of the AFOA-Xerox Excellence in Leadership Award and CAFM Convocation Opening Remarks: BDO Dunwoody Entertainment: Eagle and Hawk

Presentations

February 22, 2006

Opening Plenary

The Hon. Jim Prentice, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians

Video of Speech
WMV - 6.2MB
Transcript of Speech
PDF - 22KB

Lunch

Video presentation by Bob Belanger from (AIS) Aboriginal Information Systems

WMV - 9.4MB

Afternoon Plenary - Defining a New Relationship Between the Government of Canada and Aboriginal Peoples

Bill Austin, Assistant Secretary, Treasury Board of Canada
Dan Wilson, Senior Advisor, Assembly of First Nations
Caroline Davis, Assistant Deputy Minister, Indian and Northern Affairs Canada

Combined presentation for 3 presenters (English Version)
PDF - 481KB
Combined presentation for 3 presenters (French Version)
PDF - 493KB
Elijah Harper
presentation not available

Workshop A – Success Stories in Housing Management

Frank Lavalley, Pikwakanagan First Nation
PDF - 596KB
Chris Maracle, Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte
PDF - 1.2MB

Workshop B - Investing in Your Future: Developing Trusts and Other Investment Strategies

Brent Poirier, Scotia Cassels Investment Counsel Limited
PDF - 501KB
George Sirois, Manager, Scotiatrust
PDF - 77KB

Workshop C - Values and Ethics in the Aboriginal Workplace

Jennifer Young, Grant Thornton LLP
PDF - 139KB
Chief Lindsey Kequahtooway, Sakimay First Nation
Presentation not available

Workshop D - The New First Nations Fiscal Institutions - Up and Ready to Go

Harold Calla, CAFM, First Nations Financial Management Advisory Panel
Presentation not available
Deanna Hamilton, First Nations Finance Authority
PDF - 3.7MB
Manny Jules, Indian Taxation Advisory Board

PDF - 29KB

Workshop E - A Session in Two Parts: How to Budget Effectively and How to Prepare for An Audit

Mike Zubach, Meyers Norris Penny LLP
Presentation not available
Elaine Eccleston, College of the Rockies
PDF - 261KB

PDF (hand-out) - 41KB

Workshop F - The Tribal Councils Investment Group of Manitoba: A Success Story

Allan McLeod, Tribal Councils Investment Group of Manitoba Limited
presentation not available

Workshop G - Financial Reporting by First Nations - Establishing the Standards

Harold Calla, CAFM, First Nations Financial Management Advisory Panel
Sandra Waterson, Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants (CICA)
Nola Buhr, College of Commerce, University of Saskatchewan
PDF (Combined presentation for 3 presenters) - 94KB

Workshop H - Capacity Development Within Anishinabek First Nations - Success in Developing Strong Communities

Jamie Restoule, Union of Ontario Indians
PDF - 213KB

Workshop I - Comprehensive Community Planning - Strategies for Success

The Hon. Michael Harcourt, Prime Minister - External Advisory Committee on Cities and Communities
PDF - 54KB
Patrick Kelly, Indian and Northern Affairs Canada
PDF - 253KB
Elmer Derrick, Gitxsan Treaty Society
presentation not available

Workshop J - Successful Management Under a Remedial Management Plan

Jennifer Young, Grant Thornton LLP
PDF - 506KB

PDF (session hand-out) - 163KB

February 23, 2006

Plenary

Part A - The Nisga'a Story

Edmond Wright, Nisga'a Lisims Government
PDF - 441KB

Part B - Ushering Spirituality and Balance into our Working Lives

Elder Tobasonakwut Kinew, Onigamiing First Nation
presentation not available

Workshop K - The Pictou Landing First Nation Success Story

Chief Ann Francis-Muise, Pictou Landing First Nation
John Paul, Pictou Landing First Nation
PDF (Combined presentation for 2 presenters) - 5.9MB

Workshop L - Income and Commodity Tax Update

Vance LeCocq, Grant Thornton LLP
Mark Singer, Grant Thornton LLP
PDF (Combined presentation for 2 presenters) - 848KB

Workshop M – Resolving Conflict with Integrity

Romeo Crow Chief, CAFM, AFOA Alberta
PDF - 3.7MB

Workshop N – Human Resources Management - Best Practices and Leadership

Angie Lafontaine, Human Resources & Leadership Development, Collective Initiatives
PDF - 1.1MB

Workshop O - Recovering GST: The Basics

Twila Riffel, PriceWaterhouseCoopers LLP
PDF - 490KB

Workshop P - The Shoal Lake #40 First Nation Success Story

Chief Irwin Redsky, Shoal Lake #40 First Nation
Vernon Redsky, Shoal Lake #40 First Nation
Don Morrison, Bimose Tribal Council Inc
PDF (Combined presentation for 3 presenters) -2.7MB

Workshop Q - Introducing the First Nation and Inuit Transfer Payment Project (FNITP)

Christian Dussault, Indian and Northern Affairs Canada

PDF - 859KB

Workshop R - A Focus on Healing and Reconciliation - The Residential School Settlement

Charlene Belleau, Residential School Unit, Assembly of First Nations
PDF - 5.3MB

Workshop S - Managing by Results - A Look at Results-Based Management and Performance Reporting

Robert Breaker, Breaker Consulting
William Wong, WHW Performance Management Consulting Inc.
PDF (Combined presentation for 2 presenters) - 126KB

Workshop T - Effectively Managing Debt

Michael Bonshor, Visions Financial Services
PDF - 434KB

Quick Links

On-line Education

National Conference 2013 - February 12 - 14 (Toronto, ON)