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Conferences & Events

National Conference 2009

AFOA's 2009 National Conference was held in Calgary, Alberta on February 24 - 26, 2009.

Conference Program

Tuesday, February 24, 2009

12 pm - 4:30 pm

Exhibitor Set-Up

4 pm - 8 pm

Registration

6 pm - 9 pm

Opening Reception with Exhibitors with Entertainment

Wednesday, February 25, 2009

7:30 am - 6:30 pm	Registration
7:30 am - 8:15 am	Sunrise Ceremony: Elder Tom Crane Bear, Siksika First Nation, Alberta
7:30 am - 8:30 am	Networking Breakfast / Visit the Exhibitors and the Xerox Technology Café
8:30 am - 9:00 am	Prayer: Elder Tom Crane Bear, Siksika First Nation, Alberta Welcome: Conference Co-Chairs: Romeo Crow Chief, CAFM, Chair, AFOA Canada and President, AFOA Alberta Kathleen McHugh, Chair, Assembly of First Nations Women's Council Greetings Chief Wilton Littlechild, Assembly of First Nation Regional Chief, Alberta
9:00 am - 10:30 am	Opening Plenary Round Table: Succeeding at Economic Development and Corporate Partnerships: What Does it Take? Aboriginal communities have never had so many opportunities for economic expansion and creating wealth as we do today. Almost every week we hear about another agreement, protocol or MOU reached between a Canadian corporation and a First Nation that guide the relations between the community and the Corporation in the context of an economic development venture, and spell out the benefits that will accrue to the community as a result. What are the indicators of success for these economic development partnerships? How can partnerships be forged that result in the most benefits to the community and community members? How can we make sure that these partnerships “give back to the community” while also generating revenue and respecting the environment and traditional Aboriginal culture? This opening plenary will set the stage for the conference program with a distinguished Round Table of senior Aboriginal leaders and representatives of Corporate Canada who exemplify best practices in this area. Facilitators: David Newhouse, Professor, Department of Indigenous Studies, Trent University Wanda Wuttunee, Head, Native Studies, University of Manitoba Panel: Clint Davis, President and Chief Executive Officer, Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business Larry Hewko, Chief Financial Officer, Fort McKay First Nation, Alberta Chief Gibby Jacob, Executive Operating Officer, Intergovernmental Relations, Natural Resources and Revenue, Squamish First Nation, British Columbia Mary Lee Johns, Senior Advisor, Tribal Governments and Native Communities, Rio Tinto Andy Popko, Vice President, Aboriginal Affairs, Encana Corporation Chief John Thunder, Buffalo Point First Nation, Manitoba Bertha Rabesca Zoe, Attorney, Tli Cho Government, Northwest Territories
10:30 am - 11 am	Refreshment Break with Exhibitors and Visit the Xerox Technology Café
11 am - 12:15 pm	Concurrent Workshops
Leadership Series	Workshop A - Governing Effectively: A Governance Framework and Toolbox The Atlantic Community Planning Committee (established to support the development of Comprehensive Community Plans) has developed a Governance Framework that can be used as a resource by leaders, administrators and citizens in the day to day management and overall governance of First Nation communities. The framework is made up of four sections that will help these groups be more effective: Legislative and Executive Powers; Structures and Systems – Communications and Accountability; Procedures and Processes; and, Codes, Guidelines and Policies. Speakers will describe the tool kit in detail, provide sample tools and discuss how it can be implemented in First Nation governments. Moderator: Carol Ann Barnaby, CAFM, Vice President, Abenaki Associates, Board Member, AFOA Canada and Conference Committee Member Speakers: Violet Paul, Shubenacadie First Nation, Nova Scotia Dan Yarymowich, Director, Strategic Priorities and Communications, Indian and Northern Affairs Canada
Financial Management Series	Workshop B - Risk Management Strategies for Today's Volatile Investment Markets: Balancing Today's Economic and Social Needs with that of Future Generations Volatile investment markets and a historically low interest rate environment have imposed increased investment challenges for Trustees and Community leadership alike. This session will look at various risks management strategies like the development of appropriate spending policies; cash flow management; portfolio structure and asset mix considerations. All these play an important role in developing an appropriate risk management strategy that will help stand the test of time and increase the probability of success in meeting community objectives. Moderator: Norm Brennand, CAFM, A/Director, First Nations Relations, Treaty 7, Alberta Region, Indian and Northern Affairs Canada and Conference Committee Member Speakers: Jack Jamieson, Vice President, T.E. Wealth Ron Maurice, Senior Partner, Maurice Law Jim Prodger, CAFM, Finance Manager, Millbrook First Nation, Nova Scotia
Financial Management Series	Workshop C - Understanding the contractual Relationship Financial managers require a solid understanding of contract law and relationships. This session will focus Management on contract issues including an examination of different kinds of contracts, their legal effects and practical consequences, understanding how a contract is formed, and interpreting and terminating a contract. Moderator: André Richer, CAFM, Chief Financial Officer, Assembly of First Nation and Conference Committee Member Speakers: Della Anaquod, Dean of Basic Education, Saskatchewan Institute of Applied Science and Technology (SIAST)
Management Series	Workshop D - Scorecards - Performance Reporting in First Nation Governments Performance management is a proven methodology for attaining results. There are different performance management frameworks - each with common elements. One element is reporting to the community members. To maximize this communication, a Scorecard can be used. A Scorecard is a ‘flash report’ which presents the indicators which are most important to monitor in order to reach an organization’s goals. A Scorecard can take many formats, but it needs to be relevant to the readers, easy to read, and have reliable information presented in it which indicates achievement towards the desired goals. This session will focus on using this type of performance reporting. Moderator: Randell Glen Morris, CAFM, President, Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies and Board Member, AFOA Canada Speakers: Keith Fonstad, Business Advisor, Meyers Norris Penny LLP Chief Dennis Meeches, Long Plain First Nation, Manitoba Chief Rosalie Tsannie-Burseth, Hatchet Lake Denesuline Nation, Saskatchewan
Healthy Workplace Series	Workshop E - Being an Effective Team Player Learn the key principles of being a team player. These include: Truth builds trust; Competence wins respect; Collaborate and compromise; and Supporting your co-workers. Moderator: Chief Leroy Good Eagle, Siksika Tribal Administration, Alberta Speakers: Romeo Crow Chief, CAFM, Chair, AFOA Canada and President, AFOA Alberta
Product Information	Aboriginal Participation in the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games Come learn about the Vancouver Organizing Committee’s Aboriginal Procurement Strategy, where businesses can register for potential opportunities, and how VANOC is striving to achieve unprecedented Aboriginal participation. Speakers: Vanessa Mountain, Specialist, Aboriginal Procurement, Aboriginal Participation, Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games
12:15 pm - 12:30 pm	Networking with Exhibitors / Delegates
12:30 pm - 2:15 pm	Luncheon of the Aboriginal Youth Financial Management Conference Awards There is great demand in Aboriginal communities for Aboriginal financial management professionals. However, very few of our young people are pursuing an education in financial management after high school, and many communities have considerable difficulty attracting and keeping financial management staff. AFOA launched the Aboriginal Youth Financial Management Conference Awards to address this issue. This is the third year that the Awards will be presented to three young winners at the National Conference. Youth Speakers: Clifton Cremo, Eskasoni High School, Nova Scotia Kristan Panamick, Kenjgewin Teg Educational Institute, Ontario John Sabattis, Eskasoni High School, Nova Scotia
2:15 pm - 2:45 pm	Refreshment Break with Exhibitors / Visit the Xerox Technology Café
2:45 pm - 4:15 pm	Concurrent Workshops
Economic Development Series	Workshop F - Negotiating Impact Benefit Agreements: Success Stories There are more and more Impact Benefit Agreements (IBAs) being negotiated between Aboriginal communities and corporations – agreements that set out specific benefits to accrue to communities and community members as a result of development activities being undertaken on Aboriginal traditional territory. What are the success factors for these IBAs? What are the best practices to follow? This session will focus on two success stories where IBAs were negotiated to the benefit of the community. Moderator: Caroline Garon, CAFM, Manager, Planning Resources, Indian and Northern Affairs Canada and Board Member, AFOA Canada Speakers: Roy Erasmus, Chief Executive Officer, Deton'Cho Corporation, Northwest Territories Brian Titus, CAFM, Chief Financial Officer, Osoyoos Indian Band, British Columbia
Financial Management Series	Workshop G - The First Nations Fiscal and Statistical Act (FSMA) and the Fiscal Institutions - Building Blocks for First Nation Economic Development One of the biggest obstacles to First Nations economic development is finding the capital to move forward. It is ten times harder to create jobs and wealth on First Nation lands than anywhere else in the country. The Fiscal and Statistical Management Act (Bill C-20) was established to address this problem. Four national aboriginal institutions were created to provide the building blocks for economic development. Currently there are 45 First Nations participating in the FSMA initiative. Participation is optional. Delegates who attend this workshop will come away with a better understanding of how the FSMA initiative can benefit their First Nation and contribute to economic development. Moderator: Donna Morin, CAFM, Accountant, Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation and Conference Committee Member Speakers: Steve Berna, Senior Administrative Officer, First Nations Finance Authority Harold Calla, CAFM, A/Chief Executive Officer, First Nations Financial Management Board C.T. (Manny) Jules, Chief Commissioner, First Nations Tax Commission Francine Whiteduck, Board Member, First Nations Statistics Institute
Management Series	Workshop H - Human Resources Management: A Focus on Employee Policies and Training This session will focus on your employees – specifically on the development of employee policies and employee training. Human Resource (HR) policies are essential to the effective management of Aboriginal communities and organizations. Speakers will review the major areas of HR policies that are required and examine issues related to implementation. This session will also focus on a unique Employment Training Program which involves partnerships and provides participants with a wide variety of skill straining to increase their job readiness. Moderator: BurCom Consulting Limited Speakers: Trina Daniels, Stoney Tribal Administration, Alberta Debbie Dixon, Stoney Tribal Administration, Alberta Eleanor Pollock, Human Resources Director, MicMacs of Gesgapegiag, Quebec
Beginners Series	Workshop I - Developing an Effective Banking Relationship Key to successful fiscal management is developing a good banking relationship with your bank. What are the criteria for such a relationship? How can you develop a good working relationship that works for the community? Community leaders who have demonstrated best practices in this area, together with banking representatives will discuss these and other issues at this session. Moderator: Keith Martell, CAFM, Chairman, First Nations Bank of Canada Speakers: Michele Baptiste, National Manager, Aboriginal Relations, Scotiabank Group Stephen Fay, National Director, BMO Bank of Montreal Brian Hjlesvold, Manager, Aboriginal Markets, Alberta, NWT and Yukon, RBC Royal Bank Chief Arthur Noskey, Loon River Cree First Nation, Alberta Grand Chief Timothy Dooley Thompson, Mohawk Council of Akwesasne, Ontario
Leadership Series	Workshop J - In Search of Good Governance for First Nation Pension Plans First Nations Band Councils are, in most cases, ultimately responsible for overseeing the administration of their employee pension plans and, hence, have a legal obligation to ensure that their plans are governed in accordance with principles of good governance. It is essential for Band leaders to have a firm grasp of what constitutes “good governance.” This workshop is designed to enlighten participants on what constitutes good pension plan governance and why it makes sound economic sense to improve their existing pension governance systems. The link between economic prosperity and good governance is easily seen within communities - it should be no different in the world of pensions! Moderator: Allan Munroe, CAFM, Senior Financial Advisor, Swampy Cree Tribal Council and Board Member, AFOA Canada Speakers: Claude Marchessault, Pension Lawyer Ted Patterson, Director, Centre for Employee Benefits, Humber Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning, Ontario
Product Information	The Certified Aboriginal Financial Manager (CAFM) - What is a CAFM and How Can You Become One? The CAFM designation is the only one of its kind in the world and is fast becoming one of the most preferred credentials for Aboriginal employers seeking financial professionals. A CAFM designation demonstrates professional credibility, competency and integrity. This session will provide information on how you can qualify to be a CAFM – if you have sufficient experience in Aboriginal financial management, it might be easier than you think!
4:30 pm - 5:30 pm	AFOA Canada Annual General Meeting (for members in good standing)
5:30 pm - 9:30 pm	Visit to Blackfoot Crossing Historical Park Come take a step into the past and enjoy an exciting, authentic, Blackfoot cultural experience. This is the Site of the signing of Treaty 7 and is of National and International historical and archaeological significance. It is a designated national Heritage Site and is recommended to be a World Heritage Site. This is a unique world-class tourist attraction designed to engage visitors in authentic cultural experiences with the Blackfoot people. Dinner and transportation to and from the Park are provided.

Thursday, February 26, 2009

7:30 am - 6:30 pm	Registration
7:30 am	Sunrise Ceremony: Elder Tom Crane Bear, Siksika First Nation, Alberta
7:30 am - 8:30 am	Networking Continental Breakfast / Visit the Exhibitors and the Xerox Technology Café
8:30 am - 10:00 am	Prayer Elder Tom Crane Bear, Siksika First Nation, Alberta Plenary - Aboriginal Self-Government: Success Stories Plenary (Part 1) - Crouching Tiger, Hidden Wolf: The Aboriginal China Trade Mission In November 2008, a historic 12 day Aboriginal China trade mission culminated in a series of MOUs with members of an Aboriginal business delegation representing Canada’s Aboriginal peoples and organizations. The trade mission was undertaken to promote opportunities for Canadian Aboriginals to work together with China, explore mutually beneficial cooperation and investment opportunities and increase economic cooperation. The Delegation Chair, Calvin Helin, also the author of the book “Dances with Dependency”, will discuss the mission and its potential impact for Aboriginal communities. Speakers: Calvin Helin, Delegation Chair and President, Native Investment and Trade Association Plenary (Part 2) - Is it Too Good to be True? How to avoid smooth talking fraudsters, scammers and timewasters! Has your community ever been approached by someone with an idea for an economic development venture that seemed to be the answer to your dreams. Plans were laid, money invested, time and effort spent, but nothing ever got off the ground? Unfortunately, Aboriginal communities find themselves facing this situation all too often. This plenary session will take a humorous but informative look at those economic opportunities that are “too good to be true”. Based on real examples, speakers will present scenarios of “over the top methods” used to sell fraudulent opportunities to Aboriginal communities. After delegates vote on which of the scenarios they feel are fake and which are legitimate, speakers will provide information on investigation methods and due diligence that should have been exercised to assess the opportunity’s viability. Moderator: Randy Swanson, CAFM, Vice President, Forestry and Aboriginal Services, Meyers Norris Penny LLP Speakers: Harold Calla, CAFM, A/Chief Executive Officer, First Nations Financial Management Board Keith Martell, CAFM, Chairman, First Nation Bank of Canada Janice Rose, J.M. Rose & Associates and Board Member, AFOA Canada
10 am - 10:30 am	refreshment Break with the Exhibits and Visit the Xerox Technology Café
10:30 am - 12 pm	Concurrent Workshops
Beginners Series	Workshop K -Best Practices in Budgeting The Budgeting exercise is a key element in financial planning – and one that should be integrated with the strategic plan deliverables and reporting as well as with the daily to monthly actual cash flow management. This session will focus on effective budgeting drawing from key best practices in other governments, public performance reporting, the continuous management cycle, and AFOA sources. Moderator: Trina Mineault, CAFM, Controller, Bigstone Health Commission and Conference Committee Member Speakers: Jacob Rawski, CAFM, President, Rawski & Company
Managing Series	Workshop L - Community Empowerment via Building Permits First Nations National Building Officers Association will give a presentation on the role of building permits as a mechanism to ensure residential homes are built to National Building Code and other housing standards. The overall objectives of a building permit are to ensure safe homes for the residents and to protect your housing investments. The focus will be looking at the advantages of permits from both administrative and economic perspectives. Speakers: Richard (Bud) Jobin, President, First Nations National Building Officers Association (FNNBOA) John Kiedrowski, Project Manager, First Nations National Building Officers Association (FNNBOA)
Leadership Series	Workshop M - Developing Governance Codes: A Success Story Long Plain First Nation’s successes in the last decade are rooted in the universal principals of good governance; off-reserve members have been casting votes for and/or running for the office of chief or council; wages are then set according a salary grid that forms part of the Long Plain election and governance codes. Developed by band members, these codes can only be amended by referendum. Long Plain has garnered much attention with its practice of accountability by releasing easily read annual reports/consolidated audits to all band members both. By doing so the trust has built over the years. Moderator: Deborah Taylor, Executive Director, First Nation Market Housing Fund Speakers: Tim Daniels, General Manager, Arrowhead Development Corporation, Manitoba Chief Dennis Meeches, Long Plain First Nation, Manitoba
Economic Development Series	Workshop N - Effective Trust Management in Difficult Times: Strategies for Coping This session will focus on the role of the Trust Officer. What is a Trust Officer? Who are the people you need and what skill sets and training should they have? Speakers will also discuss the key components of a trust agreement that will survive and thrive in difficult markets and how to manage income flows in volatile markets. Moderator: Dana Soonias, CAFM, Manager, Client Relations and Aboriginal Business Development, SaskCentral and Board Member, AFOA Canada Speaker: Wyatt Arcand, Chair, Aboriginal Trust Officers Association Kelly S. Rodgers, Advisory Board Member, Aboriginal Trust Officers Association Mark Sevestre, Secretary Treasurer and Executive Board Member, Aboriginal Trust Officers Association
Management Series	Workshop O - Strategic Planning: Getting Ready and Getting it Done This session will focus on first, becoming ready to engage in strategic planning, and second, implementing a strategic planning process. The first presentation will focus on strategic readiness –it’s value to the planning process, elements of readiness, ways that strategic readiness can be evaluated and assessed, and the need to address, strengthen, and align these readiness elements within and between leader and employees and/or community members. The second presentation will look at the experience of one First Nation with the strategic planning process and its results, including barriers faced. Moderator: Russ Paradoski, Partner, BDO Dunwoody LLP Speakers: Holly Johnson, Consultant, Samson Cree First Nation, Alberta Warren Weir, Assistant Professor / Coordinator, N. Murray School of Business, University of Saskatchewan
Product Information	The Certified Aboriginal Financial Manager (CAFM) - What is a CAFM and How Can you Become One? The CAFM designation is the only one of its kind in the world and is fast becoming one of the most preferred credentials for Aboriginal employers seeking financial professionals. A CAFM designation demonstrates professional credibility, competency and integrity. This session will provide information on how you can qualify to be a CAFM – if you have sufficient experience in Aboriginal financial management, it might be easier than you think!
12:15 pm - 2:15 pm	Lunch: Update from the Native American Finance Officers Association (NAFOA) The financial crisis and recession are having very direct effects on Tribes in the United States. Bill Lomax, President of the Native American Finance Officers Association, will outline the challenges American Tribes are facing and the strategies they are using to survive. Speaker: Bill Lomax, President, Native American Finance Officers Association Featuring the Comedy of Dawn Dumont Don’t miss comedian Dawn Dumont! Dawn’s comedy style has been described as a coy smile covering a killer wit. Dawn has made people laugh at comedy clubs across North America. She began her comedy career in Toronto on stages such as Yuk Yuk’s and the Laugh Resort. She currently co-hosts the Green Mic every Thursday in New York City’s East Village and she recently appeared on ABC’s One Life to Live. Closing Remarks by Conference Co-Chairs: Romeo Crow Chief, CAFM, Chair, AFOA Canada and President, AFOA Alberta Kathleen McHugh, Chair, Assembly of First Nations Womens' Council
2:15 pm - 2:45 pm	Networking with Exhibitors / Delegates
2:45 pm - 4:15 pm	Concurrent Workshops
Financial Management Series	Workshop P - Capital Assets Management and Reporting Starting March 31, 2010, all First Nations will be required to account for tangible capital assets on their statement of financial position. First Nations will have to report capital assets on their financial statements at historical cost and amortized over the assets’ estimated useful life on the statement of operations. This is the first time First Nations will account for and report all capital assets on their statement of financial position. This session will explain the challenges and outline the appropriate approach that should be taken. Moderator: Ernie Daniels, CAFM, President and Chief Operating Officer, AFOA Canada Speakers: Wayne McDonald, Associate Partner, KPMG LLP
Beginners Series	Workshop Q - Preparing for the Audit: Best Practices The Auditor is due to arrive in several weeks to conduct the Audit. What should you be doing to prepare? How can you ensure a successful, stress free Audit experience? What are your obligations and responsibilities? This session will answer these and other key questions to help you prepare effectively for your Audit. Moderator: John Carter, CAFM, Chief Executive Officer, Yellowknife Dene First Nation and Board Member, AFOA Canada Speakers: Cynthia Diamond, Assistant Finance Officer, Wahgoshig First Nation, Ontario Therisa Paulins, Finance Officer, Wahgoshig First Nation, Ontario
Leadership Series	Workshop R - Closing the Gap: Rethinking Capital in First Nations Governance The presenters on this panel will explore new ways of thinking about and raising capital for First Nations governments. The session will include a presentation on the role of private property in First Nations’ economics and an argument for a system that allows First Nations people to enjoy the rights and benefits of private property while still protecting the integrity of the reserve and the culture. The second presentation will present a solution to the disconnect in Canadian tax policy where on the one hand, there are barriers in the ability of First Nations governments to access and raise capital, and, on the other hand, Canadian jurisprudence on First Nations taxation prohibits dialogue on solutions to First Nations poverty. Moderator: Terry Hogan, President, Tax Recovery Group (First Nations) Inc. Speakers: James Easton, ReThink James Hopkins, Chair, Aboriginal Economic Development, University of Victoria
Economic Development Series	Workshop S - Integrated Approaches to Creating Wealth: Success Stories This session will focus on community success stories where the combined efforts of bankers, asset managers, legal advisors, trustees and community leaders have resulted in wealth generation. These success stories demonstrate situations where “asset management”, “strategic local economic venture investment” and “ strategic support of local social spending” (specifically spending that creates the ability of community members to participate in the economy and creates individual self-sufficiency) were successfully integrated and resulted in wealth creation. While these issues are sometimes addressed in isolation, these success stories demonstrate how to do it in an integrated and coordinated way. Moderator: Keith Martell, CAFM, Chairman, First Nations Bank of Canada Speakers: Chief Walter Janvier, Cold Lake First Nation, Alberta Chief Joe Linklater, Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation, Yukon Stephen Mills, President, Vuntut Development Corporation, Yukon
Healthy Workplace	Workshop T - Dealing with Stress in the Aboriginal Workplace The work environment has daily challenges that employees have to deal with. These challenges are usually enough to cause the employees a lot of stress and anxiety. How does your staff cope and deal with these daily stressors? Every work environment has its’ manuals, policies, roles and responsibilities and job descriptions. Everything looks good until you add people into the picture. Why is this? A healthy organization is based on how well the individuals are and how well they are able to deal with challenges both on a personal and professional level. This session will explore these increasingly important topics. Moderator: Jackie Coulter, CAFM, Finance & Administration Manager, Northwest Territories Tourism, Northwest Territories and Conference Committee Member Speaker: Patrick Buffalo, President, Smart Fuel Limited
5:30 pm - 6:30 pm	Reception
6:30 pm - 11:00 pm	Dinner, Presentation of the AFOA-Xerox Excellence in Leadership Award and CAFM Convocation / Featuring Shane Yellowbird Pre-Dinner Entertainment: Red Thunder Dance Troupe Remarks: Don Simpson, Partner, BDO Dunwoody LLP After Dinner Entertainment and Dance: Shane Yellowbird

Presentations

Wednesday, February 25, 2009

Opening Plenary - Round Table: Succeeding at Economic Development and Corporate Partnerships: What Does it Take?

Round table discussion paper

Workshop A - Leadership Series – Governing Effectively: A Governance Framework and Toolbox

Dan Yarymowich, Director, Strategic Priorities and Communications, Indian and Northern Affairs Canada

Workshop B - Financial Management Series – Risk Management Strategies for Today’s Volatile Investment Markets: Balancing Today’s Economic and Social Needs with that of Future Generations

Jack Jamieson, Vice President, T.E. Wealth

Ron Maurice, Senior Partner, Maurice Law

Jim Prodger, Finance Manager, Millbrook First Nation, Nova Scotia

Combined presentation of all presenters

Workshop C - Financial Management Series – Understanding the Contractual Relationship

Della Anaquod, Dean of Basic Education, Saskatchewan Institute of Applied Science and Technology (SIAST)

Workshop D - Management – Scorecards - Performance Reporting in First Nation Governments

Keith Fonstad, Business Advisor, Meyers Norris Penny LLP

Chief Dennis Meeches, Long Plain First Nation, Manitoba and Conference Committee Member

Chief Rosalie Tsannie-Burseth, Hatchet Lake Denesuline Nation, Saskatchewan

Workshop E - Healthy Workplace – Being an Effective Team Player

Romeo Crow Chief, CAFM, Chair, AFOA Canada and President, AFOA Alberta

Workshop F - Economic Development Series – Negotiating Impact Benefit Agreements: Success Stories

Roy Erasmus, Chief Executive Officer, Deton’Cho Corporation, Northwest Territories

Brian Titus, CAFM, Chief Financial Officer, Osoyoos Indian Band, British Columbia

Workshop G - Financial Management Series – The First Nations Fiscal and Statistical Management Act (FSMA) and the Fiscal Institutions - Building Blocks for First Nation Economic Development

Steve Berna, Senior Administrative Officer, First Nations Finance Authority

Derek Sagima, Director, Standards & Certification, First Nations Financial Management Board

Ken Scopick, Chief Operations Officer, First Nations Tax Commission

Francine Whiteduck, Board Member, First Nations Statistics Institute

Workshop H - Management Series – Human Resources Management: A Focus on Employee Policies and Training

Trina Daniels, Stoney Tribal Administration, Alberta

Debbie Dixon, Stoney Tribal Administration, Alberta

Eleanor Pollock, Human Resources Director, MicMacs of Gesgapegiag, Québec

Workshop I - Beginners Series – Developing an Effective Banking Relationship

Michele Baptiste, National Manager - Aboriginal Relations, Scotiabank Group

Stephan Fay, National Director, BMO Bank of Montreal

Brian Hjlesvold, Manager, Aboriginal Financial Services, RBC Royal Bank

Chief Arthur Noskey, Loon River Cree First Nation, Alberta

Grand Chief Timothy Dooly Thompson, Mohawk Council of Akwesasne, Ontario

Workshop J - Leadership Series – In Search of Good Governance for First Nation Pension Plans

Claude Marchessault, Pension Lawyer

Ted Patterson, Director, Centre for Employee Benefits, Humber Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning, Ontario

Combined presentation for both presenters

Thursday, February 29, 2007

Plenary – Crouching Tiger, Hidden Wolf: The Aboriginal China Trade Mission

Calvin Helin, Delegation Chair and President, Native Investment and Trade Association

Plenary – Is it Too Good to be True?

Harold Calla, CAFM, A/Chief Executive Officer, First Nations Financial Management Board

Keith Martell, CAFM, Chairman, First Nations Bank of Canada

Janice Rose, J.M. Rose & Associates and Board Member, AFOA Canada

Workshop K - Beginners Series – Best Practices in Budgeting

Jake Rawski, President, Rawski & Company

Workshop L - Management Series – Community Empowerment via Building Permits

Richard (Bud) Jobin, President, First Nations National Building Officers Association

John Kiedrowski, Project Manager, First Nations National Building Officers Association

Combined presentation for both presenters

Workshop M - Leadership Series – Developing Governance Codes: A Success Story

Tim Daniels, General Manager, Arrowhead Development Corporation, Manitoba

Chief Dennis Meeches, Long Plain First Nation, Manitoba

Workshop N - Economic Development Series – Effective Trust Management in Difficult Times: Strategies for Coping

Wyatt Arcand, Chair, Aboriginal Trust Officers Association

Kelly S. Rodgers, Advisory Board Member, Aboriginal Trust Officers Association

Mark Sevestre, Secretary Treasurer and Executive Board Member, Aboriginal Trust Officers Association

Combined presentation for all presenters

Workshop O - Management Series – Strategic Planning: Getting Ready and Getting it Done

Holly Johnson, Consultant, Samson Cree First Nation, Alberta

Warren Weir, Assistant Professor / Coordinator, N. Murray Edwards School of Business, University of Saskatchewan

Workshop P - Financial Management Series - Capital Assets Management and Reporting

Wayne McDonald, Associate Partner, KPMG LLP

Workshop Q - Beginners Series – Preparing for the Audit: Best Practices

Cynthia Diamond, Assistant Finance Officer, Wahgoshig First Nation, Ontario

Therisa Paulins, Finance Officer, Wahgoshig First Nation, Ontario

Combined presentation for both presenters

Workshop R - Leadership Series – Closing the Gap: Rethinking Capital in First Nations Governance

James Easton, Partner, ReThink Consulting Group

James Hopkins, Chair, Aboriginal Economic Development, University of Victoria

Workshop S - Economic Development Series – Integrated Approaches to Creating Wealth: Success Stories

Chief Walter Janvier, Cold Lake First Nation, Alberta

Ron Daub, Executive Director, Vuntut Development Corporation,Yukon

Roger Smith, Lawyer, Witten LLP Barristers & Solicitors

Workshop T - Healthy Workplace – Dealing with Stress in the Aboriginal Workplace

Patrick Buffalo, President, Smart Fuel Limited

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Conferences & Events

National Conference 2009

Conference Program

Tuesday, February 24, 2009

Wednesday, February 25, 2009

Prayer:

Welcome:

Greetings

Opening Plenary

Leadership Series

Workshop A - Governing Effectively: A Governance Framework and Toolbox

Financial Management Series

Workshop B - Risk Management Strategies for Today's Volatile Investment Markets: Balancing Today's Economic and Social Needs with that of Future Generations

Financial Management Series

Workshop C - Understanding the contractual Relationship

Management Series

Workshop D - Scorecards - Performance Reporting in First Nation Governments

Healthy Workplace Series

Workshop E - Being an Effective Team Player

Product Information

Aboriginal Participation in the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games

Luncheon of the Aboriginal Youth Financial Management Conference Awards

Economic Development Series

Workshop F - Negotiating Impact Benefit Agreements: Success Stories

Financial Management Series

Workshop G - The First Nations Fiscal and Statistical Act (FSMA) and the Fiscal Institutions - Building Blocks for First Nation Economic Development

Management Series

Workshop H - Human Resources Management: A Focus on Employee Policies and Training

Beginners Series

Workshop I - Developing an Effective Banking Relationship

Leadership Series

Workshop J - In Search of Good Governance for First Nation Pension Plans

Product Information

The Certified Aboriginal Financial Manager (CAFM) - What is a CAFM and How Can You Become One?

Thursday, February 26, 2009

Prayer

Plenary - Aboriginal Self-Government: Success Stories

Plenary (Part 1) - Crouching Tiger, Hidden Wolf: The Aboriginal China Trade Mission

Plenary (Part 2) - Is it Too Good to be True?

Beginners Series

Workshop K -Best Practices in Budgeting

Managing Series

Workshop L - Community Empowerment via Building Permits

Leadership Series

Workshop M - Developing Governance Codes: A Success Story

Economic Development Series

Workshop N - Effective Trust Management in Difficult Times: Strategies for Coping

Management Series

Workshop O - Strategic Planning: Getting Ready and Getting it Done

Product Information

The Certified Aboriginal Financial Manager (CAFM) - What is a CAFM and How Can you Become One?

Lunch: Update from the Native American Finance Officers Association (NAFOA)

Featuring the Comedy of Dawn Dumont

Financial Management Series

Workshop P - Capital Assets Management and Reporting

Beginners Series

Workshop Q - Preparing for the Audit: Best Practices

Leadership Series

Workshop R - Closing the Gap: Rethinking Capital in First Nations Governance

Economic Development Series

Workshop S - Integrated Approaches to Creating Wealth: Success Stories

Healthy Workplace

Workshop T - Dealing with Stress in the Aboriginal Workplace

Dinner, Presentation of the AFOA-Xerox Excellence in Leadership Award and CAFM Convocation / Featuring Shane Yellowbird

Presentations

Wednesday, February 25, 2009

Thursday, February 29, 2007

Sponsors

Conference Photos