Conference Program and Presentations

 

First Nations Wealth Management Through Good Governance
East Meeting Room 8
Changes of historic proportions are taking place in aboriginal communities across Canada with the creation of Trusts resulting from Specific Claims Settlements, Economic Development, Impact Benefit Agreements and other resource sharing opportunities. From our existing relationships across Canada, we know that the resulting income and capital generated from within these Trusts have the potential to transform a community into an economically self-sustaining and self-governing entity, but only when managed effectively.  This session will provide real life situations when wealth management was placed in the wrong hands and the benefits of good governance practice when it applies to wealth creation.
Moderator: Jeff Frketich, FCPA, FCGA, CFA, AVP – Trust Services, Peace Hills Trust
Speakers: Ken Blair, Managing Partner, Chemawawin Cree Nation
Georgina Villeneuve, MBA, MTI, Vice President – Trust Services, Peace Hills Trust

Business Development and Trade - The Financial Sector Needs Indigenous Peoples
East Ballroom A
This presentation is intended to be a powerful reframe in thinking. When asking for help to resolve intergenerational poverty in First Nations we ask government to fund or fix it. Is the “reset” button on the computer worn out? Should we be looking for a new key? The financial sector needs to find new markets, drive profit and preserve capital. If financial institutions create products and services for Indigenous Peoples to help them to be financially healthy; they too become wealthier and healthier because they have more valuable clients and new markets. First Nations Foundation will discuss how the financial sector will benefit from the economic opportunities in First Nations communities. 
NACCA will discuss the growing need for capital to invest in the rapidly growing Indigenous business sector. National Aboriginal Capital Corporations Association (NACCA), is a membership-driven national association for a network of Aboriginal Financial Institutions, or AFIs. NACCA supports the AFI network, which offers financing to First Nations, Métis, and Inuit businesses and communities. NACCA is committed to the needs of AFIs and the Aboriginal businesses that they serve.
Speakers: Shannin Metatawabin, Chief Executive Officer, National Aboriginal Capital Corporations Association
Amanda Young, Chief Executive Officer, First Nations Foundation, Australia

Community Administration - Environmentally Sustainable Development in National Parks
East Meeting Room 2
In March 1987, the Wreck Bay Aboriginal Community Council (WBACC) was established to hold title and exercise powers as owners of Aboriginal Land. By controlling and managing their own land and waters, the Community aims to become self-sufficient and able to freely determine its future and lifestyle. The Council’s goals are for sole ownership of all lands and waters within Jervis Bay Territory to be environmentally sustainable development and to earn income, create jobs and achieve financial security. They also want to achieve social and cultural development, linked with appropriate cultural training and education. They jointly manage Booderee National Park with the Director of National Parks Australia. The presentation will describe the network of legislative requirements, international agreements and the Lease (between WBACC and the Director). The presentation will also describe the philosophy and direction of management of BNP for the next 10 years, from a traditional owner's perspective.
Pacific Rim National Park Reserve (PRNPR), Parks Canada Agency was established April 1970. It was the first National Park on the West Coast of Vancouver Island. Over the past 20 years, PRNPR has been working cooperatively with nine Nuu-chah-nulth (NCN) Nations on various projects, management and programs related to the park. PRNPR and NCN Nations work to develop economic opportunities such as Guardian and Beach Keeper programs, protect and preserve the environment, welcome and educate visitors to the park and the NCN culture and history and to maintain many of the trails within the park.
Speakers: George Brown, Human Resources Manager, Wreck Bay Aboriginal Community Council (WBACC), Australia
Karen Haugen, Park Superintendent, Pacific Rim National Park Reserve

Financial Management - Financial Education and Capability
East Meeting Room 1
Aboriginal communities in Canada, US, Australia and New Zealand share many of the same opportunities to secure long-term economic, cultural and spiritual futures. One of the keys to this success is Aboriginal community financial literacy. The panel will discuss common issues and challenges in financial administration and management that apply in Canada and globally. The presentation will focus on the successes and lessons learned from various communities.
BDO Canada has collaboratively worked with Aboriginal communities and organizations across Canada to achieve their goals that aligns with community values. We will share the experiences of a number of common issues and challenges in financial administration and management that apply not only across Canada but on a global level.
In 2015, AFOA Canada published its National Aboriginal Financial Literacy Needs Assessment and Framework. A summary will be provided to assist the delegates to understand the financial literacy needs of Aboriginal People in Canada and the 5 pillars of financial literacy will be presented. Financial decisions that people face through their life journey will be highlighted and recommendations for using the Framework within Aboriginal communities will be discussed.
Factors and best practices for the development of financial literacy skills within communities will be discussed. The Chippewas of Rama First Nation developed the Rama Community Financial Assistance Program, a department within the Finance division, provides loans, advice, workshops and education to community members on financial literacy. This case study demonstrates how communities have developed financial literacy among employees and among community members.
Moderator/Speaker: Giles Newman, Partner and Co-Chair National Aboriginal Services Group, BDO Canada
Speakers: Helen Bobiwash, CPA, CMA, CAFM
Rick Morano, CMA, CAFM, Chief Financial Officer, Chippewas of Rama First Nation

East Meeting Room 1
Many, if not most, Aboriginal governments and their Trusts are paying taxes to the U.S. government when they do not need to. The ability to eliminate U.S. withholding taxes results from the classification of a First Nation government as a foreign government and therefore exempt. 
The panel will review a Case Study on the financial impact of U.S. taxes withheld. For a trust with $50 million in capital the U.S. taxes withheld could mean hundreds of thousands of dollars over a decade, money that could make a significant difference to the long term wealth of the nation and the ability to positively impact the lives of members. Innovative solutions include the elimination of U.S. Withholding Taxes and Portfolio Structure. The presentation will address the legal aspects as well as the investment implementation aspects. The portfolio structure and framework implemented by the First Nation of their Trust will significantly impact the ease and feasibility of eliminating U.S. Withholding taxes.
The presentation will provide a step by step guide, including specific examples of communities who have successfully increased their annual income through the elimination of these taxes.
Speakers: Max Reed, LLB, BCL, Partner, US & Canadian Tax, SKL Tax
Kelly Rodgers, CFA, President, Rodgers Investment Consulting

Education - NEW AFOA Certified Indigenous Leaders Program
East Meeting Room 8
Learn about the new certification for Indigenous elected (chief and council), youth and future leaders. The program will enhance your knowledge, skills and professional development of elected officials to enable you to better perform their functions and build community prosperity and financial wellbeing. The Program will provide you with new networking opportunities, new environments for learning and access to best practices for working with First Nations and Indigenous organizations at all levels. Specifically designed to set high quality competency standards and provide the learning opportunities which will enable Indigenous leaders and future leaders working in First Nations communities to gain the knowledge and skills required to enhance their leadership roles in serving their communities. The plan is to deliver the Program in four two-day sessions. Learn details about the delivery of the first cohort to be delivered in 2017/18.
Speakers: Simon Brascoupé, MA, CAPA, CFNHM, Vice President, Education and Training, AFOA Canada
Manon Lamontagne, MA, MBA, CHRP, CAPA

Education - Pathways to Indigenous Leadership and Economic Empowerment
East Meeting Room 2
Financial and governance expertise 'by' Indigenous Peoples rather than 'for' Indigenous Peoples is a pathway to leadership and economic empowerment. Drawing on the research by ORIC (The Office of the Registrar of Indigenous Corporation) the significant role of accounting and governance will be discussed in the advancement of economic strength of Indigenous Peoples.
Moving away from 'just doing' for Indigenous Peoples to respectful cultural inclusion is the way forward for Australian business and professions. The importance of Indigenous languages will be discussed as an underpinning of identity and connection not just for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander but for all Australians.
By highlighting the powerful role of financial and business skills, we will discuss how these skills are vital links towards 'closing the gap'. Closing the gap “is a government strategy that aims to reduce disadvantage among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with respect to life expectancy, child mortality, access to early childhood education, educational achievement, and employment outcomes” (HealthInfoNet, 2016). Christian Lugnan is on the board of a local Aboriginal medical service in Australia and will discuss his observations regarding the connection between business skills and improved quality of life indicators.
Speakers: Dr. Luisa Lombardi, CPA, Chair of Indigenous Accounting and Business Conference, Senior Lecturer, Deakin Business School, Deakin University, Australia
Christian Lugnan, CPA, Regional Manager, Coffs Harbour, Office of the Registrar of Indigenous Corporations and Advisory committee member, Indigenous Accountants Australia, Australia

 

Business Development and Trade - Renewable Energy Futures
East Meeting Room 1
CANCELLED

Community Administration - Australian Reconciliation: Financial Services Regulation and Action Plan
East Ballroom C
The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) is the Australian corporate, markets and financial services regulator. ASIC developed the Indigenous Outreach Program (IOP) in acknowledgement of the unique issues faced by Indigenous consumers within the financial service sector, and because of unscrupulous businesses practices. ASIC's IOP works to build relationships, understanding and trust between the financial services sector and Indigenous consumers, the knowledge of our workforce and financial capability towards sustainability in community. 
The panel will discuss how compliance, enforcement, policy development, industry liaison balanced with the building of financial capability are all foundational to a fair market with confident and informed consumers. Case studies will show how ASIC has taken court action to ensure those businesses taking advantage of Indigenous community are being held to account. They will discuss the importance of financial capability and how they have developed resources utilising Indigenous community centred design to ensure communities understand and stand up for their rights. 
In 2016 Australian Unity launched its first Reconciliation Action Plan to build stronger relationships with Indigenous customers, communities and business. They found that building trust is the underlining principle of respectful relationships, and the importance of enabling voices within the organisation to influence positive outcomes. They joined a well-established network of organizations that implemented Reconciliation Action Plans to build stronger relationships with Australia’s first people. The lesson learned is the importance of working within a system to change the system, building allies and ensuring community is at the heart decision making.
Speakers: Nathan Boyle, Senior Analyst - Indigenous Outreach Program,  Australian Securities & Investments Commission, Australia
Benson Saulo, Group Indigenous Opportunities Manager, Australian Unity, Australia

Community Administration - Indigenous Public Administration, Nation Building and Authentic Partnerships
East Meeting Room 8
Canada’s 1876 Indian Act and the U.S. Indian Reorganization Act 1934 denied Indigenous Nations their own governance systems that imposed Western-Euro systems of governance. This resulted in outcomes that place Indigenous populations on the bottom of almost every indicator of well-being. 
The Harvard Project on American Indian Economic Development (HPAIED) focuses on understanding the factors involved in the creation of sustained, self-determined social and economic development in Indigenous Nations. HPAIED suggests there are five pillars necessary for thriving communities: practical sovereignty, capable institutions, cultural match, strategic orientation, and leadership. An overview of established and emerging public administration programs in the U.S. and Canada, highlighting case studies such as File Hills Qu’Appelle Tribal Council transition to an Indigenous-based governance system. A new international partnership amongst three institutions - First Nations University of Canada, Johnson Shoyama Graduate School of Public Policy and Dr. Manly Begay, HPAIED co-director, will show how theory into practice develops the human resource capacity within Indigenous Nations. 
Authentic partnerships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous businesses and organizations both in Canada and abroad require unique planning and effort. What is not well understood is the level of corporate-indigenous partnerships or the strategies and practices needed to build ‘high-functioning, authentic and long-term Indigenous partnerships. This presentation will cover: the seven-stage partnership model; a competency based approach; ‘video vignettes’ and case studies; and benchmarking engagement performance. A recent study found that ‘85%’ of corporate Canada are disengaged. New strategies are needed to overcome the ‘engagement gap’ and to develop the competencies needed to create authentic partnerships.​
Speakers: Edmund Bellegarde, Tribal Chief, File Hills Qu’Appelle Tribal Council
Dr. Bob Kayseas, Associate Vice-President Academic, First Nations University of Canada
Dr. Jaime M.N. Lavallee, Muskeg Lake Cree Nation
Kelly J. Lendsay, President and Chief Executive Officer, Indigenous Works

Financial Management - Responsible and Sustainable Investment
East Meeting Room 1
Responsible Investing (RI) is an approach designed to match investments to the social and environmental values of the community. RI adds a layer of due diligence to consider how a business scores or ranks on the basis of social issues, environmental issues, and governance issues and structure.
Proponents of RI believe that an investment discipline that considers environmental, social and governance issues leads to long-term competitive financial returns, and a positive impact on society. The term ethical investing is used to denote the good intentions of investors seeking to invest their funds in an ethical and socially responsible manner. Delegates will learn about Environment, Social & Governance (ESG) which emphasizes the inclusion of Environment and Governance considerations.
Stakeholders are increasingly focused on sustainable or responsible investing strategies. This session will help demystify some of the terms and strategies used by asset owners and managers, as well as discuss various ways to incorporate ESG investing into your Trust’s investment practices.

Leadership - Sustainable Economic and Cultural Development – Success Stories
East Ballroom B
Westbank First Nation is in the beautiful Okanagan Valley, traditional territory of Syilx people. Recognized for its visionary, progressive leadership, self-government and economic success. WFN will present on its land, leasing system, and Economic Development Commission, the first aboriginal EDC in Canada. WFN’s total assessed property values are now more than $1.6 billion, including the largest square footage of on-reserve retail and commercial development in Canada. Presently, 42% tax revenue comes from commercial enterprises and land developments. It currently has partnerships in two shopping centres, and off-reserve developments and ownerships. Revenue has allowed WFN to open new beach parks and a $5.5 million youth centre, and is exploring an expansion of its elementary school. WFN is now reflecting on future possibilities. 
The Doig River First Nation has undertaken an aggressive course of initiatives to dramatically improve its current operations and set a solid foundation for future prosperity. The presentation provides an overview of the achievements that the Nation has realized, with attention focused on lessons learned such as: development of a Financial Administration Law; professional development (CAFM) to increase the financial management capacity and revenue sharing agreements with local industry, which separates business from politics. Doig River’s Chief and Council have adopted a strong transparency and accountability practice of bringing all major financial decisions to community meetings. In addition, it created a strong foundation for sustainable economic development based on the Nation’s history and traditions. The future is based on a healthy respect and promotion of traditional knowledge, values and practices.
Speakers: Nelson Derickson, Chair, Economic Development Commission, Westbank First Nation
Eric Fleury, Budget and Financial Reporting Manager, Westbank First Nation
Chief Trevor Makadahay, Doig River First Nation
Shona Nelson, Band Administrator, Doig River First Nation

Business Development and Trade - Indigenous Community Experiences in the Energy Sector
East Meeting Room 8
The Prime Minister mandated his government to enhance the engagement of Indigenous groups in reviewing and monitoring major resource development projects. The Indian Resource Council (IRC)  feels that it can offer assistance to the government to help achieve these objectives. 
Throughout North America, pipeline and other natural resource projects are facing steep opposition from Indigenous communities seeking a seat at the decision-making table for projects impacting their communities. To date, negotiations regarding appropriate compensation for Indigenous communities have been challenging given the lack of framework to begin and guide discussions. In October 2016, the Indian Resource Council (IRC) hosted a conference in Calgary to seek a long-term solution. 
The presentation by MNP LLP will focus on Linear Projects which are construction projects repetitive projects such as highway, pipelines, and electrical lines. Nearly all major linear projects cross multiple traditional Treaty, Reserve, or traditional territories where Indigenous title requires a consultation and value consideration.
There are many large-scale economic projects currently proposed in Canada. Some of these projects are so large that they impact the traditional territories of several First Nations. The FNFMB has been approached by some First Nations who are interested in meaningful economic participation in energy and resource development in their traditional territories. FMB will discuss their experience and lessons learned in the energy sector moving forward.
Speakers: Chief Joe Bevan, Kitselas First Nation
Stephen Buffalo, Chief Executive Officer, Indian Resource Council
Harold Calla, FCPA, FCGA, CAFM, Executive Chair, First Nations Financial Management Board
Clayton Norris, CMA, CPA, CAFM, MBA, Vice President, Aboriginal Services, MNPCMA, CPA, CAFM, MBA Vice President, Aboriginal Services, MNP LLP

Community Administration - The New Fiscal Relationship Between the Crown and First Nations – What is Happening and Where is it Going?
East Ballroom A
In the past year, there have been on-going discussions between the Assembly of First Nations (AFN) and the Crown on the New Fiscal Relationships.   Specific areas of discussion include long term sufficient, predictable and sustainable funding.  As well, INAC recently developed the Indigenous Community Development National Strategy.  In support of the development of the strategy, the department has engaged with First Nation mentors with experience working with Indigenous communities. Engagement with these mentors focused the strategy on what is important to First Nation communities. This engagement approach has resulted in a strategy that will better support First Nations needs with respect to community planning, so that all First Nations are able to plan for and achieve better outcomes. The goal of the strategy is to have a positive impact all areas of governance capacity, transparency, and accountability to help Indigenous communities become sufficient self-governing First Nations.
Speakers: Lyle Henderson, Director, Governance Capacity Unit, Indian and Northern Affairs Canada
Dan Wilson, Senior Advisor, Assembly of First Nations

Healthy Workplace/Human Resources - Nation Building Through Human Capacity Development
East Ballroom C
With the potential for great prosperity on the horizon, it is more critical than ever to accelerate Indigenous leadership and management capacity. But who are the ‘leaders’ to be developed and what skills are needed to help communities and organizations thrive? How is meaningful human capacity building being funded and where are the gaps? These are some of the questions that will be explored. 
There remains much work to overcome the socio-economic challenges faced by Indigenous Peoples in Canada and internationally. Through their discovery process, Urban Matters CCC is working to increase Indigenous human capacity development programs and funding.
The presentation will also focus on lessons learned, tools and best practices which Kanuu Indigenous Innovation Society has learned through intensive workshops, online coaching, and access to social finance capital. 
Australia’s Indigenous business sector has been compared to a ‘sleeping giant’ because of the potential lying beneath the surface. The speakers will discuss, that to fully awaken it is critical to have more Indigenous accountants. The opportunity is there, Indigenous Australians have rights to a massive 40% of Australia with claims over another 20%. The speakers will make the case for why we need more Indigenous Accountants to unlock this potential.
Studies found the biggest reason for failure amongst Indigenous corporations is inadequate or non-existent processes or records for financial accounts. Failing corporations suffer from poor management, poor corporate governance and in some cases, financial misappropriation. For Indigenous businesses to build prosperity from the assets they have fought hard for, they need to build Indigenous financial and governance expertise.
Speakers: Richard Hurst, Relationship Manager, Indigenous Strategies, Indigenous Accountants Australia, Australia
Mark Jones, Project Director, Indigenous Accountants Australia, Australia
Danielle Levine, Chief Executive Officer, Kanuu Social Innovations
Trina Wamboldt, Executive Director, Urban Matters CCC

Education - Unlocking the Potential of Income Tax Clinics
East Meeting Room 2
The new 2017 Canada Child Benefit (CCB) means that many families with children under 18 can expect to see a bigger child benefit payment that will boost their income. The federal government estimates that tax filing rates on reserve is approximately 50 percent. There is a concern that many Indigenous families are missing out on the CCB and other benefits as a result.
The Community Volunteer Income Tax Program (CVITP) and Super Clinics are ways communities and Indigenous organizations are helping seniors, family members and youth in filing their income tax returns and accessing the benefits they are entitled to. In this session, we will draw on research and emerging best practices to:
• Increasing tax filing and accessing benefits;
• Accessing benefits to achieving financial wellness;
• Financial wellness education; and
• Introduce the CVITP best practices and lessons learned
Speakers: Laura Eastman, CFP, Lorna Eastman Financial
Nene Kraneveldt, MA, Imagination FX
Karen Martin, Regional Outreach Planning Officer, Assessment, Benefit, and Service Branch, Canada Revenue Agency

Education - Dollars & Sense
East Meeting Room 11
Focusing on enhancing the financial awareness and understanding of Aboriginal youth in middle and high school, this Information Session highlights what you need to know about the Dollars & Sense modules. The key content themes covered in the two modules developed for Aboriginal youth in grades 11 and 12 (Secondary School Module) and grades 7 and 8 (Elementary - Middle School Module) include: effective money management; saving; goal setting and budgeting; purchasing and consumer awareness; banking; and financial careers. AFOA Canada acknowledges the generous support of the TD Bank Group for the development of Dollars and Sense.
Speaker: Patricia Debassige, Education and Research Coordinator, AFOA Canada