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Conference Program

Click here to download the Conference program.

See links below to download the Workshop Presentations.

Tuesday, October 2, 2018

		3:00 pm - 8:00 pm	Registration Rideau Canal Atrium Centre, Level 2 Registration Sponsored by:
		5:00 - 6:00 pm	First Time Delegate Reception Colonel By Foyer, Level 1

		6:00 pm - 9:00 pm	Opening Reception with Exhibitors and Silent Auction Canada Hall 2, Level 3 Opening Reception Sponsored by:
			Sponsor Remarks: TBC Entertainment: Nunavut Sivuniksavu Student Throat Singers Theland Kicknosway Hoop Dancer

Wednesday, October 3, 2018

		7:00 am - 7:30 am	Morning Prayer Meeting Room 210, Level 2

		7:30 am - 4:00 pm	Registration Rideau Canal Atrium Centre, Level 2 Sponsored by:

		7:30 am - 8:30 am	Networking Continental Breakfast / Visit the Exhibitors and Technology Café Canada Hall 2, Level 3 Breakfast sponsored by:

		8:30 am - 9:00 am	Prayer / Welcome / Greetings / Opening Plenary Canada Hall 1, Level 3

			Prayer: Elder Peter Decontie, Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg, QC Welcome: Chris Sicotte, Chair of the Board, AFOA Canada Terry Goodtrack, MPA, B Admin, CPA, CGA, CAFM, CAPA, C. Dir, President and CEO, AFOA Canada

			Welcome by Conference Co-Chairs: Sara Mainville, Partner, Olthuis Kleer Townshend LLP (OKT Law) Shannin Metatawabin, Chief Executive Officer, National Aboriginal Capital Corporations Association (NACCA)

			Greetings: Councillor Wendy Jocko, Algonquins of Pikwàkanagàn First Nation Remarks by Corporate Lead Sponsor: Keith Martell, CPA, CA, CAFM, Chief Executive Officer, First Nations Bank of Canada

		9:00 am - 10:30 am	Opening Plenary - The Changing Nature of Work Canada Hall 1, Level 3 Recently, there has been much discussion on automation and artificial intelligence. This poses the question of how this technology will impact upon Indigenous workplaces and communities in Canada. At the same time, it is important to recognize that throughout the last century specific technological advances have also changed the economic and social fabric of Canada. This plenary will focus on the potential changing nature of work, how we can work smarter and not harder, and how Indigenous culture and creativity can help shape modern workplaces and better serve community members. Part 1 - Keynote Address Keynote: Amanda Young, Chief Executive Officer, First Nations Foundation, Australia Part 2 - Panel Discussion Moderator: Harold Tarbell, Tarbell Facilitation Network Panelists: Mitchell Carkner, MBA, Canadian Cognitive Process Services Leader, IBM Services Keith Martell, CPA, CA, CAFM, Chief Executive Officer, First Nations Bank of Canada Jordan Wapass, Executive Director, Mohawk Council of Akwesasne Amanda Young, Chief Executive Officer, First Nations Foundation, Australia

		10:30 am - 11:00 am	Refreshment Break / Visit the Exhibitors and Technology Café Canada Hall 2, Level 3

		11:00 am - 12:15 pm	Concurrent Workshops and Information Sessions
		Workshop A	Financial Management - Gutsy, Impactful and Sustainable Financial Leadership in Ahousaht Meeting Room 207, Level 2 In 2014 Ahousaht was placed into a Management Action Plan by DISC. Failing grades were issued on all financial ratios and their financial statements received a Denial of Opinion. On April 1, 2018 Ahousaht successfully exited the DISC program with new policies and laws in place, including human resource and IT policies. The auditors’ management letter that followed the financial statements that were presented with a denial of opinion became the focal point of every management meeting and managers goals for that year. That letter had over 30 items that needed to be corrected. Under the new action plan, no new debt was incurred unless it corresponded to a revenue producing asset (ie rental accommodation). All the while Ahousaht took on developing and project managing large capital projects including 16 new housing units, a Waste Water Treatment Facility, High Speed Internet, Improved Dock Safety, Improved Education for Ahousaht’s youth, and a skateboard park for the community. Speakers: Anne Atleo, Manager of Administration, Ahousaht First Nation, BC Rob Bullock, CPA, Executive Director, Ahousaht First Nation, BC Click here to download the Presentation.
		Workshop B	Community Administration - Partnerships in Planning: Emergency Preparedness for Indigenous Communities Meeting Room 205, Level 2 First Nation communities are not only required to complete an update to their Emergency Preparedness Plan, including training of key personnel on the plan, its policies and its procedures, but this practice makes business and economic sense to build capacity, security, and effectively manage risk at a community level. We leverage best practices and build out contingency plans for all aspects of an Emergency Preparedness Plan that are unique to First Nations and their particular communities. Morris Interactive has experience dealing with these projects including 2 key activities: 1. Updating the current Emergency Preparedness Plan using the Saskatchewan Emergency Management Guide endorsed by ISC/INAC and FNIH in emergency planning for First Nations. This will include ‘modernizing’ of the plan to accurately reflect current risks to the community, both natural (fire, flood, etc.) and human (violence, threat, etc.). 2. Providing training on the updated Emergency Preparedness Plan to key persons identified in the Control Group (leadership) and the Operations Group (emergency site management and response personnel). Morris Interactive utilizes the following methodologies in completing these activities in addition to elements that can be added throughout the consultation process: 1. Reviewing existing materials, such as the Emergency Preparedness Plans and related procedures 2. Research and compilation of best practices in emergency management and response, including those of SEPA, Education (ie. School Lockdown Procedures), etc. 3. Conducting meeting and individual interviews with key personnel to update the personnel and resource lists for Emergency Preparedness and Response 4. Preparing a draft Emergency Preparedness Plan and forms/documents resource binder 5. Presenting the draft Emergency Preparedness Plan, including all relevant policies and procedures, to the key personnel identified by the community as part of the Control, Operations and Responders groups, in a training workshop format that will adhere to the elements of; Risk Mitigation, Emergency Preparedness, Emergency Response and Recovery following Emergency Event. Training will focus on; Roles and Responsibilities, Team Approach, and Mutual Aid. 6. Providing a final Emergency Preparedness Plan, including Policies, Procedures and Contact List, together with forms and templates in a master both electronically and in binder form to the community. In this session we will discuss project strategy, community collaboration and uniqueness, lessons learned, and tailor the message for direct value takeaway for the audience of Chief and Council members, community leaders, finance professionals, trust officers, Indigenous business owners and all stakeholders that need to be engaged in this type of planning process. Speakers: Sarah Gopher, Band Manager, Saulteaux First Nation, SK Sherry Jimmy, M.S.A., B.S.W., Senior Consultant, Morris Interactive Click here to download the Presentation.
		Workshop C	Leadership - Chemawawin Cree Nation’s Wealth Creation Through Good Governance Meeting Room 201, Level 2 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 of wealth management having been placed in the wrong hands and also examples of the benefits of good governance when it applies to wealth creation. Speakers: Jeff Frketich, FCPA, FCGA, CFA, A/Vice President, Trust Services, Peace Hills Trust Georgina Villeneuve, MBA, MTI, Vice President, Trust Services, Peace Hills Trust Click here to download the Presentation. Workshop sponsored by:
		Workshop D	Leadership - Tsuut’ina Nation – Southwest Calgary Ring Road Project Business Development Opportunities Meeting Room 208, Level 2 In November 2013, the Tsuut’ina Nation signed an agreement with the Government of Alberta to swap land and allow the Government to construct the Southwest Calgary Ring Road project. This project involves the construction of approximately 21 kilometers of highway and related interchanges and bridges at a cost of $1.42 billion. Full construction on the project started in spring 2017 and it is expected to be complete in fall 2021. In July 2016, Tsuut’ina Nation announced that it has partnered with real-estate developer Canderel to build three business centres along the planned southwest leg of the ring road. The 200-hectare Taza Park will have space for retail stores, but will focus on entertainment and hospitality to complement the existing Grey Eagle Resort and Casino. Taza Crossing is to cover 145 hectares and include a research campus, as well as retail, office and mixed-use developments with access to trails, parks and open spaces. A shopping complex called Taza Exchange is the third part of the plan. This presentation will focus on the many business development opportunities and challenges that these developments present to the Nation. Under a Capital Trust Agreement with the Government of Canada, Tsuut’ina Nation will have direct control over funds received from the transfer of the land and it can use these funds for projects that Nation citizens approve in a referendum. Tsuut’ina Nation will also maintain control over the development on its lands and share in cash distribution when the land is developed. Nation business will be able to participate either directly in these developments or through the increased traffic that they will bring. Tsuut’ina citizens will benefit from local employment opportunities. The challenges include managing the growth and supporting all these developments. Speaker: Dan Rochon, CPA, CA, Controller, Tsuut’ina Nation Click here to download the Presentation.
		Workshop E	Healthy Workplace/Human Resources - Building Healthy Human Capacity for the Workplace Meeting Room 206, Level 2 This workshop has helped organizations focus on the positive effects of working towards creating a healthier, more productive workplace. Many of us often bring our home stresses into our work space which could result in the occurrence of lateral violence. Although the issues are serious, the speakers will relate humorous anecdotes to assist participants to understand their shared meaning and on to focus on their jobs. Many issues are challenging and speakers will discuss specific ones including impulsiveness, misdirection, misplaced anger and other challenging encounters found only in our community workplaces. You will hear how we can commit ourselves to another route by taking a proactive path of walking towards a committed and shared vision of our community’s healthier future. Other positive aspects to be explored include our strength and unique sense of humor as the Indigenous peoples, our distinctive culture, our resilience and our spiritual philosophy as this applies to the workplace. Speaker: Konwatsitsa:wi M. Meloche Click here to download the Presentation.
		Information Session 1	Government - Get Your Benefits & Credits Meeting Room 203, Level 2 This session is aimed at providing participants with the knowledge and tools available to receive the benefits and credits administered by CRA, such as the goods and services tax / harmonized sales tax (GST/HST) credit, the Canada child benefit (CCB), and other related payments from provincial or territorial programs. During this workshop you will learn the importance of filing a tax return in order to qualify for the credits and benefits. CRA also works with community organizations across the country each year through our Community Volunteer Income Tax Program (CVITP) to train volunteers in preparing basic income tax returns for individuals to receive their benefits and credits. You will also have the opportunity to learn about how you can volunteer with the CVITP. Speaker: Erin Jeffery, Outreach Officer, Canada Revenue Agency Click here to download the Presentation.
		Information Session 2	Education - Financial Literacy of Indigenous Secondary Students in Atlantic Provinces Meeting Room 211, Level 2 The project team was contracted by the Atlantic Aboriginal Economic Development Integrated Research Program to collect baseline data on the financial literacy of secondary students in the Atlantic Provinces. The Native Women’s Association of Canada (2014) survey-based report described a continued need for economic empowerment for Aboriginal women, particularly targeting low-income earners. In the spirit of building upon this research, the project focused on Atlantic Canada’s 14-18 year old Indigenous population. The four main activities included: 1) an environmental scan of existing literature to determine the current landscape of financial literacy in Atlantic Canada; 2) administration of surveys to the target age group (14-18) to collect baseline data from Indigenous populations in the Atlantic Region; 3) review of existing resources and solutions to understand best practices in the gamification of learning; and 4) development of an educational tool for electronic distribution. The literature review revealed ongoing challenges to Indigenous financial literacy resulting from systemic racism, colonized pedagogies, and erroneous framings of challenges as deficiency. The environmental scan reconfirms that there are few resources designed for Indigenous end users. Further, those that are designed for Indigenous end users may be out of date or approach development as a process of “indigenizing” materials, rather than developing new ones from a Two-Eyed Seeing approach. The results of surveys deployed among Indigenous end users, ages 14-18, in Atlantic Canada reveal that the majority of respondents would like to learn more about money. A web application titled "Seven Generations Financial Literacy" was developed and will soon be available at sevengenerationsfinancial.com. Speakers: Mary Beth Doucette, P.Eng, MBA CED; Purdy Crawford Chair in Aboriginal Business Studies, Cape Breton University Tanaysha Sack, BA, MA (Student) Click here to download the Presentation.
		Information Session 3	Government - Complaints Related to Service from the CRA – Lessons Learned and Working Toward Better Service Meeting Room 204, Level 2 Operating at arm’s length from the Canada Revenue Agency, the Office of the Taxpayers' Ombudsman (OTO) works to enhance the Canada Revenue Agency's (CRA) accountability in its service to, and treatment of, taxpayers through independent and impartial reviews of service-related complaints and systemic issues. OTO receives complaints and concerns from members of First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities. The Taxpayers’ Ombudsman, Ms. Sherra Profit, will provide examples of the types of issues her Office receives in order to provide community leaders with her insights in helping Indigenous people get better service from the CRA. Session participants will also have the opportunity to share their experiences with service received from the CRA. This information will help Ms. Profit in making recommendations to the Minister of National Revenue on better serving Indigenous communities. In support of the conference theme of Human Capital – Balancing Indigenous Culture and Creativity with Modern Workplaces, the session will provide participants with information on the types of issues and trends her office sees from members of the Indigenous communities and on better ways of serving these populations. Speaker: Sherra Profit, Taxpayers’ Ombudsman, Office of the Taxpayers’ Ombudsman, Government of Canada Click here to download the Presentation.

		12:30 pm - 2:30 pm	Luncheon - A Focus on our Indigenous Youth Canada Hall 1, Level 3 There is a great demand in our communities for financial 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 Canada launched the Indigenous Youth Financial Management Conference Awards to address this issue. Presentation of the 13th Nutrien Indigenous Youth Financial Management Awards Presenter: Leanne Bellegarde, Director, Strategic Inclusion, Nutrien Limited Youth Recipients: David Buzza, Grade 12, Samuel Robertson Technical Secondary School, Misson, BC Erin Kendall, Grade 11, Corner Brook Regional High School, Corner Brook, NL Adrienne Michael, Grade: 12, Zeballos Elementary/Secondary School, Zeballos/Ehattesaht, BC Luncheon sponsored by:

		2:45 pm - 4:15 pm	Concurrent Workshops and Information Sessions
		Workshop F	Financial Management - Investment Bubbles - Past and Present Meeting Room 208, Level 2 Throughout history there have been recurring episodes where speculation and greed have led to spectacular investment bubbles and often financial ruin. Bubbles are characterized by surges in asset prices to levels significantly above the actual value of the asset. One of the most recent examples was the Dot Com bubble when investors neglected valuations and were willing to pay inflated prices for technology companies. It all came crashing down in March 2000 with companies such as Nortel Networks, which at its peak represented over a third of the value of the entire Canadian stock market, ending up in bankruptcy. In this session we will take a look at different investment bubbles that have formed throughout history, the characteristics each have in common and examine how we can avoid falling into these traps. We will also examine several areas of the market that warrant caution today. This presentation relates directly to the conference’s goal to educate and build capacity for leadership and/or governance. Communities will be presented with investment opportunities over time and being able to recognize signposts of speculative behavior will help leaders avoid making poor decisions. The presentation has been designed to be both engaging and interactive to ensure that it is informative and understandable to attendees with a wide range of decision-making experience. Speakers: Daren Atkinson, CFA, Vice President, Portfolio Manager, Leith Wheeler Investment Counsel Michael Job, CFA, Vice President, Portfolio Manager, Leith Wheeler Investment Counsel Click here to download the Presentation.
		Workshop G	Community Administration - Economic Prosperity and Tribal Councils - Session Cancelled Meeting Room 206, Level 2 The panel will discuss the growth and expansion of Keewaytinook Okimakanak (KO), focusing on their experiences gained through leading a Tribal Council from start-up to an organization that provides full services to First Nation Communities, including: • Support services to First Nation students who leave their home Communities to pursue secondary school education; • Coordination of the delivery of Community-based health services; • Delivery of e-health telemedicine programs; • The provision of information and communication technologies, telecommunication infrastructure and application support to First Nation Communities across remote regions in Canada (K-Net); • Developing a separate board of education; • Delivering online high school education; and • Delivering technical and academic training through the Keewaytinook Centre of Excellence. The speakers will also focus on key issues related to successful business structures and how these play a critical role in governance and maximizing profit. In addition, delegates will hear about their experiences working with Aboriginal law and working with First Nations and related entities including working with Tribal Councils and First Nations in developing legal structures and contracts and negotiating successful partnerships. Speakers: Geordi Kakepetum, Chief Executive Director, Northern Chiefs Council Keewaytinook Okimakanak Derek Noyes, Partner, Ericksons LLP Jason Williams, Tax Partner, BDO Canada LLP
		Workshop H	Leadership - Building Capacity - Our Strength Comes from Within Meeting Room 205, Level 2 The incorporation of Indigenous culture, values and teachings is vital to the strength and success of First Nations governments and their communities. Key governance elements such as laws and policies need to reflect the priorities of the people, and the leaders and staff need to rise up and meet traditional expectations while continuously moving forward. The speakers will describe the lengths they have each gone to personally and the experiences they have lived while embracing their culture and ensuring its rightful place in the various communities and institutions they have served over the years. They will also reference the work they have each done with the support of the First Nations Market Housing Fund to build capacity in the modern workplace. Moderator: Deborah Taylor, Executive Director, First Nations Market Housing Fund Speakers: John Beaucage, Chair, First Nations Market Housing Fund Sharon Stevenson, BA, HBA, CAFM, CAPA, Trust Manager, Peguis Surrender Claim Trust Stacy McNeil, MBA, BCJ, PID, General Manager/SAY Lands Manager, Skowkale First Nation, Councilor, Seabird Island Band and Consultant, On-Reserve Housing Click here to download the Presentation by John Beaucage. Click here to download the Presentation by Sharon Stevenson. Click here to download the Presentation by Stacy McNeil. Session sponsored by:
		Workshop I	Business Development - Ten Questions to Ask Before Investing in Cannabis Meeting Room 207, Level 2 As we edge closer to the legalization of cannabis for recreational purposes, it is anticipated proponents preparing to enter into or expand their presence within the cannabis industry will increasingly approach First Nations offering partnership and investment opportunities. With expansive traditional knowledge, sovereign land, control of municipal bylaws, an engaged workforce, and potential tax and federal subsidy opportunities, businesses will likely see numerous benefits to establishing partnerships with and within Indigenous communities. As with any industry, it is important for Indigenous communities to prepare themselves and their communities by ensuring they perform proper due diligence before engaging in any partnerships. The speakers will lead you in a discussion of due diligence, monitoring and measuring performance with potential cannabis investment partners to ensure your community is protected from fraud. They will also help you understand the opportunities and risks in the industry and how it is evolving in Canada. The speakers will present practical, useful information to help leaders evaluate cannabis business opportunities, including: • What information should the proponent provide? • What assumptions are driving the proponent’s financial projections? • Are we active or passive investors? • What is the proponent’s experience? Speakers: Lisa Majeau Gordon, CPA, CA-IFA, CFE, CFF, Partner, Investigative and Forensic Services and Provincial Director, MNP Indigenous Services Alberta and NWT, MNP Clayton Norris, CAFM, MBA, CPA, CMA, Vice President, Indigenous Services, MNP Click here to download the Presentation.
		Workshop J	Healthy Workplace (Human Resources) - Driving Change and Uncovering Indigenous Opportunity Meeting Room 201, Level 2 The panelists will deliver a presentation that speaks to the Conference theme "Human Capital – Balancing Culture and Creativity with Modern Workplaces". The delegates will hear about the experiences of three Indigenous employees at Aon who will speak about how individually and collectively they have influenced change at Aon. Aon has implemented cultural training which provides staff with education about Indigenous people including the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and Truth & Reconciliation. In the second part of the presentation, speakers will provide information and suggestions for Leadership to implement in their Communities as well as opportunities for individuals and groups in the insurance and risk management industry including: • Careers available in insurance and risk management; • Demand for Indigenous employees; • Opportunity to influence and shape employers; and • How to create your own enterprises. Speakers: Brandon Baglien, Account Executive, Aon and member of Fort William First Nation, ON Annmarie Garby, Vice President and Indigenous Relations, Aon and member of Alexis Nakota Sioux Nation, AB Marshall Murdock, Senior Vice President and National Marketing Leader, Aon Aboriginal Services Group and member of Fisher River Cree Nation, MB Click here to download the Presentation.
		Information Session 4 Session repeated Thursday morning	Sponsor Product - Using BOARD to Modernize Your Council’s FP&A Processes: How to Get Started with an Automated Budgeting, Planning & Management Reporting Solution Meeting Room 204, Level 2 Has your council grown to the point where program budgeting, planning, costing and reporting has become an administrative nightmare? Are you considering automating your FP&A processes but don’t know where to start? Join CRGroup as they discuss best practices for implementing budgeting, planning, and reporting software to streamline financial management across multiple community programs, funding sources, stakeholders, and council cost centers. This session will include an overview of the Gartner-rated, all-in-one FP&A platform: BOARD; and how medium and large councils can use BOARD to replace spreadsheet-based planning and drastically increase the efficiency and effectiveness of council FP&A processes. Learn how CRGroup worked with a large council to evaluate platform ROI, uncover hidden opportunities, centralize planning and documentation, integrate BOARD into existing accounting systems, and rollout a successful FP&A solution across the entire organization. By the end of this session, you will have a benchmark for best-practice council FP&A and roadmap for implementing an affordable decision-making platform that will deliver results – in less time than you think. We hope you can join us! Click here to download the Presentation. Sponsored by:
		Information Session 5 Session repeated Thursday morning	Sponsor Product - Back to the Basics: Why you Should Care About Governance, Risk and Compliance Meeting Room 203, Level 2 As First Nations and Indigenous leaders focus efforts and energy into the various activities needed to build sustainable business models and maximize growth potential, they often overlook the key functions of risk identification and mitigation as well as proper corporate governance. In today’s complex world, it is increasingly important to have both an understanding of the many risks impacting business ventures as well as an effective approach to designing necessary processes to help manage those risks. The intention of this presentation is to bring to light those high-level mechanisms, processes and/or relations which can be implemented to enhance governance and risk management practices. Hear stories of what has and hasn’t worked, including the reasons why. Edward Olson will share his extensive knowledge and experience of corporate governance, risk management, internal audit, and performance improvement to help First Nations and Indigenous leaders understand how to spend less time responding to risk and compliance matters, and more time working on opportunities to continue pursuit of success. Know the pitfalls, understand how to deal with the pitfalls, and strategize towards a stronger future. Speaker: Edward W. Olson, CPA, CA, Practice Leader, Advisory Services, Crowe MacKay LLP Click here to download the Presentation. Sponsored by:
		Information Session 6	Education - The Certified Indigenous Leaders (CIL) Program and The Certified Aboriginal Professional Administrators (CAPA) Program Meeting Room 211, Level 2 Come join us at this Information Session to learn about the CAPA Program and the new CIL Program. Learn about the new certification for Indigenous elected (chief and council), youth and future leaders. The Certified Indigenous Leadership (CIL) Program will enhance the knowledge, skills and professional development of elected officials to enable them to better perform their functions and build community prosperity and financial wellbeing. Using key competencies developed from survey results of over 70 First Nations chiefs across the country, this program was 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 Certified Aboriginal Professional Administrator (CAPA) Program has been designed to certify senior administrators, senior managers, and aspiring administrators working in Indigenous communities and organizations on reserve, off reserve and in urban, rural and remote settings. Using key competencies developed with the input of senior administrators across the country, this Program provides new opportunities for those in this profession to be formally acknowledged, certified, and recognized for the professional work they do every day. Speaker: Simon Brascoupé, MA, CAPA, Vice President, Education and Training, AFOA Canada Click here to download the Presentation.
		4:30 pm - 5:45 pm	AFOA Canada Annual General Meeting (Members only) Meeting Room 205, Level 2
		6:00 pm - 8:00 pm	By-Invitation Only Networking Reception Parliament Foyer, Level 3 Sponsored by:

Thursday, October 4, 2018

7:00 am - 7:30 am	Morning Prayer Meeting Room 210, Level 2

7:30 am - 4:00 pm	Registration Rideau Canal Atrium Centre, Level 2 Sponsored by:

7:30 am - 8:30 am	Networking Continental Breakfast / Visit the Exhibitors and Technology Café Canada Hall 2, Level 3

8:30 am - 8:45 am	Prayer / Welcome Canada Hall 1, Level 3 Prayer: Elder Peter Decontie, Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg, QC Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls/Sisters in Spirit Vigils - Moment of Silence

8:45 am - 10:00 am	Plenary - Inclusive Growth Canada Hall 1, Level 3 The term inclusive growth acknowledges that growth has occurred but that it has neither been widely shared nor created opportunities for all. As the Canadian economy grows, the question is how can any economic gains be shared more broadly and equitably with Indigenous people? Should the term inclusive growth be broader than economic and include social gains in “closing the gap”. Some may argue that Indigenous people and communities have not had equitable sharing of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in the past and perhaps the focus should be more on policy changes to allow them to “catch up” to the rest of Canada. This panel will discuss what inclusive growth means to them and why it is important for Indigenous people and communities who have historically been subjected to income inequality. They will also discuss how demographics need to be considered. The panel will conclude with a discussion on how Indigenous people and communities can be part of the Canadian economy today and going forward to shape the emerging Indigenous economy. Sponsor Remarks: David Boisvert, President and Chief Executive Officer, Peace Hills Trust Part 1 - Keynote Address Keynote Speaker: Clément Chartier, President, Métis National Council Part 2 - Panel Discussion Moderator: Harold Tarbell, Facilitator, Tarbell Facilitation Network Panelists: Dr. Simona Bignami, Associate Professor, University of Montréal Clément Chartier, President, Métis National Council Bill Lomax, Vice President, Goldman Sachs, USA Dr. Paulette Tremblay, Chief Executive Officer, Assembly of First Nations Sponsored by:

10:00 am - 10:30 am	Refreshment Break / Visit the Exhibitors and Technology Café Canada Hall 2, Level 3

10:30 am - 12:00 pm	Concurrent Workshops and Information Sessions
Workshop K	Financial Management - Updates: Indigenous Government Financial Reporting & Public Sector Accounting Board Project Meeting Room 201, Level 2 The Public Sector Accounting Board (PSAB) sets standards for financial statements of public sector entities in Canada. Many Indigenous governments use these standards in preparing financial statements to provide accountability to their communities. The Indigenous community is a very important stakeholder of PSAB. In the coming years, PSAB plans to consult more actively with Indigenous governments as it starts an initiative to ensure that its standards are inclusive of Indigenous governments and its standards meet their needs. The presentation will provide an update on the key PSAB strategies, projects under development and standards that will take effect in the upcoming years. In particular, the presentation will focus on the proposals for a revised conceptual framework and reporting model that would significantly affect the future of Canadian public sector financial reporting and standard setting. These proposals are a once in a generation chance for you to influence the future of public sector financial reporting in Canada. The proposals consider the needs of all public sector entities, including Indigenous governments. The proposals include: • specific reference to Indigenous governments and illustrative financial statements for an Indigenous government; • specific reference to users of Indigenous government financial statements - the members of their community; • a proposed statement of financial position designed to allow PSAB to address emerging issues, including natural capital, heritage and human capital; and • relocation of the prohibition of recognizing intangibles from the conceptual framework; an incremental step to allow PSAB to address this issue at the standards level. PSAB wants to hear from you! You still have time to provide your input and this session can help. Responses are due to PSAB on November 28, 2018. Speakers: Martha Jones Denning, CPA, CA, Principal, Public Sector Accounting Board Michael Puskaric, CPA, CMA, Director, Public Sector Accounting, Public Sector Accounting Board Antonella Risi, CPA, CA, Principal, Public Sector Accounting Board Click here to download the Presentation.
Workshop L	Community Administration - Community Growth and Sustainability Takes Time and Careful Planning Meeting Room 205, Level 2 Achieving sustainable wealth can be defined as the ability to meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. There is a significant amount of new wealth being created within Indigenous Communities across Canada. While this new wealth has the potential to provide tremendous opportunities for community growth and development, it can also present certain challenges relative to balancing the many priorities that exist today without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. Community trusts are becoming a popular and effective way to govern, protect and further grow both new and existing wealth. Trusts are intended to help guide the management and the use of funds over time. The management of current and future wealth however does not come without significant planning and community engagement. Delegates will hear about some of the key components that are essential in the planning and development of a trust and the financial aspects of maintaining a prudent and sustainable investment approach recognizing past studies on sustainable withdrawal rates and the impact of member per capita distributions. First Nations now have greater involvement in and control over the transfer and administration of all current and future capital moneys held with Canada (under paragraph 64 (1)(k) of the Indian Act) which will be addressed including the requirements to initiate such a transfer of their capital and revenue dollars. Speakers: Jack Jamieson, Vice President, Aboriginal Services, T.E. Investment Counsel Ashley Stacey, Associate, Olthuis Kleer Townshend LLP Click here to download the Presentation.
Workshop M	Leadership - Success Story - Haida: Our Evolving World View Meeting Room 207, Level 2 The Haida Nation will present a reflection on the work they have accomplished since 1974 when the Council of the Haida Nation (CHN) was formed and became their political arm. Since then, the Secretariat of the Haida Nation, which is the administrative wing of the Nation, has been working alongside the CHN to fulfill the goals of the Nation. You will learn about the challenges faced by the administration in supporting a political body that is in dispute with Canada, in court, in negotiation, and in relationship through various contractual arrangements. The Haida Nation was required to build an administration of knowledgeable staff with a political and administrative understanding of historic and present day realities. This workshop is also the story and practice of a Nation working to fill the space between western and Haida world views and it is about finding equilibrium in the ambiguous engagement with Canada. Speakers: Leslie Brown, Chair, Secretariat of the Haida Nation, BC Peter Lantin, President, Haida Nation, BC May Russ, Senior Executive Director, Secretariat of the Haida Nation, BC Click here to download the Presentation by Leslie Brown. Click here to download the Presentation by Peter Lantin.
Workshop N	Business Development - Protecting Your Most Valuable Assets: A Risk Management Approach Meeting Room 208, Level 2 The most valuable assets of any Indigenous community or organization are its people who are the cornerstone of sustainability, growth and achievements. When communities and organizations think about risk management requirements they most often think of insurance. Considerations are often limited to what contracts and labour law rules stipulate and the impact on budgets. Many feel that they have experienced being oversold and underserviced with little or no meaningful engagement. All this resulting in a disempowering, unfulfilling and invaluable exercise. The goal of this presentation is to dispel myths, build capacity and to educate about the fundamental principles of insurance and the many elements and options that come into play in defining a risk management plan. Attendees will learn to conceptualize the risks their communities/organizations face each day and to create an understanding that insurance is just one piece of their approach to managing risk. One of the objectives of this presentation will be to move attendees from seeking to simply fulfilling minimum contract requirements to feeling motivated to take proactive measures to understand and build capacity to manage their community and/or organizational risk. Topics to be covered include understanding the basics of an insurance contract, understanding risk management profile and appetite, addressing property and casualty (liability) risk and employment associated risk measures such as group benefits insurance and pension. Speakers: Nathan Ballantyne, MBA, CAIB, Chief Executive Officer, TIPI Insurance Partners and TIPI-IMI Insurance Partners Janice Gladue, CAIB, Business Development Manager, TIPI-IMI Insurance Partners Allan Munroe, CAFM, CAPA, Account Executive – Pensions & Benefits, TIPI Insurance Partners Click here to download the Presentation.
Workshop O	Healthy Workplace (Human Resources) - Mindfulness: A Tool to Improve Productivity and Lower Stress Levels Meeting Room 206, Level 2 This 90-minute session is intended to help individuals understand the profound impact that a regular practice of mindfulness can have not only in their mental and physical health but also, in day-to-day activities impacting abilities such as; productivity, concentration, discipline and compassion. During this session, participants can expect to learn through theory but, primarily the learning will be experiential. Different exercises of mindfulness will be instructed and there will also be an opportunity for reflection and discussion as a group. Speaker: Olga Lacroix, RSW, Founder, Olga's Way Click here to download the Presentation.
Information Session 7	Sponsor Product - Using BOARD to Modernize Your Council’s FP&A Processes: How to Get Started with an Automated Budgeting, Planning & Management Reporting Solution Meeting Room 204, Level 2 Has your council grown to the point where program budgeting, planning, costing and reporting has become an administrative nightmare? Are you considering automating your FP&A processes but don’t know where to start? Join CRGroup as they discuss best practices for implementing budgeting, planning, and reporting software to streamline financial management across multiple community programs, funding sources, stakeholders, and council cost centers. This session will include an overview of the Gartner-rated, all-in-one FP&A platform: BOARD; and how medium and large councils can use BOARD to replace spreadsheet-based planning and drastically increase the efficiency and effectiveness of council FP&A processes. Learn how CRGroup worked with a large council to evaluate platform ROI, uncover hidden opportunities, centralize planning and documentation, integrate BOARD into existing accounting systems, and rollout a successful FP&A solution across the entire organization. By the end of this session, you will have a benchmark for best-practice council FP&A and roadmap for implementing an affordable decision-making platform that will deliver results – in less time than you think. We hope you can join us! Click here to download the Presentation. Sponsored by:
Information Session 8	Sponsor Product - Back to the Basics: Why you Should Care About Governance, Risk and Compliance Meeting Room 203, Level 2 As First Nations and Indigenous leaders focus efforts and energy into the various activities needed to build sustainable business models and maximize growth potential, they often overlook the key functions of risk identification and mitigation as well as proper corporate governance. In today’s complex world, it is increasingly important to have both an understanding of the many risks impacting business ventures as well as an effective approach to designing necessary processes to help manage those risks. The intention of this presentation is to bring to light those high-level mechanisms, processes and/or relations which can be implemented to enhance governance and risk management practices. Hear stories of what has and hasn’t worked, including the reasons why. Edward Olson will share his extensive knowledge and experience of corporate governance, risk management, internal audit, and performance improvement to help First Nations and Indigenous leaders understand how to spend less time responding to risk and compliance matters, and more time working on opportunities to continue pursuit of success. Know the pitfalls, understand how to deal with the pitfalls, and strategize towards a stronger future. Speaker: Edward W. Olson, CPA, CA, Practice Leader, Advisory Services, Crowe MacKay LLP Click here to download the Presentation. Sponsored by:
Information Session 9	Government - Tax Detectives: Resolving Problems and Helping Community Members Access Benefits Meeting Room 211, Level 2 While many people are able to successfully access the benefits they are eligible for, others encounter barriers that prevent them from accessing benefits through tax filing. Millions of dollars in federal and provincial benefits are not claimed by eligible individuals, and nearly a half-billion dollars in the Canada Child Benefit (CCB) are not flowing to eligible low-income Indigenous families. Tax filing is a necessary step to accessing other federal and provincial benefits such as the Working Income Tax Benefit, Disability Tax Credit and Old Age Security. Tax filing is also necessary for accessing some programs, services and registered savings plans like the Registered Education Savings Plan if eligible. An increasing number of First Nation communities and Indigenous organizations are organizing Community Volunteer Income Tax Programs to meet the needs of their community. In June 2018, as part of the First Nations Financial Wellness Project, AFOA Canada and Prosper Canada held a Roundtable with 13 staff from 9 First Nation communities and Indigenous Organizations who operate CVITP clinics in Ontario to share learnings between clinics and to see advice for new clinics. In this session, we’ll share some of the insights and key findings from that Roundtable to help communities considering offering CVITP. Volunteers from Wiikwemkoong Unceeded Territory’s Community Volunteer Income Tax Program sometimes feel like tax detectives but they enjoy the satisfaction of helping community members accomplish what can be stressful task and saving them money. They will tell the story of their clinic, highlight positive impacts and challenges of offering this service and share their knowledge from offering this service in their community since 2014. Speakers: Jocelyn Bebamikawe, Employment and Training Officer, Wii-ni n'guch-tood Employment & Training Natasha McKenna, Program Officer, Prosper Canada Janine Pitawanakwat, Loans Officer, Wikwemikong Development Commission Click here to download the Presentation by Prosper Canada. Click here to download the Presentation by Wiikwemkoong .

12:00 pm - 2:30 pm	Luncheon and Closing Remarks Canada Hall 1, Level 3 Luncheon Conversation on Financial Literacy - Economic Reconciliation Reconciliation must lead to the social and economic inclusion of Indigenous Peoples in Canada’s future growth. How will Indigenous Peoples move from poverty to prosperity? This conversation will focus on what works – drawn from the experiences and lessons learned in Indigenous communities in Canada and Australia. The successful shift from low to middle income demands action in education, employment and social and economic conditions. Financial literacy is one important key. But to improve financial literacy “You need something to manage.” The big question is: how will Indigenous communities, governments and Canadians work together to support the social and economic conditions required to achieve financial wellness and prosperity. This panel will explore the social, economic and reconciliation goals needed to achieve financial wellness for Indigenous Peoples in Canada. Moderator: Simon Brascoupé, MA, CAPA, Vice President, Education and Training, AFOA Canada Panelists: Rob Carrick, Personal Finance Columnist, Globe and Mail Eitan Dehtair, CPA, CMA, MBA, Experienced Chief Financial Officer and Strategic Development Consultant Jane Rooney, Financial Literacy Leader, Financial Consumer Agency of Canada Amanda Young, Chief Executive Officer, First Nations Foundation, Australia Panel Discussion sponsored by: Remarks by AON, Conference Co-Chairs and AFOA Canada President and CEO Sponsor Remarks: Brandon Baglien, Account Executive, Aon and member of Fort William First Nation, ON Conference Co-Chairs: Sara Mainville, Olthuis Kleer Townshend LLP (OKT Law) Shannin Metatawabin, Chief Executive Officer, National Aboriginal Capital Corporations Association (NACCA) Closing Remarks: Terry Goodtrack, MPA, B Admin, CPA, CGA, CAFM, CAPA, C. Dir, President and Chief Executive Officer, AFOA Canada Closing Luncheon sponsored by:

2:45 pm - 4:00 pm	Concurrent Workshops and Information Session:

Workshop P	Financial Management - Applying for 10-Year Grants Meeting Room 205, Level 2 Developing of a new fiscal relationship with First Nations. The presentation will focus the context and the journey so far. Shared understanding; shared vision; priority commitments to First Nations in 2018-19; Ongoing co-development agenda; and risk management considerations. Speaker: Paul Thoppil, Chief Finances, Results and Delivery Officer, Indigenous Services Canada Click here to download the Presentation.
Workshop Q	Community Administration - Anishinabek Education System - Implementing Education Self-Governance Among 23 First Nations in Ontario Meeting Room 207, Level 2 In August 2017, 23 Anishinabek First Nations in Ontario signed the Anishinabek Nation Education Agreement, the 1st self-government agreement in Ontario, to restore jurisdiction over education. In addition to the self-government agreement, the First Nations also signed a Master Education Agreement to work in partnership, with Ontario, to improve the education outcomes of Anishinabek students in schools both on First Nations and within off-reserve school boards. On April 1, 2018, the Anishinabek Education was recognized as self-governing, and the Kinoomaadziwin Education Body was enacted to operate the education system. The Board of Directors and staff of the Kinoomaadziwin Education Body have been working to implement the Anishinabek Education System. Presenters will share a history of the education self-government negotiations, an overview of the governance structure and challenges, successes and lessons learned in implementing the self-governing education system. Speakers: Helen Bobiwash, CPA, CAFM Kelly Crawford, Director of Education, Kinoomaadziwin Education Body, ON Marie Elena Tracey O’Donnell, Legal Counsel, Nipissing First Nation, ON Click here to download the Presentation. Workshop sponsored by:
Workshop R	Community Administration - Health Determinants and Indicators Meeting Room 206, Level 2 First Nations Health Managers are leaders who honour, maintain and uphold inherent ways of knowing while balancing management principles to bring excellence to their health programs and communities. During the session, The First Nations Health Managers Association (FNHMA) will discuss health determinants and indicators from their curriculum and provide information on: • the concept of health determinants and how they are related to outcomes; • the determinants of health through a First Nation perspective; • the relation between determinants of health and the development of healthy community policies; • how a ‘determinants of health’ approach can be applied to developing and managing health programs; • how performance indicators and policy support strategy implementation; • performance indicators: what they are, why they are important, how to establish them; and • identify how culture influences determinants of health. Speakers: Doris Bear, CFNHM, Health Director, Peguis Health Services Marion Crowe, CFNHM, CAFM, Executive Director, First Nations Health Managers Association Click here to download the Presentation.
Workshop S	Business Development - A Successful Grassroots Approach Within the Emerging Green Economy Meeting Room 201, Level 2 Four Winds & Associates is an Aboriginal company that provides development and advisory services to indigenous communities across western Canada. They have been success in obtaining and implementing government energy programs within Indigenous Communities utilizing their grass roots approach with Community participation and have been successful in having the energy industry train and provide training and employment for Community members. Delegates will hear about: i) Working with Indigenous communities to further education, energy planning, and community engagement; ii) Business development to further develop the green economy within Indigenous Communities; iii) Developing a grass roots community approach with respect to green energy use; iv) Trends within the green economy; v) Lessons learned with training programs; vi) Building community capacity with respect to the green economy; vi) Reducing energy costs to the community. Independent Electricity Systems Operators (IESO) will present on how Indigenous communities are playing an active role in Ontario’s energy sector in areas of conservation, generation and new transmission projects consistent with their cultural and environmental values. Moderator: Daniel Richard, CAFM, CPA CA, Board Member, AFOA Canada Speakers: Brent Larison, PEng, Project Manager, Four Winds & Associates Dan Martel, President, Four Winds & Associates Katherine Sparkes, Director of Innovation, Research and Development, Independent Electric System Operator (IESO) Click here to download the Presentation by Four Winds. Click here to download the Presentation IESO.
Workshop T	Healthy Workplace (Human Resources) - The Impact of Marijuana Legislation on the Indigenous Workplace Meeting Room 208, Level 2 With the legalization of cannabis under Bill C-45, the Cannabis Act, Indigenous employers in Canada will face a new series of challenges when it comes to dealing with their employees and managing the workplace. This workshop will help participants to better understand the issues related to the impact of the new marijuana legislation on the workplace. The workshop will present an overview of the effect that the new legislation could have on the workplace. It will also explore how best to update your organization’s policies and procedures to address concerns surrounding impairment and the workplace, how to address safety-sensitive positions including the points to consider when it comes to drug-testing. Other topics will include how to deal with medical marijuana use in the workplace, your duty as an employer to respect employee’s disabilities and privacy rights, while still ensuring addressing performance issues to maintain a safe and healthy workplace. Speaker: Manon Lamontagne, MA, CRHA, CAPA, President of MLRB Consulting Services Inc. Click here to download the Presentation.
Information Session 10	Education - The Certified Aboriginal Financial Manager (CAFM) Program and CPA-Canada’s Advanced Certificate in Accounting and Finance (ACAF) Partnership Meeting Room 203, Level 2 The Certified Aboriginal Financial Manager (CAFM) designation has become one of the most preferred credentials for Aboriginal employers seeking financial professionals. This session will provide information on how you can become a CAFM - it might be easier than you think! Also learn about the changes to the CAFM Education Program through the new CAFM ACAF Alignment with CPA Canada. You can now obtain an Advanced Certificate in Accounting & Finance (ACAF) Certificate with our partnership with CPA Canada. Moderator/Speaker: Simon Brascoupé, MA, CAPA, CFNHM, Vice President, Education and Training, AFOA Canada Speakers: Patricia Debassige, Manager, Education and Membership, AFOA Canada Dan Relihan, MBA, CPA, CGA, Project Manager, CAFM/ACAF Partnership Click here to download the Presentation. Sponsored by:

5:30 pm - 6:30 pm		President's Reception Parliament Foyer, Level 3 Entertainment: The Weather Vains Reception sponsored by:

6:30 pm - 11:00 pm		Dinner, Awards, CAFM/CAPA Convocation and Entertainment Canada Hall 1, Level 3

		Pre-Dinner Cultural Entertainment: Ottawa River Singers Drum Group
		Presentation of the AFOA-MNP Indigenous Community Excellence Award for Sustainable Communities Presenter: Clayton Norris, CMA, CPA, CAFM, MBA, Vice President, Indigenous Services, MNP Indigenous Community Excellence Award sponsored by:

		CAFM/CAPA Convocation

		After dinner entertainment: The Andy Dewache Band After dinner entertainment sponsored by: