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7:00 am - 7:30 am
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Morning Prayer
Meeting Room 210, Level 2 |
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7:30 am - 4:00 pm
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Registration
Rideau Canal Atrium Centre, Level 2
Sponsored by:
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7:30 am - 8:30 am
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Networking Continental Breakfast / Visit the Exhibitors and Technology Café
Canada Hall 2, Level 3
Breakfast sponsored by:

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

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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)

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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

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9:00 am - 10:30 am
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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
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10:30 am - 11:00 am
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Refreshment Break / Visit the Exhibitors and Technology Café
Canada Hall 2, Level 3 |
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11:00 am - 12:15 pm
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Concurrent Workshops and Information Sessions
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Workshop A
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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.
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Workshop B
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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.
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Workshop C
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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:
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Workshop D
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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.
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Workshop E
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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.
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Information Session 1
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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.
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Information Session 2
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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.
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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.
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12:30 pm - 2:30 pm
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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:
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2:45 pm - 4:15 pm
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Concurrent Workshops and Information Sessions
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Workshop F
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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.
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Workshop G
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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
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Workshop H
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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:

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Workshop I
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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.
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Workshop J
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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.
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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:

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Information Session 5
Session repeated Thursday morning
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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:

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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.
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4:30 pm - 5:45 pm |
AFOA Canada Annual General Meeting (Members only)
Meeting Room 205, Level 2
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6:00 pm - 8:00 pm |
By-Invitation Only Networking Reception
Parliament Foyer, Level 3
Sponsored by:

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