Don’t miss the AFOA Canada 15th Anniversary National Conference!
Winnipeg, Manitoba
RBC Convention Centre Winnipeg

Register today!

Join us in Winnipeg, Manitoba for the AFOA Canada 15^th Anniversary National Conference. The conference kicks-off with an evening opening reception at 6 pm on Tuesday, February 17 and wraps up with a closing banquet Thursday, February 19. Come learn from colleagues and experts who will share their knowledge and experiences which will help you in your day to day work.

Join us for dynamic and topical plenary sessions and workshops…

plenary sessions

Wednesday, February 18, 2015 – Opening Plenary – Capitalizing on Opportunities that lead Toward Economic Prosperity and Self Reliance.

Part A – Keynote Speaker: Chief Jim Boucher, Fort McKay First Nation, Alberta
Part B – Panel Discussion – How Economic Development Corporations contribute toward a Community Vision
TD Economics estimate that the combined income of Aboriginal household, business and government sectors could be $32 Billion by 2016.  This significant growth is in part due to the Economic Development Corporations (EDCs) that First Nations governments and Aboriginal communities continue to develop.  What is the role of EDCs and how should they be managed to ensure they fulfill the needs that the community wants?  This plenary will present perspectives and lessons learned on: the role of EDCs; how they can be managed to address community needs and wants; their contribution to the goal of economic prosperity and self-reliance; and what their future growth potential could look like.
Moderator:  Harold Tarbell, Tarbell Facilitation Network
Panelists:   Chief Jim Boucher, Fort McKay First Nation, AB. Chief Francine Meeches, Swan Lake First Nation, MB, Dawn Madahbee, General Manager, Waubetek Business Development Corporation and Board of Director, National Aboriginal Economic Development Board, Jean Paul (JP) Gladu, President and CEO, Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business and Conference Committee Member and Keith Martell, CAFM, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, First Nations Bank of Canada.

Wednesday Luncheon after the Youth Awards Presentation:
Building Individual and Family Resilience through Personal Financial Planning – The speaker will discuss how building our resilience to unexpected events and to planning for retirement contribute toward financial well-being.
Speaker: Jane Rooney, Financial Literacy Leader, Financial Consumer Agency of Canada

Thursday, February 19, 2015 – Plenary – Aboriginal Entrepreneurs and the Importance of Financial Literacy

Part A – Panel Discussion:  Aboriginal Entrepreneurs in the Marketplace

In 2006 there were more than 37,000 Aboriginal people in Canada who identified as having their own businesses. Between 2001 and 2006 the number of Aboriginal business owners increased by 38 percent and the growth rate of Aboriginal entrepreneurs was five times that of the self-employed Canadians overall.    The panelists will discuss the importance of Aboriginal entrepreneurs in the economy and the opportunities and challenges they face in the marketplace and in the community.   Panelists will also share their perspectives about financial literacy and its role in their success.

Moderator:  Harold Tarbell, Tarbell Facilitation Network

Panelists:  Brenda LaRose, Managing Partner, Higgins International Inc.
Chief Dennis Meeches, Long Plain First Nation, MB, Lisa Meeches (Invited), Eagle Vision Inc., Sharon Bruyere, Franchisee, Tim Hortons Sagkeeng First Nation, MB and Jean Paul (JP) Gladu, President and CEO, Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business and Conference Committee

Part B – Conversation on The Importance of Financial literacy

Improving financial literacy of individuals is a growing concern around the world.  The speaker discusses why smart people do dumb things with their money – and what you can do about it.

Moderator:  Monique Bateman, Special Advisor on Aboriginal Relations, TD Bank Group

Speaker: Bruce Sellery, Canadian Business Journalist, Best Selling Author and past Television News Anchor

CONCURRENT WORKSHOPS AND INFORMATION SESSIONS

Come hear about and learn… some of the concurrent workshops include:

• Impact Benefit Agreements (IBA) Myth Busting: Common Misconceptions and Best Negotiation Practices
• If You Are Looking to Finance the Growth of Your Community, Being Informed Can Make all the Difference
• Turning Premiums Into Dividends
• Supporting Community Development:  CMHC Tools and Resources

And more…Visit the www.afoa.ca for more program information!

EXHIBITS

ONLY 2 Exhibitor spaces remaining! Call today to reserve!
Contact George Rogerson, email conference@afoa.ca  or call 1.866.775.1816.

SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

Sponsorship opportunities are available. Please contact us today to discuss an opportunity that meets your needs! Click here to download a copy of the opportunities flyer.

Aboriginal Delegate Sponsorship (Minimum of 2 individuals) $7,000

All of us can benefit from a mentor! This is an opportunity for companies to contribute directly to Aboriginal communities. This sponsorship is designed to help communities without the funds to send their staff to the National Conference or to help students who would like to attend the conference to learn about professional opportunities and to strengthen their leadership skills. Your contribution will pay for the registration fees and travel related expenses (i.e. Flight or other transportation to the conference). Call George Rogerson today to discuss this opportunity.

Accommodation

Please make your hotel reservation at the Radisson Winnipeg. RESERVE NOW as our group rate is only offered for a limited time! Please refer to the AFOA Canada block of rooms to obtain the negotiated rate.

Radisson Hotel – $139/night

Call the hotel directly at 204-975-6221 or 204-975-6238 or toll-free 1-800-339-5238 ext.1

Note: Delta Winnipeg – SOLD OUT! Our block of rooms at the Delta Winnipeg Hotel has sold out!

Pre-Conference Workshops

Registration for a pre-conference workshop

If you would like to attend a pre-conference workshop, you must register and pay for this separately to the conference. Please click here to visit the pre-conference workshop page.

1 Day Training Workshop (Monday, February 16, 2015):

• Dollars and Sense Pre-conference Training Session  – SOLD OUT!
  

2 Day Workshop (Monday, February 16 and Tuesday, February 17, 2015)

• Effective Planning, Creation and Implementation of Your Trust

1 Day Workshops (Tuesday, February 17, 2015):

• Human Resources Management Essentials: Module 4 – Employee Compensation and Benefits – SOLD OUT!
  
• First Nations Community Governance
• An Introduction to Community Economic Development
• Developing Business Plans and Funding Proposals
• Demystifying Finance for Elected Aboriginal Leaders II

CONTACT US
Conference Secretariat
Micheline Bélanger
conference@afoa.ca

Attendance at the AFOA Canada National Conference counts as verifiable AFOA Canada Maintenance of Certification credits.