2024 Board Member Nominees
Sukhvinder Chouhan
Please provide a statement of interest on why you’d like to serve on the AFOA BC Board of Directors.
I am a CPA, CA, CAFM. Born in a small village in India, I started as a pharmacist and volunteered in Red Cross medical camps across Punjab. I moved to Kamloops, BC, where I live with my wife and two children, in 1997. I worked in hospital pharmacies before finding my passion in Accounting. I obtained my Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA, CA) designation in 2008 while articling with PwC Vancouver and KPMG Kamloops, and my Certified Aboriginal Financial Manager (CAFM) designation in 2015. I am a member in good standing with the Institute of Chartered Professional Accountants and the Aboriginal Financial Officers Association. With my extensive financial services and cross-cultural experience, I will connect with a broader audience to meet the needs of AFOA BC and advocate for its growth and betterment. I believe in hard work, seizing opportunities, and will bring this same determination to AFOA BC.
Can you share with us how your experience aligns with the responsibilities of this role and how it would contribute to the success of our Board?
I founded Chouhan Accounting Ltd. in 2010 while working with BCLC and started full time practice in 2012. Currently, I am on Knowledge Network (Vice Chair), AFOA BC (Treasurer) and Upper Nicola Indian Band Development Corp boards, and am a Finance and Audit Committee Chair for Knowledge Network, AFOA BC and Penticton Indian Band. I provide Financial Controller and CFO services for First Nations Bands and band owned for-profit entities and accounting, tax and business consulting services to corporate and personal clients across many industries, including retail, mining, forestry, hospitality and IT. I have worked with various First Nations organizations such as FNMHF, INAC, FNFA, FNFMB, AFOA, on behalf of my clients. I have a solid understanding of First Nations Financial Management and challenges that it faces.
How do you see your values aligning with the mission of our organization?
I am a strong believer in uplifting people and organizations through education. Within my day to day work, I take opportunities to teach my clients for the betterment of their financial health and building capacity. I carry forward my spirit of helping people and supporting communities through teaching workshops focused on building capacity in small communities, volunteering, donating blood regularly and supporting charitable causes in the community.
What’s the most unexpected/unique skill or hobby you have that you think could be useful to our board? Feel free to be creative!
I like to collect percussion instruments in the hope of one day learning them as well. Please do not ask me play any as you will regret that ask ;). Percussion instruments represent rhythm and harmony for me. When you have rhythm in life or work you can achieve great things. I would like to bring that discipline of rhythm and harmony to the boardroom to create a sense of flow and collaboration that leads to innovative, sustainable solutions.
William Derrick
Please provide a statement of interest on why you’d like to serve on the AFOA BC Board of Directors.
I wish to serve on the Board as I see it as a natural extension of my professional work in the field of financial management. Having worked in this profession for over two and a half decades since receiving my Bachelor of Commerce, and later my Master of Business, I have worked for Indigenous organisations the majority of the time. My experience in working for Indigenous communities, including my nation (Gitxsan), has provided clear evidence that there is an ever-growing need for capacity in accounting/finance within all Indigenous Nations. am a firm believer that AFOA BC is an entity that is necessary for the advancement of human capacity in the field. I personally have benefited from participation in the organisation and will continue to encourage others to participate, whether it is via conferences or workshops, or the accredited education tracks that AFOA has created over the years.
Can you share with us how your experience aligns with the responsibilities of this role and how it would contribute to the success of our Board?
I have worked in this field for over twenty-five years, the majority of which has been working with Indigenous organisations, be it band administrations or not-for-profit community entities. That Indigenous focus covers of full spectrum of dealings with community level administrators, senior bureaucrats at the Provincial or Federal level, and elected officials across the board. My time has exposed me to many years of day-to-day financial and administrative operations with various entities as well as guiding/advising Board and Councils in my area of expertise. The depth and scope of my experience is well suited to an organisation such as AFOA BC.
How do you see your values aligning with the mission of our organization?
The success of our Nations will come with a reversion to self-sufficiency in all areas. In the areas of financial administration, this means having well-trained professionals in place to help run our communities and other entities. Of course we should seek out external expertise when it’s necessary, but simultaneously Nations should develop that capacity and reduce dependence on outside supports. I know that AFOA BC has similar values and contributes to the development of such trained professionals that return our communities to prosperity.
What’s the most unexpected/unique skill or hobby you have that you think could be useful to our board? Feel free to be creative!
I don’t know that either of these would be useful to the board, but I have one skill and one hobby that may not be unique, but they are things I do. The first is something I learned by watching a “fun” news report where people practiced laughing. I was inspired and thus began a practice of inviting people to practice with me. It’s absurd, but the exercise can usually get a room full of people on their feet and laughing. The second thing is I am a points fiend. Be it hotel, airline, credit card, gas stations, you name it, I will collect points to save on my other hobby: travel. I won’t go into details but I’ll do everything I can do accrue value at 1/2 cents at a time for the sake of eventually earning points that can save thousands in the long-haul. It’s a low margin activity, but the volume have benefited my family and I for many years.
Trevor Morrison
Please provide a statement of interest on why you’d like to serve on the AFOA BC Board of Directors.
I have been on the board since 2009 but feel like I have more to offer at a board level and sharing my knowledge with our membership. I have transitioned into the business field which many nations are facing challenges on their structures and managing wealth. My passion has always been with AFOABC who have grown to be my friends and family.
Can you share with us how your experience aligns with the responsibilities of this role and how it would contribute to the success of our Board?
I have extensive experience as a board and committee member from AFOABC and other First Nation organization. I share my knowledge and experience in financial and administrative management and also business management.
How do you see your values aligning with the mission of our organization?
My traditional values that I bring from my Nation and working with other Nations throughout BC have guided me during my tenure on the board and employment positions. I’ve developed professional values over the years that also contribute to my ethics as a member on any board or position.
What’s the most unexpected/unique skill or hobby you have that you think could be useful to our board? Feel free to be creative!
I love to golf and play other sports that have taught me to enjoy life and accept things that you can not change. I’ve learned to accept others and listen before I contribute and share.
Heather Fader
Please provide a statement of interest on why you’d like to serve on the AFOA BC Board of Directors.
I have been involved with AFOABC for over 15 year as a member and previously on the Board, I enjoy the opportunity to help build capacity in First Nations with the programs, services, workshops and conference that AFOABC provides. I would be honored to be able to continue to work with AFOABC and Nations to assist in Nations achieving their goals.
Can you share with us how your experience aligns with the responsibilities of this role and how it would contribute to the success of our Board?
I have my MBA in Indigenous Business in Leadership, Certified Aboriginal Professional Administrator (CAPA) and Certified Professional Human Resources Certification. along with my education I have worked in First Nations for over 15 years in HR or Executive positions. The combination of education and experience will enable me to bring a difference perspective to the board discussions.
How do you see your values aligning with the mission of our organization?
My work with communities includes building capacity in all departments and being inclusive of cultural values to enable Nations to reach the goals they have. Working to improve all areas within a First Nation Administration and Economic Development.
What’s the most unexpected/unique skill or hobby you have that you think could be useful to our board? Feel free to be creative!
Professionally very organized and resourceful. Personally enjoy playing softball and race car driving . These things encourage team building and preparedness which is helpful in an every changing world.
Gord Holley
Please provide a statement of interest on why you’d like to serve on the AFOA BC Board of Directors.
As an uninvited settler on this land, I recognize the responsibility I have to actively participate in decolonizing practices that address Canada’s colonial past and the ongoing subjugation of Indigenous people. In the spirit of reconciliation, and with an open heart, I want to do everything I can to support the success of First Nations and Indigenous serving organizations through building self-sufficiency and self-determination. Financial health and sustainability are the foundation of the great work First Nations and Indigenous communities are doing throughout our province. AFOA BC supports financial health and sustainability through its membership activities and I am aligned with its mission and vision.
Can you share with us how your experience aligns with the responsibilities of this role and how it would contribute to the success of our Board?
I have just finished serving a two year term on the AFOA BC Board of Directors. I would love to continue in this volunteer role. I have been a CPA, CA for over 33 years and I have over 40 years of cumulative board experience in the non-profit sector. Our CPA firm works closely with First Nations and Indigenous serving organizations, primarily as outsourced virtual controllers and CFOs, where we act primarily as coaches and mentors to existing finance team members. In the past few years, we have worked with 7 First Nations, 5 Economic Development corporations and 11 Indigenous-led or Indigenous-serving nonprofit organizations and charities.
How do you see your values aligning with the mission of our organization?
I have a deep respect for Indigenous worldviews and ways of knowing and being. I would like to continue my learning journey related to Indigenous history and culture. I am a firm believer in AFOA BC’s Vision and Mission and their current strategic plan. I would be grateful for an opportunity to continue to serve the organization and its members. Our firm is a proud sponsor of AFOA BC and AFOA Canada and our team members have facilitated a number of accounting workshops at AFOA BC conferences and a webinar for AFOA Canada. Our firm is currently working on our Partnership Accreditation in Indigenous Relations (PAIR) Certification through the Canadian Council for Indigenous Business.
What’s the most unexpected/unique skill or hobby you have that you think could be useful to our board? Feel free to be creative!
I have facilitated a number of workshops on non-profit board roles and responsibilities and on introductory and advanced financial management and financial governance. I am familiar with the Financial Administrative Law (or Bylaw) from the First Nations Financial Management Board and I have worked with a number of First Nations to build internal financial capacity, improve financial performance, financial health and financial sustainability. In my spare time, I am currently working with AFOA BC, CPABC and a partnership of three local First Nations to develop an introductory financial training program for Indigenous community members who are interested in seeking employment in entry-level financial roles.
Carol Reimer
Please provide a statement of interest on why you’d like to serve on the AFOA BC Board of Directors.
I’ve always felt that a person needs to give back where they can. I have a passion for education and my formal training is as an Accountant (CFO). With my professional background and interest in education serving on the AFOA board is a perfect fit for me. I’ve worked in a First Nation organization as their Chief Financial Officer for the past 24 years until recently retiring. I’ve always encouraged my staff and the teams I work with to learn about accounting, encouraging staff to take their CAFM training and providing workshops and one on one within our organization to teach managers about their financial statements and budgets.
Can you share with us how your experience aligns with the responsibilities of this role and how it would contribute to the success of our Board?
My experience in First Nations Accounting aligns very well with AFOA. Over the years I’ve consulted with many nations and see the advances they have made and need for future work to be done within First Nations Accounting offices. I’ve been on the AFOA Board of Directors since 2013 and bring a wealth of knowledge from those years working with the board, staff and members of this organization. I also provide community workshops in the Accounting field, one of the services of AFOA BC. I get to see first hand how education enables First Nations to advance. I also sit as the BC member on AFOA Canada Board and participate regularly in this board and bring shared information back to BC to better our chapter.
How do you see your values aligning with the mission of our organization?
Back in 2013 I was asked to join the AFOA BC board and I whole heartedly said “Yes”. I believe in what AFOA BC stands for helping First Nations have a voice in the indigenous finance and administration fields. AFOA BC is a professional, hard working organization, values that align with myself and that I’m proud to support. A passion for me is education and AFOA strengthens indigenous communities with professional development and education. By working together First Nations and AFOA BC make for stronger communities.
What’s the most unexpected/unique skill or hobby you have that you think could be useful to our board? Feel free to be creative!
After people have met me they often say I’m not your typical Accountant! I’m able to connect with non-Accountants and explain the world of Accounting and I’m good at thinking outside of the Accounting box. A hobby of mine is travel, I want to see as much of the world as I possibly can. I think travelling to other locations in the world changes you, it allows you to see how others live and thrive and brings fresh ideas to how you can live and thrive. I bring all of this to my work with AFOA BC.
Vaughn Tehoweesonte Sunday
Please provide a statement of interest on why you’d like to serve on the AFOA BC Board of Directors.
I am interested in serving on the Board of Directors of the AFOA BC. I have over thirty years of First Nation management experience in my own community of Akwesasne in Ontario and here in British Columbia. I have worked with elected, spiritual leaders and with community members on various projects and initiatives. I am a First Nation person and I speak my language (Mohawk). I am the son of a Mohawk high steel ironworker who was also a residential school survivor, and a Mohawk mother who taught the language to children in daycare from the community. I am a member of the Wolfclan within the Akwesasne Longhouse. I live in a First Nation here in BC, within the Okanagan Nation Territory of the Upper Nicola Band. I participate in communal and cultural activities. I currently work at the Scw’exmx Tribal Council as Executive Director. I believe that an additional First Nation perspective may be beneficial to the Board of Directors.
Can you share with us how your experience aligns with the responsibilities of this role and how it would contribute to the success of our Board?
The vast majority of my work career involved working in First Nation Administration along with First Nation organizations such as the AFN in Ottawa, and locally here in BC at the Scw’exmx Tribal Council. I have worked as an Executive Director and Band Administrator. I have had some valuable work experiences such as getting a Band Council to achieve its Financial Management Board (FMB) certification for its management and financial systems. I have done contract work for AFOA Canada in such activities as teaching CAPA and Governance Leadership courses. The combination of these work experiences should be helpful to the Board of Directors. In terms of academics, I have attained my CAPA with AFOA Canada and I hold a Masters Degree in Public Administration (MPA) from Queens University.
How do you see your values aligning with the mission of our organization?
My values come from a First Nation perspective includes language and cultural lifelong learning, and reconciliation with the past. I believe in strong communities and strong nations across Turtle Island. These values require educated staff and knowledgeable leadership. AFOA BC seeks to achieve increased capacity development in the staff and leaders of Indigenous communities and organizations. My own values are very similar to the values and mission of AFOA BC and its Board of Directors. My everyday life and career have been dedicated to the pursuit of strong Indigenous communities and organizations.
What’s the most unexpected/unique skill or hobby you have that you think could be useful to our board? Feel free to be creative!
I am a long suffering Toronto Maple Leafs and NY Jets superfan. Therefore I like to get my heart broken every year and throw objects at my TV. That means I like the underdog and that is what the First Nations of Canada are as a people. One day, Charlie Brown will kick that damn football, the Leafs will have a Stanley Cup parade, the NY Jets will win the Superbowl and I will die a happy man! Parades are already planned in Akwesasne and in the Upper Nicola Band here in BC. Band wagon joiners are welcome!