Workshop Overview
This one day workshop will explore the governance structures necessary to enable First Nation’s to manage growth and financial stability. We will look at our changing relationships with government and explore how our own laws such as a Financial Administration Law (FAL) can improve outcomes for our communities.
This workshop will provide insight for leadership, staff and community members on the importance of strategic planning, community engagement and communication that will lead to sound financial decision making.
- Governance structure under Constitutions, Laws and Policies
- How will a Constitution guide community decision making
- What is in a Finance Administration Law
- The need for Strategic Planning
- How to link a Financial Plan to the Strategic Plan
- How many plans do we need
- How do we measure outcomes and continue the planning process
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Facilitators
Barbara Joe, AFOA BC
President
Barbara began her career as a Registered Social Worker in the 1980’s, then started a computer consulting business. Recognizing the need for technology and finance she began Certified General Accounting courses leading to a Certified Aboriginal Financial Manager designation.
Barbara began working for the Sechelt Band in the 1990’s as a coordinator for an employment program while studying accounting and was soon promoted to the full time position of Chief Financial Officer, a role she filled until 2005. In 2006 ready for a new challenge, Barbara agreed to return as the Chief Administrative Officer and continued in that capacity up to 2014.
Currently Barbara is now delivering training and consulting services in Financial Management and Governance, sharing her experience from working for a self-governing First Nation for many years and building management capacity with staff and elected officials.
Barbara is of Kaska Dena heritage, daughter of Martha Shorty, granddaughter of Yanima from Lower Post, BC. She has 3 grown children, Ashley, Sarah and Lakota.
Wendy Ham, AFOA BC
Executive Director
Wendy Ham joined AFOA BC as their Executive Director in 2019. Wendy is a Chartered Professional Accountant and a Certified Aboriginal Finance Manager. She also holds a certificate in First Nation Tax Administration through the TULO Centre of Indigenous Economics and Thompson River University. Prior to her role at AFOA BC, Wendy was the Finance Manager and Tax Administrator for Sumas First Nation for 7 years. She has been a member of AFOA BC since 2014 and was part of the team at Sumas First Nation who received a Best Practices Award from AFOA BC in 2017.
Wendy’s experience in finance and administration is long and varied as she has worked in the post-secondary education and not-for-profit sectors. She is a firm believer in life-long learning and is happy to bring her experience, knowledge and curiosity to her current role and is honoured to work with all the First Nations in BC.