Pre-Conference Workshop

Tuesday, June 3

HR and Governance
Barbara Joe, President & Wendy Ham, Executive Director, AFOA BC

Your Story, Your Legacy
Cori Maedel, Partner, MNP

A journey of reflection, voice and vision

Conference Day 1

Wednesday, June 4

Navigating the Future: Data-Driven Strategies for the Modern Workforce
Gordon Penner, Account Executive, Employee Benefits, HUB International

The workplace is transforming faster than ever, reshaping the way HR leaders support their people. With these changes come new complexities—and powerful opportunities to lead the charge in building a resilient, thriving workforce. You need planning and guidance to ensure your benefit and retirement offerings are simple, smart, and sustainable.
Join us for an engaging and interactive presentation on simple, smart, and sustainable health and retirement benefit planning. Together, we will explore the diverse and dynamic needs of your unique employee population and their lived experiences—and how these intersect with your benefits programs.

Step Into AI: From Awareness to Action
Jennifer Hufnagel, Operations Consultant, Hufnagel Consulting

Feeling overwhelmed by AI? Wondering how to keep up with the hype? You’re not behind—and you don’t need to be an expert to start seeing real results. Whether you’re brand new to AI or have dabbled with tools like ChatGPT, this 60-minute session will build your AI awareness and show you how to take practical first steps, one task at a time

Balancing the Books, Building the Future: Advancing Indigenous Talent in Accounting
Sharon Hummel, Associate Director, CPA BC

Exploring pathways to increase Indigenous representation in the accounting profession and strengthen community capacity.

Utilizing Technology for Risk Management and Mitigation
Brett Christie, National Casualty Risk Consulting Leader, Aon Insurance

Aon will discuss a technology platform which is available and beneficial for tracking asset management for property and liability risk mitigation as well as numerous workplace safety applications focused around OH&S best practices to minimize injury and time loss due to injuries and losses which could have been mitigated. This Aon Risk Technology tool that can be customized to meet the needs of each user as they see fit.
Technology can help reduce the costs and time involved in risk management while creating a safer workplace and community. Aon provides an example of customizable Risk Technology tool that provides tools, templates, and training to help communities progress their safety, residential/commercial fire prevention and emergency response initiatives. We will provide a live demo of this versatile platform going over its various functions to meet the advancing needs of Indigenous Nations and Organizations.

Futureproof your organization by getting pay right!
Reena Paul & Garry Bedi, Eckler Ltd. 

This session explores the expectations around pay transparency and its impact on building trust and equity within organizations. We’ll also look at how emerging trends, including the rise of AI tools in HR are shaping the future of compensation practices and workforce management.  Our Eckler Consultants will present real-life scenarios and solutions to help you get pay right!

Conference Day 2

Thursday, June 5

Community as a Talent Strategy: Recruitment & Retention through Belonging
Ryan St. Germaine, Founder & CEO, Indigenous Tech Circle 
Candice Loring, Genome BC
Barbara Joe, President & Wendy Ham, Executive Director, AFOA BC

Discover how building intentional community can drive recruitment, retention, and re-engagement of Indigenous talent. Join Candice Loring, Barbara Joe, Wendy Ham, and Ryan St Germaine as they share stories and insights from growing purpose-driven communities where people don’t just get hired—they stay, grow, and give back.

Understanding Defined Benefits vs Defined Contribution Pension Plans
Nick Calla, Founder, White Raven Consulting

Pensions can feel complicated, but they don’t have to be. In this session, we’ll walk through the key differences between Defined Benefit and Defined Contribution pension plans, what they mean for your Nation or organization, and how to make the best choice to support your employees and community for the long term.

First Nation Employers: Workplace Laws You Need in Your Toolkit!
Richard Johnson, Co-founder and Partner, Sebastian Chern, Associate, & Glen Stratton, Associate, Ascent Employment Law

This presentation explores key legal and governance issues impacting First Nations workplaces, including the division of federal and provincial jurisdiction over employment standards, and the top human rights challenges faced by Indigenous communities today. It highlights critical distinctions between unjust dismissal complaints under the Canada Labour Code and civil claims, referencing the landmark Wilson v. Atomic Energy case. It also addresses bullying, harassment, and discrimination, along with the fiduciary duties and governance responsibilities of Chief and Council. Finally, it underscores the transformative power of clear, well-structured contracts in shaping employment relationships.

HR as Ceremony: Leading with Heart, Healing and Indigenous Wisdom
Nievelina Carmona, HR Consultant, MNP

What if HR was a space for healing, not just policy? Rooted in Indigenous wisdom, this talk invites you to lead with heart, trust your inner knowing, and transform how we care for people in our workplace.