2026 Indigenous Human Resources Conference
Agenda
September 15 - 17, 2026
Sheraton Vancouver Aiport Hotel | Richmond, BC
Pre-Conference Workshop | Tuesday September 15 |
1:00pm- | Title To Be Confirmed Cantatus Systems Group Inc. |
Conference Day 1 | Wednesday September 16 |
8:00 am | Registration/Full Breakfast/Exhibits |
9:00 am | Opening Comments: AFOA BC |
9:15 am | Growing People, Growing Nations Strong Nations are built by investing in people. Across Indigenous governments, organizations, and economic development entities, building capacity from within means creating opportunities for community members and employees to develop, contribute, and lead. When people grow alongside the organizations they serve, both are better positioned for long-term success. This session explores how governance, leadership, knowledge sharing and workplace development and culture come together to build resilient organizations and build organizational capacity. Through practical insights and real-world experiences, we’ll discuss approaches to developing future leaders, creating meaningful career pathways, supporting knowledge transfer, and fostering workplaces where people feel valued, supported, and connected to a shared purpose. Participants will leave with practical ideas and fresh perspectives for fostering workplaces where people feel supported, leadership is shared, knowledge is sustained, and organizations are positioned for long-term success. |
10:15 am | Refreshment Break & Exhibitor Intros |
10:45 am | Building Respectful, Resilient, and Legally Compliant Indigenous Workplaces From managing workplace complaints and accommodation to navigating governance, employee retention, and organizational change, Indigenous employers face a range of complex responsibilities. This session will provide practical guidance for balancing legal obligations, operational realities, and the needs of employees while building respectful and resilient workplaces. |
11:45am | Holding Space for the Indigenous Voice Strong workplaces are built on trust, and trust begins with relationships. This session explores what Indigenous perspectives can teach us about relational leadership and the importance of cultivating workplaces where people feel heard, valued, and respected. Through storytelling and practical reflection, participants will consider how the way we listen, respond, and lead can strengthen relationships, encourage honest conversations, and foster meaningful change. |
12:30 pm | Lunch & Networking
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1:30 pm | The Changing Health and Financial Landscape and Why Education Is More Important than ever Health and wellness programs continue to become increasingly complex; from blockbuster drugs coming off patent, weight loss drugs, National Pharmacare, First Nation’s Health Authority and other initiatives. Meanwhile, financial literacy is lacking across the country in a time when there is more pressure to spend and a decrease in employment satisfaction. Learn more around understanding these topics and how to lead with education and improve overall employee well-being. |
2:30 pm | Refreshment Break |
2:45 pm | Wellness and Reconciliation Through HR Practice |
3:30 pm | Fireside Chat: The Power of Investing in Indigenous Youth and Recruiting Young Talent Panelists: Every Indigenous young person deserves the opportunity to see what’s possible and to feel supported as they pursue their goals. Through lived experiences and open conversation, this panel will explore how meaningful relationships, mentorship, early career opportunities, and culturally safe workplaces can build confidence, open doors, and help Indigenous youth see themselves as future leaders. Together, we’ll discuss how organizations can move beyond recruitment to make a lasting commitment to investing in Indigenous talent, strengthening communities, and creating opportunities that endure for generations. |
4:15 pm | Conference Adjournment |
4:15 pm – | President’s Reception |
Conference Day 2 | Thursday September 17 |
8:00 am | Registration/Full Breakfast/Exhibits |
9:00 am | Opening Comments: Wendy Ham, Executive Director, AFOA BC |
9:15am | Beyond Recruitment: Creating the Conditions That Encourage People to Stay Employee retention is about much more than compensation. This presentation will explore practical strategies that leaders can use to attract, engage, and retain talented employees, including hiring the right people, creating clear HR policies, developing strong leaders, offering meaningful benefits, and learning opportunities, leveraging technology, and using stay and exit interviews to understand employee needs. Participants will learn how to reduce turnover and create workplaces where employees feel valued, supported, and committed to your organization’s success. |
10:15am | Refreshments & Exhibitors |
10:30am | Title to Be Confirmed |
11:15 am | Attracting and Onboarding Talent to Your Organization Join this interactive discussion focused on today’s recruitment and onboarding challenges. Explore practical strategies for attracting top talent and successfully integrating new hires into your team. Bring your questions, share real-world scenarios, and collaborate with fellow HR professionals to brainstorm solutions. You’ll leave with practical tools, fresh insights, and actionable strategies to improve hiring outcomes and create a more engaging, lasting onboarding experience. |
12:00 pm | Lunch and Networking/Exhibitor Draws
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1:00 pm | Building Sustainable Benefit & Pension Programs for Indigenous Organizations Employee benefits and pension plans are some of the most valuable investments an organization makes in its people. They also represent a significant financial commitment, making it important to regularly review programs to ensure they continue to meet employee needs while remaining sustainable for the future. In this session, we’ll share practical ideas, lessons learned, and real examples from our work with First Nations and Indigenous organizations across Canada. |
2:00 pm | AFOA Canada Certification Update Stay informed on the latest developments in AFOA Canada’s professional certification programs, including updates on current certifications, upcoming initiatives, and opportunities to support your professional growth and career development. |
2:15 pm | Story Telling – A Nation’s Story on How to Build HR Systems and Best Practices Williams Lake First Nation is proud of its commitment to excellence in human resources and governance. In recent years, the Nation has implemented meaningful organizational improvements to support sustainable growth, strengthen governance, and prioritize employee well-being and long-term employment opportunities. Through these efforts, WLFN has established a strong foundation of policies that reflect the Nation’s values, culture, and vision for the future. Recognizing the unique responsibilities and operating environment of a First Nation government, policies and procedures are designed and tailored to promote fair, consistent, and effective employment practices that support employees, strengthen the community, and foster accountable, culturally grounded governance. Join us in this story telling session to explore how WLFN’s achievements reflect a collective commitment to accountability, transparency, and a vision for self-determined growth rooted in Secwepemc values. |
2:45pm | Closing remarks, AFOA BC Draw Prizes, Conference Adjournment |