2026 Indigenous Human Resources Conference
Exploring Current Issues facing Indigenous Communities and Businesses
As Indigenous workplaces continue to evolve, HR professionals play a vital role in building strong organizations, supporting employee well-being, and fostering workplace cultures where people can thrive.
Join Indigenous leaders, HR professionals, managers, and workplace experts from across British Columbia for two days of practical learning, networking, and knowledge sharing focused on the future of Indigenous human resources.
This year’s conference will explore topics including:
Recruiting and retaining Indigenous talent Investing in youth and future leaders Employee wellness and workplace culture Leadership development and succession planning Risk management and emerging workplace trends Leading practices from Indigenous organizations
Our growing lineup of speakers includes experts from BC Securities Commission (BCSC), HUB International, MNP, Cedar Benefits, Munnings Law, Pathways Executive Search, and Williams Lake First Nation, recipients of AFOA BC’s Best Practices Award.
Featured sessions include a panel discussion on Investing in Our Youth & Recruiting Indigenous Talent, featuring Amanda Ens (BMO) and Edgard Villanueva-Cruz, exploring strategies to attract, develop, and empower the next generation of Indigenous professionals.
Additional speakers and session details will continue to be announced as the conference agenda is finalized.
Whether you work in human resources, administration, leadership, or organizational development, this conference offers practical strategies, meaningful connections, and valuable resources to help strengthen Indigenous workplaces and support thriving communities.
REGULAR CONFERENCE REGISTRATION
Pre-Conference Workshop (September 15): $395 + Tax
AFOA BC Members (September 16 – 17): $1,195+ tax
Non-members (September 16 – 17): $1,395 + tax
EARLY BIRD CONFERENCE REGISTRATION
Pre-Conference Workshop (September 15): $395 + tax
AFOA BC Members (September 16 – 17): $1,050+ tax
Non-members (September 16 – 17): $1,250 + tax
** Registration and payment for early bird pricing must be received by June 29, 2026.
REGULAR CONFERENCE REGISTRATION
Pre-Conference Workshop (September 15): $395 + Tax
AFOA BC Members (September 16 – 17): $1,195+ tax
Non-members (September 16 – 17): $1,395 + tax
Agenda
Coming Soon!
Speaker Bios
Coming Soon
Conference Sponsors
EXHIBITORS & VENDORS
Our vendor tables for this event are full, and we have very limited space for our Exhibitor trade show booths. Please reach out to Candise Johnston at cjohnston@afoabc.org for availability, cost, and/or to be added to the waitlist.
ACCOMMODATIONS
We have secured a group rate of $319 per night. You must book before August 18, 2026 to receive this rate.
Sheraton Vancouver Airport Hotel
7551 Westminster Hwy, Richmond, BC
(604) 273 – 7878
You can also call the hotel reservations department directly at 1-800-663-0299 and reference AFOA BC Human Resources Conference Sep2026 when booking.
Complimentary 24/7 airport shuttle to/from YVR
The hotel offers a 24/7 complimentary airport shuttle to/from Vancouver International Airport (YVR) every 30 minutes (00:10 and 00:40). Meet the shuttle outside of Departures Level 3 (Domestic and International Terminals). For arrivals between 2 and 4 am, please call 604-273-7878 for pickup.
The shuttle buses are white with blue trim, and show the logo of the Sheraton, Marriott & Hilton hotels
Early bird pricing is only valid when both registration and full payment are received by June 29, 2026. Registrations with an outstanding balance after this date will no longer qualify for early bird pricing. Any unpaid registrations will be re-invoiced at the regular registration rate.
Payments made by credit card will include a 3% surcharge – this will be reflected on the next page after you submit your registration.
The option to pay by EFT will only be available until September 4, 2026. Funds by EFT must be received by Friday September 11, 2026. After this date, you will need to send us confirmation that the EFT is in process, or pay by credit card, cheque or e-transfer.
If you are registering after this date, payment will only be accepted by credit card, cheque or e-transfer – your cheque must be brought with you to the conference and submitted to AFOA BC staff upon conference sign in on September 16, 2026.
Cheques can be mailed to:
AFOA BC
1055 West Georgia Street, Suite 2400
Vancouver, BC V6E 3P3
If you have any questions, please reach out to Candise Johnston at finance@afoabc.org.
A refund (less an administrative fee of $75) will only be made if notice of cancellation is received in writing prior to Tuesday, September 1, 2026 (10 business days before the event) to finance@afoabc.org. No refund will be given after this period. Substitute delegates are permitted with advanced notice. Cancellation for unpaid registrations must also be made by this date.