The conversations over the next few days at the 20th annual AFOA Canada conference in Saskatoon will vary from showcasing success stories to financial management challenges. AFOA is a non-profit membership organization that provides management, finance and governance training to Indigenous communities through certificate programs, workshops and the annual conference.

President and CEO Terry Goodtrack says the information sessions include looking at the role of culture and traditional values in economic development, creating Indigenous community wealth through investment, and the challenge of resistance to change. Representatives of the Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation in northeast Saskatchewan will talk about the housing crisis on many First Nations and the Cree Nation’s ability to build 54 new homes in one year, which improved the overall quality of life for many families.

Goodtrack says the conference which runs through Thursday is also a networking opportunity for First Nations’ leaders to compare notes and to meet corporate representatives to possibly forge working relationships.