F i n a n c e M a n a g e m e n t L e a d e r s h i p For Aboriginal Professionals in Finance, Management and Leadership
AFOA Canada AFOA Canada (formerly Aboriginal Financial Officers Association of Canada) was founded as a not-for-profit, non-political association in 1999 to help Aboriginal people better manage and govern their communities and organizations through a focus on enhancing finance and management practices and skills. AFOA Canada provides training in finance and management to Aboriginal individuals and communities to support them in their journey toward self-reliance and economic prosperity. This type of training is key in creating a better life for Canada s Aboriginal people and a better future for the next generation of Aboriginal people. After fifteen years in operation, AFOA Canada has become the centre for excellence and innovation in Aboriginal finance, management and leadership. It is the only, and largest, organization in Canada that focuses on the capacity development and day-to-day needs of those Aboriginal professionals who are working in all areas of finance, management, and leadership. Our programs are developed by Aboriginal people for Aboriginal People. We are Building a Community of Professionals Our VISION AFOA Canada is the centre for excellence, information and certification in Aboriginal management. Our MISSION Building management proficiency and connections that enhance effective Aboriginal governance, administration and self-reliance. AFOA Canada Guiding Principles and Values: Responsive to the interests of our members, chapters, communities and partners; Collaborative in building relationships, addressing issues, and meeting needs; Excellence through the high quality standards that strengthen our credibility and impact; and Relevant timely, accurate and clear in all of our information, programs and services. We achieve this by: Building capacity aimed at enhancing competency and skills development in financial management, general management, program management and leadership; Certifying Aboriginal Professional Administrators (CAPA); Certifying Aboriginal Financial Managers (CAFM); Publishing the Journal of Aboriginal Management (JAM), Canada s only professional Aboriginal management journal; Professional development training; Providing a forum to support our members through sharing of knowledge and experience; Participating in the development of Aboriginal financial management, accounting and reporting standards; Promoting excellence and professionalism in Aboriginal Communities and organizations; Promoting of best practices; Encouraging Aboriginal youth to enter into the finance and management professions; and Supporting Aboriginal accountability and selfdetermination efforts. BECOME A MEMBER AND JOIN OUR COMMUNITY OF PROFESSIONALS! You can be an Individual Member of AFOA Canada or your organization can become a Corporate Member. AFOA Canada membership is one of the keys to a successful career. Membership provides you with the resources and tools that assist you and your team in bringing value to your organization and community. AFOA Canada and its chapters link you to mentoring, networking, professional development, job search resources, plus guidance on earning your Certified Aboriginal Financial Management (CAFM) and Certified Aboriginal Professional Administration (CAPA) designations. Our members come from every corner of Canada, from Skidegate on Haida Gwaii in the West, to Glenwood, Newfoundland in the East, to Carcross, Yukon in the North. They are leaders in their communities and organizations and bring a high level of professionalism to Aboriginal management. Members benefit from exclusive use of AFOA Canada s products, access to education, networking opportunities and being on the leading-edge of Aboriginal finance and management issues. We believe AFOA is one of Canada s leading and most respected organizations in building and enhancing...capacity within Aboriginal communities across the country. Our Corporate Partnership with AFOA just makes sense and brings tremendous value in our effort to connect with community leaders and decision makers. Jack Jamieson, B.Comm., PFP, Vice President, Aboriginal Services, T.E. Wealth
Individual Member benefits include: Networking and Career Support with a Community of Aboriginal Professionals Connect with hundreds of other Aboriginal professionals and mentors working in Finance, Management and Leadership Various chapter events across Canada discussing timely and relevant topics at national, regional and local levels Access to AFOA Canada career centre including job search and career enhancement opportunities Career advancement and expand your skill sets Certification, Capacity Development, Education and Professional Development Enhanced credibility through highly sought after Aboriginal specific certification programs Home to the Certified Aboriginal Financial Management (CAFM) designation Home to the Certified Aboriginal Professional Administrator (CAPA) designation Opportunity to participate in professional development/ training courses and workshops to stay current in your career Choices in obtaining training and certification to match your needs AFOA Canada Products, Services and Resources AFOA Canada has a wide range of products and services to keep your skills up to date Access to top quality courses and workshops that are developed specifically for those working in and with Aboriginal communities and organizations Professional development products developed by top Aboriginal Leaders and education specialists Access to a library of professional development resources databases, best practices, toolkits and case studies Knowledge Sharing and Information Exclusive access to the Members Only section at www.afoa.ca Discussion forums focusing on professional subject areas Receipt of E-Newsletters that keep you informed on AFOA events and initiatives Receipt of JAM: The Journal of Aboriginal Management Canada s only Aboriginal Professional Journal with interviews, articles, news and tools that are specific to the Aboriginal community Receipt of Management Briefs Member savings on AFOA Canada Products and Services Reduced prices for AFOA products and services and events Receipt of and/or discounts on AFOA publications and resources Corporate Membership Corporate membership packages are available to both Aboriginal and Non-Aboriginal businesses that work with Aboriginal organizations, communities and individuals. Our corporate members develop meaningful relationships with our members and help communities realize their full potential through Connecting, Partnering and Building. This is your company s opportunity to boost its profile and exposure by investing in the country s largest marketplace for Aboriginal leaders and decision makers. You contribute not only to Aboriginal finance, management, leadership skills and capacity, but ultimately to the prosperity of Aboriginal communities. AFOA Canada Corporate Membership Packages provide your organization with exclusivity to all the programs through: Influence: We offer access and influential opportunity for knowledge transfer to Aboriginal communities and professionals, including the key decision makers. Positioning as an Expert: Facilitate the right of entry to Aboriginal communities in order to further your corporate social responsibility, inclusion commitments and competitive intelligence. Enhanced Profile and Recognition: You can build your corporate credibility and increase brand awareness in the Aboriginal market, including leveraging intellectual capital and recruitment opportunities. Entrance to a target rich environment: That is national in reach, provincial in scope and local in touch. Please refer to our Corporate Membership brochure for more information. Professional Development Workshops Join us at AFOA Canada scheduled workshops or host a community workshop where AFOA Canada instructors come to you! AFOA Canada is pleased to offer workshops on key management and financial issues that are delivered right at your door, in your community or a location of your choice. Participants are also provided with publications, tools and guides. AFOA Canada professional development workshops are geared to deliver effective learning strategies and tools that can be implemented right away in your community or organization. Our workshops have been developed for and by Aboriginal people to address relevant issues that our communities are facing. Increase your existing skills or learn new competencies. Register or book your customized community workshop today.
Our Workshop topics Include: NEW-HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGEMENT ESSENTIALS: MODULE 1 PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE get together to explore emerging strategies and tools to enhance finance, management and leadership in Aboriginal communities and organizations. AFOA Canada has hosted over 14 conferences and attracts close to 1000 delegates each year. NEW-HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGEMENT ESSENTIALS: MODULE 2 PLANNING AND STAFFING NEW-HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGEMENT ESSENTIALS: MODULE 3 PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT AND EMPLOYEE TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT THE POLITICS OF ETHICAL DECISION MAKING FOR ELECTED ABORIGINAL LEADERS PERFORMANCE MEASUREMENT AND REPORTING IN FIRST NATIONS DEMYSTIFYING FINANCE FOR ELECTED ABORIGINAL LEADERS VALUES AND ETHICS IN THE ABORIGINAL WORKPLACE DEVELOPING AN EFFECTIVE MANAGEMENT ACTION PLAN FOR FIRST NATIONS AN INTRODUCTION TO COMPREHENSIVE COMMUNITY PLANNING FOR FIRST NATIONS STRATEGIC PLANNING IN FIRST NATIONS AN INTRODUCTION TO COMMUNITY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT EFFECTIVE PLANNING, CREATION AND IMPLEMENTATION OF YOUR TRUST AFOA Canada National Conferences Our National Conference is the only forum for the exchange of knowledge and information on Aboriginal finance, management and leadership in the country. It is an important venue where Aboriginal financial professionals, Senior Administrators/Executive Officers, Program and Business Managers, Chiefs, Tribal Council members, Government representatives and business consultants working with Aboriginal communities can JAM: The Journal of Aboriginal Management JAM is the only professional journal for Aboriginal management in Canada. This semi-annual Journal, the first of its kind in Canada, focuses on professional trends and innovations in Aboriginal management. It includes interviews with leaders and articles from experts that profile community based initiatives and best practises. Stay ahead of what s happening with JAM. AFOA Canada Awards, Scholarship and Bursary Programs AFOA Canada recognizes achievement through various Awards programs. We encourage Aboriginal youth to enter into the finance and management professions as well as support all Aboriginal Professionals through capacity building and certification. Recognizing Excellence, Leadership and Achievement in First Nation, Metis and Inuit Finance and Management Call for NomiNatioNs: Do you know an Aboriginal person who has made a significant contribution to your community or organization at a national or regional level through their finance and management leadership? Did their contributions result in enhanced management, performance or governance? Do you want to recognize and acknowledge that individual? AFOA Canada is now accepting Nominations for these awards, NatioNal Category Recognizes individuals who have contributed to the Aboriginal Financial management profession on a national or Institutional level. regional Category Recognizes those individuals who have made their contributions at a regional, local or community level. award Critera Recipients of the award continuously demonstrate a sincere and long-term commitment to excellence in Aboriginal Finance and management in Canada Has senior finance and management responsibilities in an Aboriginal community or organization, Continued demonstration of leadership skills that have motivated and inspired, Made a significant contribution to the field of Aboriginal finance or management, Made measureable impact on the management, performance and/or governance of Aboriginal community(ies)/organization(s) Has raised the standards of Aboriginal finance and management practices Awards will be presented at a special ceremony during the AFOA Canada National Conference. Recipients will receive complimentary registration and financial assistance with travel to the conference. For more information on these awards or to nominate someone please contact AFOA Canada at; TF: 1-866-722-2362 T: 613-722-5543 F: 613-722-3467 E: info@afoa.ca In Partnership with Xerox Canada-AFOA Excellence in Aboriginal Leadership Awards National and regional awards presented annually recognizing Excellence and Leadership in Aboriginal finance and management.
A CAFM designation demonstrates professional credibility, competency and integrity. To qualify, candidates must: Option 1 Complete the CAFM Educational Program and pass the CAFM Professional Examination or AFOA-PotashCorp Aboriginal Youth Financial Management Awards and Scholarship This prestigious Award and Scholarship program is to encourage and support our Aboriginal youth to enter into the financial and management professions. Successful students take part in a four day youth program as well as become eligible for a $5,000 scholarship. Norman Taylor Memorial Scholarship and Bursary Programs Norman Taylor was a member of the Ucluelet First Nation and one of the founding members of AFOA BC and was instrumental in the formation of AFOA Canada. AFOA Canada offers financial support to our members and Aboriginal youth, by encouraging entrance into the finance and management professions through the Norman Taylor Memorial Scholarship and Bursary Program. Education & Certification Invest in Your Future The Certified Aboriginal Financial Management (CAFM) Designation & Program The Certified Aboriginal Financial Manager (CAFM) designation is the only one of its kind in the world and is increasingly becoming the sought after credential for Aboriginal financial management one that identifies CAFMs as highly qualified financial managers able to meet today s unique challenges. The designation is based on rigorous competency and ethical standards and a combination of education and experience requirements. There are fourteen courses in the CAFM program leading to the CAFM designation. The Program was developed in partnership with the Certified General Accountants Association (CGA) of Canada and is based on professional standards of practice and a firm understanding of the realworld pressures challenging Aboriginal financial managers. Option 2 Apply for Special Arrangement A with a CGA, CMA or CA designation plus 2 years practical working experience in an Aboriginal environment or Option 3 Apply for Special Arrangement B with applicants over 5 years experience in Aboriginal financial management and pass the CAFM Professional Examination Abide by the CAFM Standards of Ethical Conduct. standards of Ethical Conduct. Be a member in good standing with AFOA Canada. Sign an agreement to maintain certification. Certified Aboriginal Professional Administrator (CAPA) designation and Program The Certified Aboriginal Professional Administrator (CAPA) designation is AFOA s newest certification one that identifies CAPAs as highly qualified Administrators, able to meet today s unique challenges and builds capacity in Aboriginal administration. The purpose of the CAPA Education Program is to enhance the knowledge, skills, professional development and capacity of Administrators working in Aboriginal communities/organizations. To qualify, candidates must: Option 1 CAPA Online Program (Standard Application Route) The CAPA Online Program requires the completion of 16 online courses. Successfully pass the CAPA Certification Examination. standards in Ethical Conduct. Be a member in good standing with AFOA Canada. Sign an agreement to maintain certification. Have a minimum of two years full time senior management, supervisory experience in an Aboriginal management environment. *discussions are also underway with CPA Canada
Option 2 CAPA In-Person Program The CAPA In-Person Program requires applicants to attend six intensive weekend sessions which will be held at various venues across Canada in Aboriginal communities. Successfully complete the CAPA Diploma (CAPA 1 16). Successfully pass the CAPA Certification Examination. standards of Ethical Conduct. Be a member in good standing with AFOA Canada. Sign an agreement to maintain certification. Have a minimum of two years full time senior management, supervisory experience in an Aboriginal management environment. Option 3 CAPA PLAR (Prior Learning and Assessment Recognition) The CAPA PLAR requires applicants to submit a Portfolio that will successfully demonstrate through the assessment process that all CAPA competencies have been met or exceeded. Have a college/university degree in public administration, business administration, a relevant senior management program or an equivalent degree, and three years or more full time senior management, supervisory experience in an Aboriginal management environment; standards of Ethical Conduct; Be a member in good standing with AFOA Canada and; Sign an agreement to meet a Maintenance of Certification (MOC) requirement. OR No degree with a minimum of five years or more full time senior management, supervisory experience in an Aboriginal management environment; standards of Ethical Conduct; Be a member in good standing with AFOA Canada and; Sign an agreement to meet a Maintenance of Certification (MOC) requirement. Professional Development Online First Nations Fiscal Management Act This course will provide participants with an examination of the First Nations Fiscal Management Act (FNFMA), including an introduction to the major institutions created by the FNFMA and the tools created by the Act. In addition, the course will provide an opportunity for participants to learn how the enabling tools may be used to strengthen the financial administration and economic development capacities of First Nation communities who choose to participate under the legislation. The FNFMA is legislation that was passed in 2005 and established fiscal institutions designed to provide First Nation band governments with the practical tools available to other governments for modern fiscal management. This online course is offered in partnership with the First Nations Financial Management Board (FNFMB) The Aboriginal Finance and Management Capacity Development Series Providing the resources you need to get the job done and get it done well. AFOA Canada has a range of resources and tools to help you in financial management, administration, human resources, community planning, performance reporting and other management fields. A series of publications that include: Presenting and Understanding Financial Information A Practical Guide for Aboriginal Leadership Understanding Debt Management Managing Employee Performance Risk Management Project Management Developing a Business Plan Technology and Operations Management Introduction to Document Management Audits A Primer for Aboriginal Management And more... AFOA Chapters AFOA Canada has Chapters operating in most provinces/territories. Members of AFOA Canada automatically become a member of their local provincial or territorial Chapter. Chapters play an important role for members and AFOA Canada; they hold regional workshops and conferences and develop valuable resources and products for members. To contact the Chapters and for more Information on these events, please visit www.afoa.ca. AFOA British Columbia, AFOA Alberta, AFOA Saskatchewan, AFOA Manitoba, AFOA Ontario, AFOA Québec, AFOA Atlantic, AFOA Northwest Territories AFOA Canada 1066 Somerset Street West, Suite 301, Ottawa, ON K1Y 4T3 Phone: (613) 722-5543, Toll Free: 1-866-722-2362, Email: info@afoa.ca, Fax: (613) 722-3467 January 2014