Ottawa to host AFOA Canada National Conference 2023

Ottawa is set to host more than 1,000 delegates from AFOA Canada (formerly known as Aboriginal Financial Officers Association) during their National Conference from 14-16 February 2023. AFOA Canada was founded as a not-for-profit association in 1999 to help Indigenous people better manage and govern their communities and organisations through a focus on enhancing management, finance and governance practices and skills. The association’s premise is that one of the keys to successful self-determination, thereby creating a better life for Canada’s Indigenous people, lies in improving the management skills of those responsible for the stewardship of Indigenous resources. AFOA Canada’s National Conference will bring association members together with experts to learn, share knowledge, and build beneficial relationships. These will particularly promote excellence, best practices, and professionalism in Indigenous communities and organisations. The association itself focuses on the capacity development and day-to-day needs of those Indigenous professionals who are working in all areas of management, finance, band administration, leadership and program management. According to AFOA Canada, a key factor in deciding to host the 2023 event in Ottawa was the capital city’s mission to reposition and focus on Indigenous Tourism. As the event is expected to see 1,000 delegates visit Ottawa for 1,600 room nights, it will peak at 500 room nights during the core conference days. Terry Goodtrack, president and CEO of AFOA Canada, said: “The team have worked hard to ensure the perfect programme for our attendees, whilst closely supporting the association, our board and team throughout the planning process, which included postponing the event from 2022 and providing financial recommendations and support where needed.” “This win for Ottawa Tourism once again demonstrates the success of our desire to first build relationships with people; securing business comes at a later date,” commented Julie Clement, manager of business events at Ottawa Tourism. The 2023 AOFA Canada National Conference will take place at the Shaw Centre, with the Westin Ottawa serving as the host hotel, and with the involvement of the Novotel Ottawa and Les Suites Hotel Ottawa.