Indigenous Financial Capacity : Financial Foundations

Two-day conference for Indigenous finance staff focused on finance operations, ISC funding, audits, internal controls, and AI.
About this Event

Indigenous Financial Capacity Conference: Proposal & Grant Writing
Date: October 28 & 29, 2026
Registration is now open for our Indigenous Financial Capacity: Financial Foundations held at the Saskatoon Inn & Conference Centre in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.

The Financial Foundations Conference is a practical and meaningful two-day experience designed to strengthen the core of Indigenous finance departments. This event is designed for finance staff - from clerks to managers - and brings together expert facilitators, peer leaders, and Indigenous professionals to explore practical solutions to common challenges. Key session themes include defining finance roles, addressing team conflict, building strong internal controls, aligning financial systems with ISC reporting requirements, preparing for audits, and creating healthier finance teams. Through a combination of storytelling, technical training, and collaborative discussions, participants will gain tools and confidence to implement effective processes in their own communities.

‍Key Takeaways:

• A clearer understanding of roles, responsibilities, and structure within a strong Indigenous finance department
• Insight into how to build a healthier, more respectful team environment
• A stronger grasp of internal controls that support ethical and compliant financial operations
• Exposure to practical examples and discussions that reflect the realities of Indigenous finance teams
• Ideas for aligning your finance system and coding with ISC reporting requirements
• More confidence in preparing for year-end audits and organizing key documentation
• A preview of ISC budgeting and reporting expectations ahead of future training

Location:
Saskatoon Inn & Conference Centre, Saskatoon

2002 Airport Dr, Saskatoon, SK S7L 6M4

Hotel Booking‍

N.B. More details to follow

Notice: Morris Interactive takes photos and records this event. By registering, you give Morris Interactive permission to use any images taken during the conference in which you appear.

Day 1: October 28

🕑: 08:00 AM - 09:00 AM
Registration and Networking Breakfast
🕑: 09:00 AM - 09:15 AM
Opening Prayer and Kick-off
🕑: 09:15 AM - 10:15 AM
Keynote: Strong Leadership & Governance in Financial Management
🕑: 10:15 AM - 10:30 AM
Break
🕑: 10:30 AM - 10:45 AM
Icebreaker
🕑: 10:45 AM - 12:00 PM
Session 1: Finance Roles & the Team Foundation
🕑: 12:00 PM - 01:00 PM
Lunch
🕑: 01:00 PM - 01:15 PM
Energizer Activity
🕑: 01:15 PM - 02:30 PM
Session 2: ISC Coding: Aligning with ISC Funding
🕑: 02:30 PM - 02:45 PM
Break
🕑: 02:45 PM - 03:45 PM
Session 3: Internal Controls: Keeping It Clean
🕑: 03:45 PM - 04:00 PM
End of Day 1
Day 2: October 29

🕑: 08:00 AM - 09:00 AM
Networking Breakfast
🕑: 09:00 AM - 09:15 AM
Welcome Back & Icebreaker
🕑: 09:15 AM - 10:30 AM
Session 4: Audit-Ready All Year
🕑: 10:30 AM - 10:45 AM
Break
🕑: 10:45 AM - 11:45 AM
Session 5: Surviving & Thriving in Indigenous Finance
🕑: 11:45 AM - 12:45 PM
Networking Lunch
🕑: 12:45 PM - 01:00 PM
Icebreaker
🕑: 01:00 PM - 02:00 PM
Session 6: AI in the Finance Department
🕑: 02:00 PM - 02:15 PM
Break
🕑: 02:15 PM - 02:45 PM
Sneak Peek: Conference 2: Budgeting & Reporting
🕑: 02:45 PM - 03:00 PM
Closing Remarks & Taking It Home
🕑: 03:00 PM - 03:20 PM
Closing Game & Feedback Form
🕑: 03:20 PM - 03:30 PM
Closing Prayer