HR Conference: Building Cohesive and Committed Teams - October 6 & 7, 2026 - Calgary, AB

HR Conference: Building Cohesive and Committed Teams

The Building Cohesive and Committed Teams Indigenous HR Conference brings together leaders and professionals to strengthen human resources practices that are rooted in culture and built for the future.

Grounded in Indigenous values of connection, respect, and community, this gathering creates space for meaningful dialogue, shared learning, and practical application.

This conference is about more than policies and processes. It is about people. It focuses on how we build trust, foster belonging, and create workplaces where individuals feel valued and committed to a shared purpose.

Through stories, tools, and lived experiences, participants will explore how strong relationships are at the heart of cohesive and resilient teams.

Over two days, participants will:

• Strengthen their ability to build trust, connection, and accountability within teams
• Learn practical strategies to improve retention through meaningful relationships and engagement
• Gain tools to create inclusive environments where employees feel valued and supported
• Engage in open dialogue and shared learning with peers across Indigenous communities and organizations
• Leave with actionable approaches to building cohesive, committed, and high-performing teams

Who Is this for?

This conference is designed for Indigenous HR professionals, leaders, managers, supervisors, administrators, and team members involved in building strong, supportive, and people-centered workplaces. It is also well suited for anyone responsible for staff engagement, retention, workplace culture, employee development, policy, and team wellbeing within First Nations communities, organizations, and agencies.

Location:

Grey Eagle Resort and Casino

3777 Grey Eagle Dr, Calgary, AB T3E 3X8

N.B: Don’t miss out on this event! Book your stay by calling 1-844-719-8777 or 403-719-8777 and referencing Morris Interactive – Block ID 368770 to receive the discounted group rate.

Agenda

Day 1:

• 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. Breakfast
• 9:00 a.m. to 9:15 a.m. Opening Prayer
• 9:15 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. Welcome and Opening Remarks with Cordell Makokis and Janice Poitras
• 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Keynote Speaker
• 10:30 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. Break
• 10:45 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Retention Through Connection with Gary Mearns
• 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. Networking Lunch
• 1:00 p.m. to 1:15 p.m. Activity
• 1:15 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Psychological Safety with Tanis Danchuk
• 2:30 p.m. to 2:45 p.m. Break
• 2:45 p.m. to 3:45 p.m. TBD
• 3:45 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Closing and End of Day 1

Day 2:

• 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. Breakfast
• 9:00 a.m. to 9:15 a.m. Welcome and Opening Remarks with Cordell Makokis and Janice Poitras
• 9:15 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. TBD
• 10:30 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. Break
• 10:45 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Feedback That Builds: Strengthening Staff Through Meaningful Evaluations with Trista Cave
• 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. Networking Lunch
• 1:00 p.m. to 1:15 p.m. Activity
• 1:15 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Policy Design and Flexibility with Tanis
• 2:30 p.m. to 2:45 p.m. Break
• 2:45 p.m. to 3:15 p.m. Closing and Activity
• 3:15 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Homefire Prayer

Frequently asked questions

Where will the conference be taking place?

At the Grey Eagle Resort and Casino, Calgary, AB

Will breakfast be served?

Yes

Will lunch be served?

Yes

Do we need to book our own hotel rooms?

Yes – book your rooms at the Grey Eagle Resort and Casino, Calgary, AB and mention you're attending the conference for an exclusive rate!

Do we have to pay for parking?

No, the Grey Eagle Resort and Casino, Calgary, AB has free parking.

What do I need to bring?

Yourself! All materials will be provided.

Can someone else attend on my behalf?

Yes, but we will require 2 weeks notice for this. Please email kit@morrisinteractive.ca to inquire.

Can I attend one day and have someone else attend the second?

Sorry, your seat and materials are for one participant only.

If I don’t attend, will I get a refund?

To offer a more streamlined experience for all participants, we do not offer refunds.

Can I bring a friend or colleague with me?

Of course! As long as they have been registered at least 2 weeks prior and paid for their seat. (Unless the conference is at capacity).

Can I pay for my seat after attending the conference?

Sorry, your seat is only confirmed once payment has been received.

Can I pay by cheque or invoice?

To offer a more streamlined experience, as of April 1, 2025, we are only accepting credit card payments for our conferences. If approval is needed by your supervisor,  we can send an approval package, which includes an estimate and a copy of the agenda for approval by your organization.