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
Day 1 – The People and the Process
8:00 a.m. — Breakfast & Registration
9:00 a.m. — Opening Prayer & Welcome
9:15 a.m. — Keynote Speaker: What Makes a Finance Department Strong?
9:45 a.m. — Session 1: Finance Functions that Work – The Right People in the Right Roles - Kathy Kissick / Trisa Cave
11:15 a.m. — Break
11:30 a.m. — Session 2: Healing the Workplace – Addressing Conflict, Building Trust, and Encouraging Lateral Kindness
12:30 p.m. — Networking Lunch
1:30 p.m. — Ice Breaker Activity - Chris Cey
1:45 p.m. — Session 3: Keeping It Clean – Strong Controls, Safe Data, and Ethical Approvals - Sherry Jimmy
2:45 p.m. — Break
3:00 p.m. — Session 4: Real Talk Panel – Life Inside a Finance Department - Kathy Kissick, Sherry Jimmy
4:00 p.m. — Closing - Chris Cey
Day 2 – The Reality and the Resilience
8:00 a.m. — Breakfast
9:00 a.m. — Welcome Back & Ice Breaker Activity - Chris Cey
9:15 a.m. — Session 5: Aligning Your Coding with ISC Funding – Build a Better System
10:15 a.m. — Break
10:30 a.m. — Session 6: Audit-Ready All Year – How to Prepare for a Smooth and Stress-Free Audit - Kathy Kissick
12:00 p.m. — Networking Lunch
1:00 p.m. — Ice Breaker Activity - Chris Cey
1:15 p.m. — Session 7: Budgeting & Reporting – A Preview of What’s Coming Next
2:15 p.m. — Break
2:30 p.m. — Session 8: Roundtable Discussion – Taking it Home - Kathy Kissick
3:00 p.m. — Closing Comments, Kahoot - Chris Cey
3:30 p.m. — Closing Prayer
Where will the conference be taking place?
At the Delta Hotel Edmonton South, 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 Delta Hotel Edmonton South, AB and mention you're attending the conference for an exclusive rate!
Do we have to pay for parking?
No, the Delta Hotel Edmonton South, 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.
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