Thank you to everyone who joined us in Toronto! We look forward to seeing you at our next event to unlock the knowledge of our expert speakers and discover roads to federal funding opportunities for both housing and infrastructure needs.

ABOUT THIS CONFERENCE

CI’s Annual Forum on First Nations Housing & Infrastructure, East serves as a vital platform for exploring innovative strategies, sharing best practices and fostering collaborative partnerships between First Nations, government and industry leaders in energy, construction and design. Focusing on infrastructure projects in Indigenous communities, our experts take a deep look at the federal budget’s funding allocation, identify financing opportunities and address the pressing challenges facing the housing sector in First Peoples territories.

WHO WILL YOU MEET?
Network and establish meaningful relationships with stakeholders in the following job functions:
  • Chiefs and Councillors
  • Housing
  • Economic Development
  • Finance
  • Capital and Infrastructure Administration
  • Lands and Resources
  • Public Works
  • Aboriginal Markets Financing
  • Business Development
From:
  • First Nations Communities
  • Aboriginal Economic Development Corporations
  • Construction and Engineering Firms
  • Government
  • Banks, Financial Institutions and Investment Firms
  • Water and Wastewater Services
  • Architectural Firms and Consultants

OUR 2024 PROGRAM IS IN DEVELOPMENT
Take a look at the lineup of speakers and event highlights from our 2023 event

Conference Co-Chairs
Speaker

Audrey DeMarsico

Lawyer
Nelligan O’Brien Payne LLP

Speaker

Daphne Farrell, CRSP, CEMC, ABCP

Emergency Management Specialist
EM Canada

TRADITIONAL WELCOME BY
Speaker

Laurie Carr

Chief
Hiawatha First Nation

GAIN INSIGHTS FROM
Speaker

Mary Duckworth

Chief
Caldwell First Nation

Speaker

Tracee Smith

President & CEO
Keewaywin Capital Inc.

Speaker

Alana Robert

Associate
McCarthy Tetrault LLP

Speaker

Brian Marks

Chief, Administration Officer
Cochrance District Social Services Administration Board

Speaker

Stacey LaForme

Chief
Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation

Speaker

Erica Beaudin

Chief
Cowessess First Nation

Speaker

Cliff Grant

Director Strategic Relations
Aboriginal Housing Management Association

Speaker

Katlia Lafferty

Articled Student
macushlaw
Member
Yellowknives Dene First Nation
Co-founder
National Indigenous Collaborative Housing Inc

Speaker

Lorna Lawrence

Executive Director
Miziwe Biik Development Corporation

2023 Conference Highlights
  • CHIEFS PANEL: Top Priorities for Meeting Housing Needs and Strategies for Achieving Housing Goals
  • FUNDING: Accessing Federal Funding Dollars to Provide Core Housing and Infrastructure Supports for Indigenous Communities
  • Facilitating Development on Reserve Lands – Avoiding Certain Indian Act Restrictions and Utilizing the First Nations Land Management Act
  • Examining the Federal Government’s Obligation for Financial Support: Why St. Theresa Point First Nation is Seeking Legal Action
  • TOP 10 QUESTIONS – What to Ask Your Building Contractor Before They’re Hired
  • Strengthening and Enforcing Robust Housing Policies for an Effective Housing Department from Rent Collection to Repairs

First Nation communities are building for the future despite limited financial resources.

https://www.budget.canada.ca/2023/report-rapport/chap4-en.html

SNEAK PEEK AT OUR PAST EVENTS
WHAT OUR DELEGATES HAVE TO SAY
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When we leave the conference, we get to bring back all the knowledge back to our community/community development.

Michelle Mallette
Office Admin, Wahgoshig First Nation
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Was a good experience. I had learned a lot and will continue to learn about other communities’ stories and bring them back to my home.

Dannah Ellison
Youth Councillor, Wahgoshig First Nation
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Very informative, it is good to know that other communities have similar cases and helping each other out and sharing.

Bessie House
Treasurer, Cree Nation of Chisasibi
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Good to hear other First Nations are dealing with similar issues, and are finding solutions.

Brian Bois
Public Works Coordinator, AFN
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The information shared was and will be useful. Networking, meeting others in same field helps.

Marcy Nelson
On Reserve Housing Manager, Ginew Housing Authority
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The networking opportunities with other First Nation representatives was paramount.

Melissa Maracle
Housing Accounts Manager, Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte
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