Agenda
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Think Tank
November 16, 2026
Registrations and Breakfast
Protecting Community Safety: Addressing Drug Trafficking, Organized Crime, and First Nations-Led Responses
Gary MaracleChief Superintendent, Indigenous Policing BureauOntario Provincial Police
Michael StoddartChief Superintendent, Organized Crime BureauOntario Provincial Police
Jerel SwampChief Of PoliceRama Police Service
Illegal drug trafficking and organized crime are placing significant pressure on First Nations communities, affecting public safety, health, housing stability, youth well-being, and community governance. This opening session will examine emerging public safety concerns, the role of the Ontario Provincial Police in investigations and enforcement, and the importance of collaborative approaches that include First Nations leadership, police services, community organizations, and government partners. Discussion will focus on balancing effective enforcement with Indigenous rights, local priorities, accountability, and culturally informed community safety strategies.
Topics of Discussion:
- Examining emerging trends in drug trafficking and organized crime affecting First Nations communities
- Understanding the OPP’s role in investigations, enforcement, and inter-agency collaboration
- Exploring oversight, accountability, and governance considerations in policing
- Assessing the impacts of organized crime on community safety, health, housing stability, and youth well-being
- Identifying opportunities for prevention, intervention, and community-led response strategies
Enforcing First Nations Laws: Closing the Gap Between Jurisdiction, Prosecution, and Self-Determination
Jackie LombardiDirector of JusticeChiefs of Ontario
Stacia LoftDeputy Grand ChiefChiefs of Ontario
First Nations laws are a central expression of self-government and self-determination, but their impact is often limited when communities do not have consistent access to enforcement, prosecution, and adjudication services. Across Ontario, First Nations continue to face practical and structural barriers when trying to implement their own laws, protect community safety, and uphold local decision-making.
This session will examine the current enforcement gap, the advocacy underway through Chiefs of Ontario, and the work of the Tripartite Collaborative Technical Table on the Enforcement and Prosecution of First Nation Laws. Participants will gain a clearer understanding of the legal, governance, and operational pathways being explored to support more consistent enforcement of First Nations laws.
Topics of Discussion:
- Examining longstanding gaps in enforcement, prosecution, and adjudication services affecting First Nations communities
- Reviewing Chiefs of Ontario mandates and advocacy efforts arising from Assembly resolutions
- Understanding the work, structure, and objectives of the Tripartite Collaborative Technical Table
- Identifying practical pathways to strengthen the enforcement and prosecution of First Nations laws across Ontario
- Connecting law enforcement, governance capacity, community safety, and self-determination
Morning Break
Karen DrakeAssociate ProfessorOsgoode Hall Law School
York University
As First Nations continue to advance Indigenous governance and self-determination in the areas of community safety and law enforcement, important legal and policy questions are emerging regarding the interaction between Indigenous legal orders and existing provincial and federal policing frameworks. Recent developments, including a Charter challenge over the RCMP’s refusal to enforce First Nation’s by-laws, legislation in Saskatchewan for enforcing by-laws on reserve, as well as the Mississaugas First Nation’s 2024 private prosecution under its Trespass By-law and associated banishment provisions, provide valuable insights into the evolving scope of Indigenous jurisdiction, enforcement mechanisms, and the recognition of Indigenous laws within Canada’s broader legal landscape.
Topics of Discussion:
- Understanding the evolving relationship between Indigenous legal orders and Canadian policing frameworks.
- Examining the legal basis for Indigenous jurisdiction over community safety and law enforcement.
- Analyzing recent case law involving the enforcement of First Nations laws and bylaws.
- Evaluating opportunities and challenges in Indigenous-led community safety models.
Corey ShefmanPartnerOKT Law
As First Nations strengthen their governance authority, many are reviewing how trespass by-laws, banishment policies, and access restrictions can be used to protect lands, support community safety, and uphold local decision-making. These tools can be powerful, but they must be developed and applied carefully, particularly when different legal and governance considerations apply to Band members and non-Band members. This session will examine how to design fair, transparent, and legally defensible enforcement frameworks, with practical guidance on procedural fairness, due process, documentation, leadership responsibilities, and policy implementation.
Topics of Discussion:
- Examining the legal and governance principles that support First Nation trespass by-laws and banishment policies
- Developing clear policy language, procedures, documentation, and decision-making records
- Differentiating between the considerations involved in restricting access for Band members and non-Band members
- Clarifying leadership and administration responsibilities when implementing enforcement measures
- Reducing legal risk while supporting community safety, land protection, and local governance
Luncheon
Patti PettigrewExecutive DirectorThunder Woman Healing Lodge Society
Stable housing is one of the most critical factors in reducing recidivism and supporting successful reintegration after incarceration. In Ontario, restorative justice and supportive housing initiatives play an important role in helping formerly incarcerated individuals reconnect with their families, communities, culture, employment, and support services. This session will explore the intersection of housing, restorative justice, and community well-being, while examining the disproportionate representation of Indigenous Peoples within Canada’s correctional system and the need for culturally grounded solutions. Indigenous people continue to be significantly overrepresented in Canada’s correctional institutions despite representing a much smaller percentage of the overall population.
Topics of Discussion:
- Examining the role housing plays in successful reintegration and reducing recidivism.
- Describing the principles of restorative justice and how they support community healing and accountability.
- Recognizing the disproportionate impact of the criminal justice system on Indigenous Peoples and the factors contributing to this overrepresentation.
- Identifying effective housing and support service models that assist formerly incarcerated individuals in transitioning back into society.
- Appling strategies that strengthen culturally responsive, community-based approaches to housing, reintegration, and restorative justice.
Afternoon Break
Dr. Suzanne (Ethsi) L. Stewart (YK Dene), PhD, C.Psych.TC Energy Chair in Indigenous Health
Professor, Division of Social & Behavioral Health Sciences
Director, Waakebiness Institute for Indigenous HealthDalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto
Much of the involvement of Indigenous peoples with the justice, addictions, and mental health systems can be traced to the impacts of intergenerational trauma. While many treatment models focus on healing the individual, Indigenous communities are increasingly exploring approaches that extend healing to families, communities, and entire Nations. This session examines how Indigenous-led, trauma-informed models, including family-centred treatment, cultural revitalization, land-based healing, and restorative justice, can support collective wellness, strengthen relationships, and advance Nation rebuilding.
Key Discussion Areas
- Understanding trauma as a root cause of addictions, family violence, criminalization, homelessness, and mental health challenges
- Lessons from family-centred residential treatment models and their application at the community and Nation level
- Integrating Indigenous cultural practices, language revitalization, land-based healing, Elders, and traditional governance into wellness strategies
- The potential role of restorative justice in addressing harm while strengthening community relationships and accountability
- Building Nation-led systems that support long-term healing, self-determination, and community wellness
Think Tank Adjourns
Day 1 – Main Conference
November 17, 2026
Registrations and breakfast
Land Acknowledgement and Greetings from Canadian Institute
Valesa FariaSenior Vice President, Partnerships and EngagementBuild Canada Homes
With the federal government committing $1.7 billion through Build Canada Homes (BCH) to support Indigenous housing providers serving urban, rural, and northern communities, BCH represents a significant new player in Canada’s housing landscape. This session will begin with a technical briefing from federal officials on BCH’s mandate, financing tools, and vision for accelerating affordable housing delivery. An interactive discussion will then explore how BCH can support First Nations housing priorities, strengthen Indigenous participation and leadership, and contribute to long-term housing transformation across communities.
Topics of Discussion:
- Describing the role of Build Canada Homes and its approach to financing and delivering affordable housing.
- Identifying opportunities for BCH investments to support First Nations housing needs in urban, rural, and northern regions.
- Understanding how BCH fits within the evolving First Nations housing policy and delivery landscape.
- Assessing strategies for enhancing First Nations access, participation, and leadership within BCH initiatives.
- Exploring practical approaches for leveraging BCH to advance sustainable, community-driven housing solutions.
Morning Break and Refreshments
Lo StevensonAssociateOKT Law LLP
As this landmark national class action moves into its next phase, this session will provide a timely update on the case challenging Canada’s role in the ongoing housing crisis in First Nations reserve communities. Building on the Federal Court’s 2025 ruling that Canada has a duty to take reasonable measures to ensure access to adequate housing on reserve, the discussion will examine the latest developments, the road ahead, and the potential implications for housing policy, federal accountability, and First Nations rights across Canada.
Topics of Discussion:
- Summarizing the key developments in the First Nations housing class action and its current litigation phase.
- Understanding the significance of the Federal Court’s findings regarding Canada’s obligations to ensure access to adequate housing on reserve.
- Analyzing the legal issues shaping the next phase of the case, including Crown duties and constitutional rights.
- Identifying the potential remedies and systemic changes being sought through the litigation.
- Assessing the broader implications of the case for Indigenous rights, housing policy, and government accountability in Canada.
From Maintenance to Sustainability: A Strategic Approach to First Nation Housing and Infrastructure Management
Julie ArmstrongAsset Management SpecialistSouthern First Nations Secretariat
Tim ManessTechnical Services ManagerSouthern First Nations Secretariat
Effective housing and infrastructure asset management is critical to protecting community investments, extending the life of housing & infrastructure, and ensuring safe, healthy living environments for First Nation members. Drawing on the housing inspection, construction, capital planning, technical services, policy development, and management support expertise provided by the Southern First Nations Secretariat (SFNS), this session will explore practical approaches to managing housing and infrastructure assets throughout their lifecycle. Participants will gain insight into planning, maintenance, risk management, data-driven decision making, and long-term housing sustainability strategies as well as GIS systems to managing housing inspection, reporting and maintenance.
Topics of Discussion:
- Assessing the condition and performance of housing assets using inspection data and asset inventories to inform maintenance and investment decisions.
- Developing a housing asset management framework that aligns with community priorities, capital planning objectives, and long-term sustainability goals.
- Applying lifecycle management principles to reduce costs, extend asset life, and improve housing quality for community members.
- Implementing governance and policy tools that support accountability, risk management, and effective housing administration.
- Creating actionable strategies for sustainable housing management, leveraging technical services, data analysis, and community capacity-building approaches to protect housing investments for future generations.
Luncheon
As Bill C-37, the First Nations Clean Water Act moves through Parliament, First Nations have a unique opportunity to prepare for enhanced jurisdiction over water, wastewater, source water protection, and related infrastructure. But governance readiness is only part of the equation. Communities must also understand how to position themselves for future infrastructure investments and funding opportunities through Indigenous Services Canada and other funding partners. This session will explore the practical steps communities can take now to assess readiness, strengthen governance systems, build capacity, identify infrastructure priorities, and develop a roadmap for exercising jurisdiction while advancing critical water and wastewater projects.
Topics of Discussion:
- Assessing your Nation’s readiness to exercise water-related jurisdiction and governance responsibilities under Bill C-37
- Identifying governance, technical, and administrative capacity-building measures needed to support implementation. Examining pathways for advancing water and wastewater infrastructure priorities and positioning projects for future funding opportunities
- Evaluating strategies for developing water laws, source water protection plans, and regulatory frameworks that reflect community priorities
- Developing a practical action plan for leadership, infrastructure teams, and administrators to prepare for the opportunities and responsibilities created by Bill C-37
Building Healing, Housing, and Hope: The Thunder Woman Healing Lodge as a Model for Indigenous-Led Transitional Housing and Community Infrastructure
Patti PettigrewExecutive DirectorThunder Woman Healing Lodge Society
Ontario’s first Indigenous-led healing lodge for women is redefining the intersection of housing, healing, and reintegration. Currently under development in Scarborough, the six-storey Thunder Woman Healing Lodge will serve as Canada’s first hybrid model combining a healing lodge, transitional housing, and wrap-around supports under one roof.
Through this inspiring journey from concept to reality, explore this culturally grounded facility that supports Indigenous women leaving the justice system through healing, family reunification, and stable housing. Learn how Indigenous design values, sustainability, community partnerships, and innovative planning have shaped a first-of-its-kind project.
Topics of Discussion:
- Understanding how Indigenous-led infrastructure projects can support healing, housing stability, and community reintegration.
- Exploring the planning, consultation, and development processes required to advance a culturally grounded housing project.
- Examining how Indigenous design principles can inform sustainable, accessible, and community-focused building development.
- Identifying key components of successful wrap-around support models that complement transitional housing initiatives.
- Assessing opportunities to adapt and replicate hybrid healing lodge and housing models to meet local First Nations housing and community wellness needs.
Afternoon Break and Refreshments
Advancing Funding Equity: What the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation CHRT Case Means for First Nations Services and Self-Determination
Kent ElsonPrincipal and LawyerElson Advocacy
Margaret SaultChiefMississaugas of the Credit First Nation
The Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation (MCFN) has brought a landmark case before the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal (CHRT), alleging that the federal government’s education funding formula for First Nations schools is discriminatory and fails to provide equitable educational opportunities for First Nations students. The outcome of this case has significant implications for First Nations education funding, self-determination, student success, and the future of education policy across Ontario and Canada. This session will explore the origins of the case, the key arguments presented, and the potential impacts of the Tribunal’s decision on First Nations learners and communities.
Topics of Discussion:
- Understanding the CHRT complaint filed by Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation.
- Examining the systemic funding gaps affecting First Nations education and community services
- Exploring the relationship between education, reconciliation, self-determination, and Indigenous rights.
- Discussing the potential implications of the Tribunal’s decision for First Nations schools and students.
- Identifying how funding-equity arguments may inform broader advocacy across housing, infrastructure, and essential services
Christine Books-CappadociaA/Vice President, Continuing StudiesYork University
Jessica Vandenberghe P.Eng.Founder, Guiding Star ConsultingDene Tha First Nation
First Nation Housing Managers are often called upon to navigate complex relationships involving tenants, families, community members, housing staff, leadership, and contractors. Successfully addressing these challenges requires more than policy knowledge. It demands strong communication, mediation, and conflict resolution skills that foster trust, accountability, and community well-being.
This session explores practical dispute resolution strategies tailored to First Nations housing environments.
Topics of Discussion:
- Applying practical conflict resolution and negotiation techniques to housing-related disputes involving tenants, families, staff, and community stakeholders
- Using mediation and communication strategies to de-escalate tensions, facilitate productive conversations, and support collaborative problem-solving
- Recognizing how culture, trauma, bias, and power dynamics influence housing conflicts and incorporate culturally respectful approaches into dispute resolution processes
- Addressing challenging housing scenarios with confidence, including tenancy concerns, neighbour disputes, maintenance conflicts, and policy-related disagreements
- Developing fair, transparent, and relationship-focused approaches to conflict management that strengthen housing governance, tenant relationships, and community trust
Conference Adjourns to Day Two
Day 2 – Main Conference
November 18, 2026
Registration and Breakfast
Battling the Wolves of Climate Change: A New Climate Vulnerability Tool for First Nations Communities
Robert LePage Phd, P.EngFounding PrincipalClimes Group Engineering
Wildfires, flooding, extreme weather, permafrost degradation, and aging infrastructure are creating new challenges for First Nations communities across Canada. While many communities know the impacts are growing, identifying specific vulnerabilities and prioritizing action can be difficult. This session introduces an innovative climate vulnerability assessment tool currently in development that enables users to evaluate climate hazards affecting buildings and infrastructure, identify potential failure pathways, and better understand future risks. Through a practical demonstration and real-world examples, participants will gain insights into how climate risk assessments can support more resilient planning, asset management, and infrastructure decision-making.
Topics of Discussion:
- Understanding climate risk, adaptation, mitigation, and vulnerability assessments
- Identifying climate hazards affecting First Nations housing and infrastructure
- Demonstration of a new climate vulnerability assessment platform
- Recognizing infrastructure failure pathways before they become costly emergencies
- Applying climate risk information to support planning, asset management, and resilience strategies
James MarsdenFormer Chief (Minomaazo)Alderville First Nation
Taynar SimpsonChiefAlderville First Nation
The Alderville First Nation Solar Farm stands as a leading example of Indigenous participation in Canada’s renewable energy sector, demonstrating how community-led solar projects can generate economic benefits, support energy sovereignty, and create long-term value. This session will explore the development journey of the solar farm, key challenges and successes, and the practical lessons learned over more than a decade of operation. Attendees will gain valuable insights into planning, financing, partnerships, governance, and asset management strategies that can help First Nations evaluate and successfully pursue solar energy opportunities in their own communities.
Topics of Discussion:
- Assessing the key elements required to build a successful solar energy business case, including strategies for securing community engagement and support.
- Evaluating financing models and partnership structures involving governments, utilities, developers, and private-sector investors to support renewable energy development.
- Identifying best practices for long-term solar asset management, including operations, maintenance, performance monitoring, and sustainability planning.
- Recognizing the economic, social, and workforce benefits of community-owned solar projects, including revenue generation, employment opportunities, and capacity building.
- Applying lessons learned from the Alderville First Nation Solar Farm project to inform the planning, development, and future growth of solar and other renewable energy initiatives in First Nations communities.
Morning Break and Refreshments
Indigenous Business Spotlight
Luncheon
Justin LewisCEOOntario Aboriginal Housing Services
Indigenous housing providers are demonstrating that lasting housing solutions are built through community-led vision, strong partnerships, and a commitment to cultural safety. This session explores how Indigenous organizations are addressing housing affordability, homelessness, and community well-being through innovative development models, collaborative partnerships, and long-term strategic planning. Drawing on practical examples from across Ontario, participants will learn how Indigenous-led housing initiatives are creating not only homes, but stronger, healthier communities for future generations.
Topics of Discussion:
- Identifying opportunities to advance Indigenous-led housing development through strategic partnerships and collaboration
- Leveraging community engagement and housing needs data to inform housing priorities and investment decisions
- Building culturally safe and affordable housing solutions that respond to community-identified needs
- Strengthening housing portfolios and organizational capacity through long-term planning and sustainable growth strategies
- Advancing integrated housing models that combine affordable housing with supportive services, healing spaces, and community amenities
Nicholas GirardA/Manager First Nation Adapt Program
Climate Change and Clean Energy Directorate
Northern Affairs Organization
Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada
Climate change is increasingly affecting First Nations communities through flooding, shoreline erosion, drought, wildfire risk, water source vulnerabilities, and other climate-related hazards. This session will explore how CIRNAC’s First Nation Adapt (FNA) Program supports First Nations south of the 60th parallel in assessing climate risks, strengthening resilience, and advancing community-led adaptation priorities.
You will gain practical insights into funding opportunities, successful community projects, and approaches to wildfire preparedness that integrate Indigenous Knowledge and local priorities.
Topics of Discussion:
- Gaining an understanding of the First Nation Adapt Program and the climate adaptation projects it supports.
- Learning how First Nations are identifying and managing climate risks through adaptation planning and community-led action.
- Exploring practical strategies to address wildfire risk, emergency preparedness, and community resilience.
- Identifying funding, partnership, and capacity-building opportunities to support future adaptation initiatives.
Justin GeePresidentFirst Nations Engineering Services Ltd
Daylon GeeProject CoordinatorFirst Nations Engineering Services Ltd
Access to safe, reliable drinking water is essential to healthy, thriving communities. In this session, First Nations Engineering Services Ltd. (FNESL) shares nearly 30 years of experience planning, designing, and delivering sustainable water and wastewater infrastructure that supports community growth, housing development, and long-term resilience. Bill C-37, the First Nations Clean Water Act, will influence water governance and infrastructure planning, this session will highlight the importance of proactive asset management, source water protection, and community-led decision-making. Participants will leave with practical strategies to strengthen water security, support community growth, and maximize the long-term value of infrastructure investments.
Topics of Discussion:
- Examining best practices in planning, designing, and maintaining sustainable water and wastewater infrastructure
- Integrating asset management principles into long-term water infrastructure investment and renewal strategies
- Strengthening community readiness for growth through scalable and resilient water system planning
- Preparing for evolving water governance and infrastructure requirements under Bill C-37, the First Nations Clean Water Act
- Advancing water security through community-led planning, source water protection, and sustainable infrastructure management