3:30 – 6:30 p.m.  

| Pre-Registration

Attendees are encouraged to collect their conference badge and program materials in advance to expedite Thursday morning registration.

5:00 – 6:30 p.m.

| Networking Sprint (In Vancouver Island Ballroom) – Separate Registration required

Connect with fellow delegates through facilitated networking designed to spark meaningful conversations and new opportunities for collaboration.
(Advance registration required. Seating is limited.)

7:30 – 8:30 am

| Registration & Networking Breakfast

8:20 am – Francophone Housekeeping

8:30 – 9:10 am

| Opening Ceremonies

• Opening Prayer and Welcome from Elder Syex̱wáliya Ann Whonnock
• Welcome Remarks
  -Opening Address by AFN National Chief Woodhouse Nepinak
• Conference Vision and Overview from Emcees Katisha Paul and Chief Aaron Pete

9:15 – 10:00 am

| Institutional Updates

Hear directly from the leaders as they share key achievements, emerging priorities, and opportunities for collaboration.

Allan Claxton, Development Board Chair, First Nations Infrastructure Institute (FNII)

Ernie Daniels, President/CEO, First Nations Finance Authority (FNFA)

Chief Robert Louie, Chairman, First Nations Lands Advisory Board (LAB)

Councillor Hayden Guilderson, Chair, First Nation Land Governance Registry (FNLGR)

Deputy Chief Commissioner William McCue, First Nations Tax Commission (FNTC)

Harold Calla, Executive Chair, First Nations Financial Management Board (FMB)

10:05 – 10:30 am

| Current State of Affairs Panel

Twenty years after the First Nations Fiscal Management Act and thirty years after the establishment of the Framework Agreement on First Nation Land Management, First Nations have achieved significant progress in governance, economic development, and nation-building. This panel will reflect on the current landscape, explore emerging opportunities, and consider what is needed to sustain momentum for future generations.

10:35 – 11:00 am

| Full Circle: Indigenous Capital Connecting Communities

Discover the story behind the acquisition of River Rock Casino & Resort by Musqueam and Snuneymuxw First Nations. More than a major business transaction, this case study showcases visionary leadership, cross-territorial collaboration, and a powerful model for building generational wealth.

11:00 – 11:20 am

| Break

11:20 am – 12:05 pm

| Breakout Session #1

• Building the Future Together: Industry Perspectives on Land Governance Priorities

Join industry partners for an engaging discussion on the future of land governance. This panel will explore the LAB’s strategic priorities, emerging trends, and opportunities for meaningful collaboration, showcasing how collective action can drive lasting impact and shared success. (Mainstage)

• Building Strong Systems: Asset Management for Future‑Ready Infrastructure

Learn how asset management helps First Nations make informed decisions about infrastructure, manage risk, and plan for sustainable community growth and service delivery.
(Breakout B)

• Standards Update: Key Revisions to the FAL, FP, and FMS Standards

Get an overview of the key revisions to the FAL, FP, and FMS Standards taking effect April 1, 2027, and learn how your Nation can prepare for implementation.
(Breakout C)

• Session details forthcoming

(Breakout D)

12:05 – 1:00 pm

| Hosted Networking Luncheon

1:00 – 1:45 pm

| Breakout Session #2

• FNLGR Update: Framework Agreement Vision to First Nation Control

Get an inside look at the progress of the First Nation Land Governance Registry, a landmark First Nation-led institution advancing land governance and self-determination. Hear about major developments in implementation and readiness planning, and gain valuable insights from pilot First Nations whose leadership and expertise are shaping the future of the registry.
(Mainstage)

• Unlocking the Blueprint: How Budget 2025 and FNFMA Amendments Can Accelerate Community Development

Explore how First Nations have leveraged innovative financing tools to raise over $5 billion in capital investment.
(Breakout B)

• The Evolution of Taksis: FACT Sales Tax

The First Nations Tax Commission continues to work closely with Finance Canada on how to implement the Fuel, Alcohol, Cannabis and Tobacco and Vaping (FACT) Sales Tax for interested First Nations. Finance Canada is nearing completion of templates for FACT laws and the tax administration agreement for interested First Nations. Learn more about this new, optional fiscal power and how it can raise revenues for your community.
(Breakout C)

• Strengthening For-Profit Economic Development Through Standards and Resources

Overview of tools, templates, and key insights from FMB’s Economic Roundtable discussions with for-profit leaders across diverse industries. The presentation will also seek feedback from Nations on challenges and opportunities related to advancing for-profit economic activities and inform future FMB support through standards, resources, and capacity-building initiatives.
(Breakout D)

1:45 – 2:05 pm

| Break

2:05 – 2:30 pm

| North Star: Our Journey Toward Self-Determination

As First Nations continue to build for the future, this session highlights the leadership, innovation, and collective efforts helping communities chart their own course toward self-determination and long-term prosperity.

2:35 – 3:00 pm

| Keynote Address
| Maureen Nyce, Chief Councillor, Haisla Nation

The Haisla Nation has emerged as a national leader in advancing economic reconciliation, Indigenous ownership, and sustainable development. In this keynote, Chief Councillor Maureen Nyce will share lessons from the Nation’s journey, including their leadership in the world-first majority Indigenous-owned Cedar LNG project and their ongoing work to create long-term prosperity for future generations while maintaining stewardship of their lands and culture.

3:05 – 3:35 pm

| Gathering in Honour: A Celebration of Legacy and Shared Journeys

Celebrating 20 Years of the First Nations Fiscal Management Act, 30 Years of Framework Agreement on First Nation Land Management, and a Legacy of Collaborative Growth.

• Recognition of Collaborative Growth
• Milestone Video Presentation

3:35 – 5:00 pm

| Gathering in Honour: Blanketing Ceremony

• Introduction and Recognition
• Honouree Introduced
• Remarks from Presenter
• Blanketing
• Photo Opportunity
• Repeat for each recipient
• Closing Prayer and Song

5:00 pm

| End of Day 1

7:30 – 8:25 am

| Networking Breakfast

8:25 – 8:30 am

| Day 2 Welcome and Opening Reflections

8:35 – 8:45 am

| Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations Video

8:45 – 9:15 am

| First Nations Contributions to the Economy: FNFA Economic Impact Study Findings

First Nations are not just participating in the Canadian economy; they are helping lead it. This session explores recent findings from FNFA’s Economic Impact Study and the real contributions of our Nations to our shared economy.

9:20 – 9:50 am

| Building success through collaboration: the next chapter in FMB support

Explore how the First Nations Financial Management Board is evolving its services, tools, and supports to help First Nations achieve their goals.

9:55 – 10:05 am

| Transition Between Sessions

10:05 – 10:50 am

| Breakout Session #3

• Myth Busting : Let’s clear up the confusion

This panel will tackle common misconceptions about FMB and FNFA, separate fact from fiction, and explain how these organizations work together to support First Nations governance, financial management, and access to capital.
(Mainstage)

• Inside the FNLGR: Live Demo and Hands-On Registry Exercise

Step inside the First Nation Land Governance Registry and discover how this innovative platform will support efficient, First Nation-led land governance. Through a live demonstration and collaborative exercise, participants will gain practical experience with the registry process while hearing firsthand from pilot First Nations whose expertise is helping build a user-focused, community-driven system.
(Breakout B)

• Taksis: Our Collective Way of Helping Each Other

Through stories, experiences, and practical examples, this session highlights the power of Taksis and the enduring value of working together to support one another and build a stronger future.
(Breakout C)

• Pathways to Prosperity: Indigenous Leadership and Intergenerational Wealth

This session will explore research and engagement findings, as well as a proposed pathway toward an Indigenous-led, Indigenous-governed investment model designed to improve access to institutional-quality investment solutions while building investment capacity and supporting economic self-determination. Participants will have an opportunity to share their perspectives on the proposed path forward.
(Breakout D)

10:50 – 11:20 am

| Networking Break and Transition Between Sessions

11:20 – 12:05 am

| Breakout Session #4

• Journey Towards FMS Certification

Every certification journey tells a story. In this inspiring panel session, FMS Certified Nations will share their experiences navigating the road to certification, offering honest perspectives on the challenges they faced, the milestones they celebrated, and the determination that drove them forward. Explore how FMS Certification has become a catalyst for growth, opening doors to new opportunities and creating meaningful benefits for communities today and into the future.
(Mainstage)

• Fast and Cost-Effective Additions to Reserve

As First Nations continue to build for the future, this session explores how a First Nation Assessment Authority could support the next generation of economic development, governance, and community prosperity.
(Breakout B)

• Paths to Progress: First Nations Using FMA Tools to Build for Future Generations

Through real-world project stories, First Nation leaders share how they are building critical infrastructure, improving access to capital, and creating lasting community benefits.
(Breakout C)

• The Current Economic Outlook

Join the First Nations Finance Authority (FNFA)’s Chief Economist for an overview of the current economic landscape, including key trends, risks, and opportunities shaping the Canadian economy. This session will provide insights into inflation, interest rates, economic growth, and the potential impacts on First Nations communities, investments, and long-term financial planning.
(Breakout D)

12:10 – 1:00 pm

| Hosted Networking Luncheon

• 12:50 p.m. – The Next Generation Leading the Way
  Video Highlights from the 2026 Youth International Exchange Program

1:00 – 1:35 pm

| Youth Leading the Way: 2026 International Exchange Program Experience

Building on the stories featured during lunch, participants from the 2026 Youth International Exchange Cohort will share their firsthand experiences, lessons learned, and reflections on Indigenous leadership from around the world. Hear how new perspectives, meaningful relationships, and global exchanges are inspiring the next generation of leaders and helping shape the future of First Nations communities.

1:40 – 2:10 pm

| Keynote Address
| Terrance Paul, Chief, Membertou First Nation

For more than four decades, Chief Terrance Paul has helped transform Membertou First Nation into one of Canada’s most recognized models of Indigenous governance, economic development, and community prosperity. Under his leadership, Membertou has become a global example of what is possible when First Nations lead with vision, strategic partnerships, and a commitment to future generations.

2:15 – 2:35 pm

| Audience Poll: Shaping the Path Forward

Share your perspectives on the priorities, opportunities, and actions that will shape the future of First Nations. Live results will help inform the conference’s closing leadership reflections.

2:40 – 3:25 pm

| Looking Forward: Leadership Reflections on the Next Generation of Growth

Leaders from the First Nations institutions and Lands Advisory Board reflect on lessons learned, emerging opportunities, and priorities for the next generation of collaborative growth and self-determination.

• Allan Claxton, Development Board Chair, First Nations Infrastructure Institute (FNII)
• Jody Anderson, VP, Partnerships, Strategy and Public Affairs, First Nations Finance Authority (FNFA)
• Ernie Daniels, President/CEO, First Nations Finance Authority (FNFA)
• Chief Robert Louie, Chairman, First Nations Lands Advisory Board (LAB)
• Councillor Hayden Guilderson, Chair, First Nation Land Governance Registry (FNLGR)
• Chief Derek Epp, Special Initiatives Chair, First Nations Tax Commission (FNTC)
• Harold Calla, Executive Chair, First Nations Financial Management Board (FMB)

3:30 – 3:50 pm

| Closing

• Conference Summary by Emcees Katisha Paul and Chief Aaron Pete
• Closing Prayer by Elder Syex̱wáliya Ann Whonnock
• Closing Reflections and Farewell

Breakout A
BC Ballroom
680 seats

Breakout B
Boardroom
70 seats

Breakout C
Waddington
150 seats

Breakout D
Tweedsmuir
40 seats