Financial Management Conference & Annual General Meeting
Join us June 15th-17th
The goal of the Governance Development Network is to maintain a “grassroots” approach and ensure the direction of the organization remains in the hands of First Nation communities. We provide solutions, information and promote good governance practices for all First Nation Communities in Ontario. Our Financial Management Conference and AGM will provide Financial Management in First Nations communities and leadership with our GDN Financial Management Training Module and our Financial Assessment tool. This will be a perfect opportunity for First Nations Leadership and financial officers to learn valuable tools for their communities, as well as network, share experience, and grow in leadership together. We look forward to hosting you.
If you've already registered, you will receive an email with a Zoom link before the event starts each day!
If you have not received an email, kindly check your junk/spam folder before reaching out to our Event Technical Support Team at events@ingaged.ca or 807-700-7001.
Schedule
Tuesday, June 15th, 2021
Introduction
Mathew Lane, Executive Director, Governance Development Network & Board Chair, Elder
Mathew Lane has a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA), as well as a Business Marketing and Business Administration Diploma from Confederation College. He is passionate about cultural exchange and language, and studies Spanish, Italian, French and Ojibway/Oji-Cree. Matt has previously worked in Sports Marketing for The Lakehead University Thunderwolves, Charter sales with Wasaya Airways LLP, Marketing and Communications with Nokiiwin Tribal Council, and Anti Money Laundering investigations, global dispersments and on-boarding at HSBC Bank Canada HQ.
Mathew has grown with the Governance Development Network from a youth member onto board member and is currently in his 5th year as Executive Director. He is a strong supporter of Indigenous affairs and his role with the organization allows him to constantly increase his knowledge and contacts in the Indigenous business and community development sectors.
Guest Speaker: Financial Management Presentation
Ana Nichols, Financial Controller & Priscilla Graham, Band Administrator, AZA
Ana Nichols is the Financial Controller for AZA. Ana has lived in the Beardmore area all her life and has had the good fortune of always being able to work in the area. Ana completed high school in Geraldton, and has, over the years continued her education with College Courses, as Ana stated, “but life and raising a family sort of got in the way of a full degree”.
As well as doing many small and contract jobs, Ana worked primarily for the Township of Beardmore for 23 years, where her interest in finance was fostered, as a Deputy Clerk Treasurer, and finally as the Clerk Treasurer. Ana has now been with AZA for 18 years and has helped in every department over the years.
Ana also serves as ‘Runner’ and does all the bookkeeping and necessary paperwork for a construction business with her husband.
“I am pleased to be here and thank you for the opportunity.” Ana Nichols - Presenter
FM 101 Presentation
Heather Lesperance, Governance Development Network
Break
Hands-on Exercises
Q & A Reflection on Group Work
Group 1 - 4 Presentations
End of the Day
Wednesday, June 16th, 2021
Welcome Back
Mathew Lane - Executive Director, Governance Development Network & Board Chair & Hayley Lachinette, Youth Board Advisor
Hands-on Exercises
Mathew Lane & Heather Lesperance
Break
Workplace Ki - Achieving Great Organizational Leadership
Jeff Robert, Presenter & Coach
Jeff launched ‘Workplace Ki’ as a model to better understand common threads leading to success. Workplace Ki blends thinking from business leaders, traditional practices, and academic research to create inclusive working cultures.
Jeff is a proud member of Bingwi Neyaashi Anishinaabek with several family ties to the Fort William First Nation Community. As a seasoned workplace harassment prevention advisor, Jeff has a passion for supporting national Indigenous communities from coast to coast. Jeff has worked on a multitude of initiatives within his community of Bingwi Neyaashi Anishinaabek. Over the last 5 years, Jeff has worked alongside Northern Ontario Indigenous organizations in an HR capacity with a focus on compensation, benefits, performance management and employee relations.
Jeff actively demonstrates his commitment to building strong, healthy, and sustainable First Nation Communities. Jeff holds a bachelor’s degree in Sociology from Lakehead University and a post-graduate diploma in Human Resources from Confederation College.
End of the Day
Thursday, June 17th, 2021
Welcome Back and Recap
Mathew Lane - Executive Director, Governance Development Network & Board Chair & Hayley Lachinette, Youth Board Advisor
Financial Assessment Tool For First Nations Presentation
Heather Lesperance, Governance Development Network

Discussion, Q & A
Mitaanjigamiing First Nation Governance
Chris Henderson, Community Planner and Membership Clerk, Mitaanjigamiing First Nation
My name is Chris Henderson from Mitaanjigamiing First Nation, I have worked for my community in various capacities throughout the years from Band Councillor to my current job Community Engagement Coordinator. I worked as a Governance Coordinator for 7 years (2011-2017) and CCP for the last 3 years (2018-2021) Band Council for 2 terms. I received my CAPA designation in October 2019, I am currently a trustee for the community, Vice President for Weechi it te win Family Services Board.
Break
AGM
- MNP
- By Law
- Elections
- Elder Appointment