Aboriginal Financial Officers Association of BC

Behind every Audit Prep Workshop is someone passionate about helping Indigenous communities succeed. 🌱

For Sukhi Chouhan, sharing knowledge isn't just part of his profession - it's something he genuinely cares about. As President of Chouhan Accounting Ltd, Vice Chair of AFOA BC's Board of Directors and lead instructor for the Audit Prep Workshop Roadshow, Sukhi travels across British Columbia helping Indigenous finance professionals build confidence, strengthen financial governance, and prepare for audit season.

What participants appreciate most isn't just Sukhi's expertise. It's his willingness to answer questions, share practical experience, and create a welcoming environment where people feel comfortable learning and growing together.

This year's workshops also feature valuable presentations from Indigenous Services Canada (ISC), First Nations Health Authority (FNHA), and Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), bringing together practical insights and resources to support Indigenous communities across B.C.

Building strong financial systems starts with people who are willing to invest in others.

Thank you, Sukhi, for your dedication to strengthening Indigenous capacity - one workshop, one conversation, and one community at a time.

Find an Audit Prep Workshop in your region:
https://afoabc.org/audit-prep-workshop-roadshow/

Is your Nation audit-ready? 📈

Audit preparation doesn’t begin when the auditor arrives. It starts with strong financial systems, organized documentation, and clear internal processes throughout the year.

Before audit season, take a few minutes to review:

✔ Signing authorities
✔ Financial policies
✔ Supporting documentation
✔ Records management
✔ Internal controls

A little preparation today can help reduce stress, improve efficiency, and support a smoother audit process.

Want practical guidance to help your organization prepare?

Join AFOA BC’s Audit Prep Roadshow, where Indigenous finance and administration professionals will explore practical strategies, common audit challenges, and best practices to help your Nation approach audit season with confidence.

📅 Registration is now open!

Learn more: https://afoabc.org/audit-prep-workshop-roadshow/

We’re hiring!

AFOA BC is looking for a Program & Administrative Assistant to join our team in Vancouver.

We’re looking for a proactive, organized and detail-oriented professional who enjoys keeping things running smoothly and supporting people along the way.

What we offer:

• $55,000–$60,000 annual salary
• Hybrid work arrangement
• Comprehensive benefits and matched RSP
• Three weeks’ vacation plus additional paid time off over the festive season
• A supportive, collaborative work environment

Knowledge of Indigenous communities, cultures and governance is an asset, and candidates of Indigenous ancestry will be given preference.

Interested? Applications are being reviewed on an ongoing basis, so we encourage you to apply soon.

Join a workplace built on connection, teamwork and community!

View the full job posting and apply at:
afoabc.org/job/program-administrative-assistant

Know someone who would be a great fit? Please share this opportunity with your network.

Providing practical knowledge is one of the many ways AFOA BC's Corporate Members support Indigenous communities and organizations.

From their blog, Cedar Benefits Group shares practical strategies to help Indigenous businesses and organizations make the most of their employee benefits budget, from reviewing plan design to maximizing long-term value for employees.

Whether you're evaluating your current benefits program or planning ahead, this article offers practical insights to consider.

📖 Read the full article:
https://www.cedarbenefits.ca/blog/maximizing-your-benefits-budget-strategies-for-indigenous-businesses

Thank you to Cedar Benefits Group for supporting AFOA BC and sharing their expertise with our community.

Every Nation is unique, and so is every learning experience. 🌿

AFOA BC Executive Director Wendy Ham and Board President Barbara Joe travelled to Doig River First Nation and Blueberry River First Nations Band to deliver a four-day, in-community governance workshop for Chief and Council and senior staff.

Both Nations participated together, and each has a different governance structure. As the workshop progressed, Wendy and Barbara adapted the training in real time to ensure the content reflected the interests, questions, and governance realities of the participants.

“We pivoted our training as we wanted to ensure it was most effective for our audience. It was a true test of being able to adapt and focus on what participants wanted to learn.” — Wendy Ham, Executive Director, AFOA BC

That flexibility is what makes AFOA BC’s in-community workshops so valuable. Every workshop is designed to be practical, collaborative, and tailored to the unique priorities of the Nation, ensuring participants leave with knowledge and tools they can apply immediately.

Thank you to Doig River First Nation and Blueberry River First Nations for welcoming us into your communities. We appreciate the opportunity to learn together and support strong Indigenous governance.

For 30 years, AFOA BC has been working alongside Indigenous communities to strengthen governance, build capacity, and support Indigenous leaders across British Columbia.

Applications are now open - but don’t wait too long! 🌟

The 4th Annual Indigenous Youth Entrepreneur Summit & Job Fair, presented in partnership with Bears' Lair Dream Camps, returns to Vancouver this October, bringing together Indigenous Youth (ages 18–35) from across Canada for five inspiring days of entrepreneurship, leadership development, mentorship, and career exploration.

Participants will:

💡 Develop a business idea
🤝 Connect with Indigenous entrepreneurs, mentors, and employers
🎤 Pitch their venture
🏆 Compete for a $10,000 grand prize

Whether you’re launching a business, exploring career opportunities, or looking to build your confidence and leadership skills, this immersive experience is designed to help you take the next step.

For 30 years, AFOA BC has been creating opportunities that strengthen Indigenous leadership. The Indigenous Youth Entrepreneur Summit is one more way we’re investing in the next generation of Indigenous entrepreneurs, professionals, and changemakers.

📅 October 26–30, 2026
📍 Holiday Inn & Suites Vancouver Downtown
📝 Applications close September 20, 2026

Know an Indigenous Youth who would benefit from this opportunity? Tag them or share this post to help spread the word.

🔗 Learn more and apply today: https://afoabc.org/youthsummit

Emergencies don’t just impact buildings - they can disrupt your organization’s financial operations, too. 🗃️

Wildfires, flooding, power outages, and evacuations can happen with little warning. If your team couldn’t access the office tomorrow, would payroll still be processed? Could invoices still be paid? Would critical financial records be accessible?

This month’s AFOA BC blog explores practical ways Indigenous organizations can strengthen financial resilience before an emergency occurs. From documenting payroll procedures and protecting critical records to reviewing signing authorities and business continuity plans, small steps taken today can make a significant difference when it matters most.

Being prepared isn’t about expecting the worst. It’s about ensuring your Nation can continue serving its community- no matter what challenges arise.

Read the full blog at: https://afoabc.org/financial-emergency-preparedness-for-indigenous-organizations/

Financial Emergency Preparedness for Indigenous Organizations: Does Your Nation Have A Plan? - AFOABC It’s late summer in British Columbia. A nearby wildfire forces an evacuation order with little warning. Staff leave the office quickly, taking only essential items. Payroll is due tomorrow. Vendors are awaiting payment. Council needs to meet urgently, but key records and systems are no longer acce...