The Right Honourable Paul Martin and B.C. Regional Chief Jody Wilson-Raybould to address over 1,000 Aboriginal Leaders at AFOA Canada's 13th National Conference in Toronto, February 12-14, 2013

TORONTO, Feb. 12, 2013 /CNW/ - The Aboriginal Financial Officers Association of Canada (AFOA) is holding its 13th National Conference at the Westin Harbour Castle Hotel in Toronto, Ontario, from February 12 to 14, 2013. Over 1,000 Aboriginal leaders, senior managers and professionals will attend this forum focusing on the theme "Relationship Building - Discovering Solutions to Complex Issues."

"I'm pleased to be participating in this conference," said former Prime Minister Paul Martin. "Long before I was involved in politics I felt strongly about the work of building partnerships with Aboriginal people. This isn't just an economic issue, it's a moral one. We can replace poverty with prosperity and frustration with hope. That's a choice we can make, and that's why this conference topic matters. Among us today are the Aboriginal leaders who have made that choice, and they want Canada to work with them." 

At a time when major changes are occurring in Aboriginal communities, this conference will focus on how building relationships can assist communities in solving complex community issues. Governance, management and financial issues at the local, regional, national and international levels will be other topics of special concern.

AFOA, founded as a not-for-profit association in 1999, helps Aboriginal people better govern their communities and organizations through a focus on enhancing finance and management practices and skills. AFOA's premise is that effective management is key to building social and economic prosperity and strong, locally accountable Aboriginal governance.

SOURCE: Aboriginal Financial Officers Association of Canada

For further information and interview requests, please contact:

Jody Warnes
Manager, Public Relations
AFOA Canada
[phone]
(613)-297-5998
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.afoa.ca

Lucie Santoro
Administrative Director
Martin Aboriginal Education
Initiatives
[phone]
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.maei-ieam.ca