Agenda

Day One: Tuesday, September 17, 2024

10:30 EDT

15 min
Corrine Clyne

Welcome & Opening Remarks from the Chair

Corrine Clyne, Indigenous Cultural Safety Training Facilitators/Mentors, Ongomiizwin Health Services

Legal Human Resources Issues for Indigenous Communities
Helping you Build Successful Indigenous Workplace Inclusion Strategies

Gaining a deep understanding of legal issues in human resources management for Indigenous communities means addressing the issues and challenges which are unique to Aboriginal employers. Join this one day event with self-governing First Nations, Aboriginal schools, health care, social service agencies, First Nations owned entities and First Nations governments – including band councils to learn how to achieve strategic and organizational objectives that will minimize legal risk resulting from workplace issues.

Benefits of Attending:

  • Interact with industry experts.
  • Learn up-to-date methodology and industry best-practice.
  • Expand your skill set.
  • Network with other industry professionals.
  • Learn about prevention and proactive measures.
  • Gain insights into jurisdiction over employment relationships.
  • Improve advocacy and litigation practices.

10:45 EDT

60 min
Laura L. Debassige
Case Study:

Collective Bargaining in Indigenous Organizations

Laura L. Debassige, Vice President, Corporate Service, The Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency

  • Facilitated effective communication channels between Indigenous leaders and corporate representatives to ensure mutual understanding and respect during negotiations.
  • Developed strategic frameworks for collective bargaining that prioritize cultural values and community needs, resulting in agreements that benefit all parties involved.
  • Empowered Indigenous communities by providing training and resources to enhance their negotiation skills and advocate for their rights and interests effectively.

11:45 EDT

60 min
Cori Maedel Ketlyn Santana

Equitable Compensation Practices: Empowering First Nations Organizations

Cori Maedel, Partner, Human Resources Consulting, MNP

Ketlyn Santana, Manager, Consulting, Human Resources, MNP

  • Address the crucial issue of pay equity and transparency within Indigenous organizations.
  • Emphasize the impact of fair compensation on individuals, families, and the community at large.
  • Collaborate with attendees to envision a holistic approach to total compensation, including benefits and work-life balance.
  • Empower organizations to prioritize employee well-being beyond monetary considerations.
  • Provide actionable strategies to overcome common obstacles such as historical disparities and insufficient transparency.

12:45 EDT

45 min

Break

14:30 EDT

60 min
Justine Blanco

Indigenous Recruitment and Retention: Strategies, Challenges, and Best Practices

Justine Blanco, Client Partner, HR-Indigenous Recruitment and Retention, Employee Experience, Fraser Health Authority

  • Implement community engagement initiatives to build strong relationships with Indigenous communities and leaders.
  • Design culturally relevant job descriptions that are inclusive and respect Indigenous traditions.
  • Establish mentorship and support networks to provide guidance and assistance to Indigenous employees.
  • Conduct cultural competency training for all employees to foster an inclusive and understanding workplace environment.
  • Develop clear career pathways and advancement opportunities specifically tailored for Indigenous employees.

16:30 EDT

End of Day One

Day Two: Wednesday, September 18, 2024

10:30 EDT

60 min
Amanda Worm

Optimizing Workplace Dynamics: Human Resources Through a Relational Perspective

Amanda Worm, Human Resources Manager, Wasauksing First Nation

  • Foster open communication channels to encourage collaboration and idea-sharing among team members.
  • Implement regular feedback sessions to address concerns and promote a culture of continuous improvement.
  • Cultivate a supportive and inclusive environment by recognizing and celebrating diversity and individual contributions.

11:30 EDT

60 min
Koren Lightning

Navigating Conflict of Interest: Empowering First Nations Governance in HR and Administration

Koren Lightning, Legal Director, Wahkohtowin Law and Governance Lodge, Faculty of Law, University of Alberta

  • Explore the dynamics of governance involvement in HR and administration within First Nations contexts.
  • Identify strategies to address potential conflicts of interest and minimize legal exposure for governance bodies.
  • Foster dialogue and share practical approaches for establishing clear boundaries and effective governance structures in HR and administration.

12:30 EDT

45 min

Break

13:15 EDT

60 min
Corrine Clyne

Creating a Sensory Friendly Work Environment for Success within Indigenous Workplaces

Corrine Clyne, Indigenous Cultural Safety Training Facilitators/Mentors, Ongomiizwin Health Services

  • Learn about sensory processing and sensory integration in the work environment
  • Education and awareness of a sensory friendly work environment
  • Examine how a sensory friendly work environment impacts employee well being and performance
  • Explore strategies to implement a sensory friendly work environment
  • Learn about resources for a sensory friendly work environment

14:15 EDT

60 min
James Hsu Paula Krawus

Utilizing Employment Documents within Indigenous Workplaces

James Hsu, Lawyer, PortaLaw

Paula Krawus, Lawyer, PortaLaw

  • Minimize and account for risk by investing in proper legal documents to set up and manage your workforce.
  • Leverage employment documents as a tool to build and maintain a workplace tailored to your organization.
  • Will primarily focus on employment agreements and policies.

15:15 EDT

End of Day Two

Workshop: Thursday, September 19, 2024

10:30 EDT

10 min
Corrine Clyne

Legal Human Resources Issues for Indigenous Communities | Welcome & Opening Remarks from the Chair

Corrine Clyne, Indigenous Cultural Safety Training Facilitators/Mentors, Ongomiizwin Health Services

Helping you Build Successful Indigenous Workplace Inclusion Strategies

Gaining a deep understanding of legal issues in human resources management for Indigenous communities means addressing the issues and challenges which are unique to Aboriginal employers. Join this one day event with self-governing First Nations, Aboriginal schools, health care, social service agencies, First Nations owned entities and First Nations governments – including band councils to learn how to achieve strategic and organizational objectives that will minimize legal risk resulting from workplace issues.

Benefits of Attending:

  • Interact with industry experts
  • Learn up-to-date methodology and industry best-practice
  • Expand your skill set
  • Network with other industry professionals
  • Learn about prevention and proactive measures
  • Gain insights into jurisdiction over employment relationships
  • Improve advocacy and litigation practices

10:30 EDT

60 min
Melanie Sutton

Discrimination and Harassment: Legal Protections for Indigenous Workers

Melanie Sutton, Associate, Employment and Labour Law, Nelligan Law

  • Strengthen anti-discrimination policies to explicitly include protections for indigenous workers.
  • Investigate all complaints of discrimination and harassment promptly and thoroughly.
  • Train employees and managers on recognizing and preventing discrimination and harassment.
  • Enforce strict disciplinary measures against those who violate anti-discrimination policies.
  • Provide support and resources for indigenous workers who experience discrimination or harassment.

11:30 EDT

60 min
Virginia Lomax

Evolving Duty to Accommodate Practices and Navigating Inclusivity

Virginia Lomax, Lawyer/Principal, Lomax Law

  • Tailor accommodation policies to meet diverse needs within First Nations communities.
  • Provide ongoing training to HR staff and community members on accommodation rights and procedures.
  • Engage in dialogue with Indigenous leaders to co-create inclusive accommodation solutions.
  • Integrate culturally sensitive accommodation practices into HR policies and procedures.
  • Regularly evaluate the effectiveness of accommodation efforts and make adjustments as needed.

12:30 EDT

45 min

Break

15:15 EDT

Closing Remarks from the Chair