Information about submitting a proposal to deliver a concurrent workshop at the FNHMA 14th Annual National Conference
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Event Dates: November 3-5, 2026 – Vancouver, BC
This document is a guide to help you to prepare and review in advance the questions and information that you will be asked to provide in a proposal if you would like to deliver a workshop presentation at the FNHMA 2026 annual conference. This document is a guide only and all proposals must be submitted through the online application form here.
FNHMA delivers THE First Nations health education event of the year! We are accepting workshop proposals for dynamic, interactive, and relevant workshop topics. If you have a story, tools and knowledge to share with others working in First Nations health management and that will support them in their daily work and personal life, strategies to contribute to health service delivery at the community level or a case study of interest, we invite you to submit a proposal by 5pm ET on Friday, April 3.
Background
The First Nations Health Managers Association is committed to excellence in expanding health management capacity for First Nations organizations. We are a national, professional association exclusively serving the needs of individuals working for or aspiring to positions with First Nations organizations; responsible for providing training, certification, and professional development opportunities in health management. The FNHMA annual national conference is an opportunity to celebrate and share our inherent knowledge in health leadership and management. The conference addresses emerging trends, topics, tools, successes, and leading practices relevant to the FNHMA core competencies (list available below).
Attendees
Conference attendees include First Nations Health Managers and health staff, First Nations health governance officials, representatives from all levels of government, and the private sector. We identify a First Nations Health Manager as someone who works in or with a First Nation community or Tribal Council and has the responsibility for the management of health human resources, financial resources, and health programs. They might also provide leadership and direction around resource planning, change management, and health and social program delivery. They may also be managers of a community health centre or facility, addictions treatment centre, or health programs.
Titles used to designate a First Nations Health Manager include Chief Executive Officer, Health Director, Health Manager, Health Coordinator, Health and Social Services Director, and Executive Director. There are more than 5,000 managers who work in First Nations health services in Canada.
Workshop selection criteria
The program committee will review and select proposals based on the following criteria:
Topic and relevance to FNHMA Core Competencies.
How your workshop will be engaging and interactive.
Focus on future trends and lessons learned (what worked AND what didn't) and recommended solutions to common issues.
Concise statement of the benefits of your presentation to attendees (e.g., how will this assist in their work).
Speaker's expertise and knowledge.
Research findings are welcome, provided the session is aimed at First Nation Health Managers and practitioners and balanced with sufficient practical information (i.e. 'here's how this can be applied to ...').
Absence of commercial sales content for services or products.
Delivering engaging and interactive workshops:
Engaged audience through round-tables discussions and feedback.
Interactive workshops like a World Café.
Presenters with lived experience.
Where applicable, presentations should address:
Issues that affect a particular aspect of health management.
Case studies, especially lessons learned AND not learned.
Innovative solutions, both proven and potential, to the issues faced in any area of health management.
Submitting an interactive workshop proposal
The conference concurrent workshops are 90 minutes in length and are designed to facilitate more in-depth learning and to allow for a minimum of 30 minutes for interaction and Qs & As from participants.
Information that you will be asked to provide in your proposal
Contact Information
Contact information of the individual with whom we should communicate about your proposal.
Your Workshop
You will be asked to provide a title and a description for your proposed workshop (the description should be 250 words or less) and to demonstrate how you will provide participants with take-away lessons and tools and how your workshop will be engaging and interactive.
FNHMA Core Competencies.
The FNHMA Core Competency(ies) are as follows and you will be asked to identify in which one(s) your workshop would fit in.
Leadership and Governance
Demonstration of leadership and governance competencies that build capacity to improve performance and enhance the quality of the working environment. Enabling organizations and communities to create, communicate and apply shared visions, missions and values.
Professionalism
Focuses on living and embracing the Seven Teachings of trust, respect, honour, honesty, humility, courage and truth with competence and integrity.
Advocacy, Partnerships and Relationships
Demonstration of competencies that advocate, foster and nurture partnerships and strengthen and sustain relationships to improve the health of our communities.
Human Resources Management
Demonstration of competencies that effectively recruit and retain qualified staff that help to meet the needs of the community.
Financial Management and Accountability
Demonstration of competence in financial management and ensuring accountability to the community, Chief and Council and/or Health Committee/Board and funders.
Health Services and Delivery
Demonstration of competencies in understanding the components of health services, responding to community health concerns and planning for emerging health needs.
Quality Improvement and Assurance
Demonstration of competencies to integrate ongoing quality improvement and assurance as a foundation.
Planning
Demonstration of competencies in planning, implementing and evaluating policies and programs based on evidence and relevance to community health needs and plans. This includes ongoing operational and strategic planning.
Communication
Demonstration of competencies to effectively exchange ideas, opinions and information with different audiences.
Cultural Awareness
Demonstration of competencies that recognize the value of knowing traditional and cultural teachings, which includes honouring ancestral knowledge and incorporating inherent ways of knowing to improve health.
Workshop Speakers
We invite a maximum of 2 speakers for each workshop. The FNHMA strongly encourages you to include at least one First Nation representative to bring a community perspective to your topic/workshop.
You will be asked to provide the name, job/work title, First Nation community or organization name, telephone number and email address of the proposed two (2) speaker(s). We understand that your workshop speakers might not be confirmed and that this information might change.
Compensation
FNHMA is pleased to offer speakers a complimentary registration to the full conference, including admission to all sessions, the exhibit area, receptions, and meals (2 lunches and 1 dinner). It is important to note that speakers are responsible for their travel and accommodation costs and all other expenses related to their participation at the conference. It is also important to note that the speaker’s complimentary conference registration is not transferable.
Contact Us
If you have any questions, please contact the FNHMA Conference Secretariat by email at conference@fnhma.ca
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