The Alberta Foster and Kinship Association's 51st Annual Caregiver Training Conference
SAVE THE DATE!
October 2-4, 2025!
This year’s conference will be held in Edmonton, Alberta at the DoubleTree by Hilton West Edmonton. Stay tuned for details!
When: October 2-4, 2025
Where: Edmonton, Alberta
Location: DoubleTree By Hilton - West Edmonton
Walking the Path: Stronger Together
For 51 years, we have proudly hosted our annual conference, a cornerstone event that reflects our commitment to learning, connection, networking, relaxation, and fun.
This year, as we embrace the theme “Walking the Path: Stronger Together,” we look forward to creating a space for caregivers that is welcoming, and one that cultivates a shared vision of walking alongside each other as we journey through our roles as caregivers to our most vulnerable.
New Location, Broader Accessibility: Understanding the diverse locations of our valued members, we’re hosting the conference in Edmonton this year. This change ensures that more caregivers and professionals can join us without the long journey, making it easier for our community to come together.
This year’s conference remains jam-packed with fantastic courses designed for learning and growth. It’s also an opportunity to recognize and celebrate your meaningful contributions to the lives of children and youth in care.
We look forward to seeing you there!
A Message from the President
Rene Rajotte
Welcome to the AFKA’s landmark 50th caregiver training conference! For 49 years we have come together for training, networking, shared stories and experiences, and to celebrate you, Alberta’s foster and kinship caregivers.
For several years I’ve had the honour of sitting on the AFKA Board of Directors as Vice-President, and now your President since November 2023. I’d like to thank everyone who invited me to this role and those that made it possible. I hope to live up to the high standards set by our Past President, Sylvia Thompson.
We’ve been through a lot of changes over the years and this year is no exception! The AFKA has spent the entire year evolving. We’ve expanded our supports to foster and kinship caregivers, overhauled our entire website, developed a brand-new member database, and are currently working on a member portal to create a hands-on user experience for our members! Not to mention, we moved our conference!
Our time in Jasper holds many wonderful memories, I think it holds a special place in all of our hearts. Its beauty is certainly unparalleled and the venue cozy, lending itself to a quaint spot for our conference. Moving the conference to June made good sense to us, providing a greater opportunity for more foster and kinship families to join us for training and networking.
Changing the location to Calgary means a bigger space, which in turn means more caregivers for us to host, more training to offer, and an easier commute. We hope you enjoy this change and can’t wait to connect with both returning delegates and new ones who have never been to our conference!
With that said, get ready for an amazing event this year! We’ve added diverse training including multiple breakout sessions, a few new speakers, additional booths and resources, expanded our silent auction to include online bidding, and even brought back a favourite – dueling pianos for our entertainment evening!
We can’t wait to see you there!
Meet Our Speakers
Brandi Heather
Brandi Heather is a respected speaker, award-winning educator, and the best-selling author of Return To Play: Rebuilding Resilience, Risk and Connection, from Red Deer, Alberta. She specializes in taking care of people who care for children and families. With boundless energy, she shares a unique blend of humor, hope, and compassion with audiences across North America, delivering this message: it is time to return to play. With over 25 years of experience in education, human services, and healthcare, she tackles fatigue, burnout, and disconnection within the caregiving community using the serious science of play and creativity. Her ground-breaking strategies and research are delivered in high-energy, high-impact keynotes that emphasize that one of the greatest untapped human resources we have for coping and resilience is our biological drive to play at every age. Speaking from deep personal and professional experience, Brandi understands the challenge of losing one's zest for play in a world where you are expected to always be “ok” and shares the journey to reclaim it. She is a nominee for this year’s RBC Women of Influence Award and currently collaborating with Clan Mothers Healing Village in Winnipeg to develop movement and play programs for Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQI+ individuals living with trauma. Having established multiple inclusive programs for children living with disabilities and training thousands of caregivers in self-care, she is proud and honored to participate in this year’s Open Hearts Valued Voices: Empowering Caregivers Conference.
Mark Hattori
Mark Hattori has over 30 years of experience in the social services sector in Alberta. He has worked as a child and youth care counselor, child protection worker, supervisor, manager, regional Child and Family Services Authority Chief Executive Officer, and completed the last ten years of his career as an Assistant Deputy Minister in the Government of Alberta. Currently, Mark is a contractor who has been working with First Nations in Alberta, Alberta Government social services programs, and the Nova Scotia Child Protection system. Mark is a strong advocate for the well-being of children, youth, and families, and for the caregivers, program staff and communities who work in partnership to support them. He has worked and collaborated with the caregiving community since he began his career and believes whole-heartedly that Kinship families and Foster Parents are the backbone, foundation, and pillars of a caring community - past, present, and future.
Brandi Heather
Brandi Heather is an expert speaker and the best-selling author of “Return To Play: Rebuilding Resilience, Risk and Connection” from Red Deer, Alberta. She specializes in taking care of people who take care of children and families.
With 25+ years of experience in adult education, human services, and healthcare, she is tackling fatigue, burnout, and disengagement in the compassionate workforce utilizing the serious science of play.
Her ground-breaking strategies and research delivered in high energy, high impact keynotes help to restore, recruit and re-engage our caregiver community.
With an emphasis on mental wellness and the often-underappreciated superpowers of creativity, courage, and connection, she shares her work from the heart of an educator and practitioner who has been there. With years in education and disability inclusion, she has taught thousands of people how to take care of themselves so they can take care of others.
Mark Hattori
Mark Hattori has over 30 years of experience in the social services sector in Alberta. He has worked as a child and youth care counselor, child protection worker, supervisor, manager, regional Child and Family Services Authority Chief Executive Officer, and completed the last ten years of his career as an Assistant Deputy Minister in the Government of Alberta.
Currently, Mark is a contractor who has been working with First Nations in Alberta, Alberta Government social services programs, and the Nova Scotia Child Protection system.
Mark is a strong advocate for the well-being of children, youth, and families, and for the caregivers, program staff and communities who work in partnership to support them. He has worked and collaborated with the caregiving community since he began his career and believes whole-heartedly that Kinship families and Foster Parents are the backbone, foundation, and pillars of a caring community – past, present, and future.
Our Honoured Guests
Elder Leonard Bastien (Weasel Traveller)
Presentation Title: Smudging in Blackfoot World View
Smudge is facilitated by a Traditional Knowledge Keeper. Roman Catholicism Sunday Mass is conducted by a Priest that has undergone years of Bible Study, Christian Philosophy, Prayers and Sacrifices. This is the same Philosophy of practice for the facilitation of smudging from the Blackfoot World View. Smudging is facilitated by a Traditional Knowledge Keeper with years of prayer, meditation, teaching and sacrifice.
Conference Schedule
All meals, speeches/speakers, and entertainment will take place in the Chrome Ballroom.
6:30 am – 8:00 am:
Breakfast/Smudge
(Elder Leonard Bastien/Weasel Traveller)
8:00 am – 9:00 am:
Welcome
Opening Prayer (Elder)
Opening Remarks (Emcee)
Scholar in Residence
*First Aid (all day training, space is limited)*
9:00 am – 10:45 am
Keynote Speaker
BREAK
11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Breakout Sessions (8 Sessions x 1 hour each)
12:00 pm – 1:15pm
Lunch
1:15pm – 4:15pm
Afternoon Sessions (7 Sessions x 3 hours each)
5:00pm:
Cash Bar Opens
5:30pm
Grace/Supper
6:30pm
Guest Speakers
Reminders
7:30pm:
Entertainment
*Silent Auction Bidding Ends at 8pm*
6:30 am – 8:00 am:
Breakfast
8:00 am – 8:30 am:
Welcome
8:30am-11:30am
Morning Sessions (8 Sessions x 3 hours each)
11:30am-12:45pm
Lunch
Reminders
12:45pm-3:45pm
Afternoon Sessions (8 Sessions x 3 hours each)
BREAK
4:00pm-5:00pm
Closing Remarks (Scholar in Residence)
Closing Prayer
5:30pm-8:30pm
Meet and Greet
Conference Sign-in
Silent Auction/Raffle
Conference Agenda
Thursday, June 6, 2024 – Saturday, June 8, 2024
- Join us Thursday evening for our meet where you’ll sign-in for conference, pick up your swag bag, conference brochure and lanyards. Then enjoy a light fare, connect, mingle and settle in for a couple days of networking, learning and a splash of fun too!
- We’ll begin Friday with a cleansing smudge and opening prayer with Elder Leonard Bastien (Weasel Traveller), followed by opening remarks, our Scholar in Residence, and topped with an invigorating keynote address! We’ll finish Friday morning with 8 one-hour breakout sessions for you to choose from to attend, and end them just in time for lunch.
- Another 8 sessions in the afternoon and continued through Saturday round out the training – these ones offered 3 times! That means if you miss one Friday afternoon, you can take it on Saturday! This allows you the flexibility of creating your own schedule!
- Join us Friday night for dinner, guest speakers, and a show to remember!
See details below! - To complete this year’s conference, Elder Jackson Wesley will send us off with a closing prayer, and our scholar in residence will leave us with some heartfelt take-aways. Check back on the site regularly as we get closer to conference for Raffle and Silent Auction news and more updates!
Please Note:
First Aid will be offered Friday, June 7, 2024, requires pre-registration, and is an all day training from 8:15am-4:15pm; there are limited spots and will fill up fast! First Aid spaces are limited to conference attendees (Add it to your ticket to register!)
Breakout Sessions (1-hour)
(Friday, June 7, 2024 ONLY: 11:00am – 12:00pm)
No registration is required for breakout sessions.
You’ll have the option to attend whichever sessions you choose (space permitting)!
Big Brothers Big Sisters Mentoring Program for Youth in Care and Young Adults Transitioning From Care
Hear about the mentoring program being offered by three Big Brother Big Sister Agency’s in the province for youth in care and adults transitioning from care. Agency staff will share a bit about the history of the program, the guiding principles, the program design, the benefits of mentoring as well as the evaluation. They will share their experiences around the evolution of the program and the experiences of young people who have been matched with a mentor.
Amy Jeske/Melissa Hill
Room: Mindapore A
The Power of Attachment: Strategies for Fostering Secure Attachments with Children in Care
This presentation aims to equip caregivers with information and strategies to better understand attachment issues and needs. Topics covered include primary and disrupted attachments, attachment disorders and behaviors, the impact of separation on children in care, and strategies for forming attachments with new caregivers. Participants will learn about the signs of attachment disruptions and receive practical strategies to foster safety, trust, and connection, which are key to developing healing relationships and secure attachments.
Christina Guilherme, MSW, RSW
Room: Bridalwood A
Children and Family Services Updates on An Act Respecting First Nations, Inuit and Metis Children, Youth and Families
An Act respecting First Nations, Inuit and Metis children, youth and families came into force and effect on January 1, 2020. Children and Family Services has been working with First Nations, the Inuit and the Metis to ensure that children, youth and families continue to have the supports and services they need. With the Act coming into force and effect this has brought some changes as we move through this journey. What does this mean for caregivers? What can caregivers expect? As caregivers you all play a very important role in children and youth’s lives and will continue to do so. Please join us for updates and a conversation on An Act Respecting First Nations, Inuit and Metis children, youth and families.
Tim Gillis/Nicole Samoisette
Room: Bridalwood B
Smudging in Blackfoot World View
Smudge is facilitated by a Traditional Knowledge Keeper. Roman Catholicism Sunday Mass is conducted by a Priest that has undergone years of Bible Study, Christian Philosophy, Prayers and Sacrifices. This is the same Philosophy of practice for the facilitation of smudging from the Blackfoot World View. Smudging is facilitated by a Traditional Knowledge Keeper with years of prayer, meditation, teaching and sacrifice. Children in care need to have a Traditional Knowledge Keeper of this background of knowledge and experience in life.
Elder Leonard Bastien (Weasel Traveller)
Room: Lake Bonavista
Treaty 7: Role of the Band Designate
Representatives from various Treaty 7 Bands come together to talk about their role with CFS/DFNA. What is a band designate? What are their roles?
Assisted by Elder Jackson Wesley, this informative session will conclude with a 25 minute video.
Norma Littlechild, Trudy Yellowfly, Harriet North, Diane Dixon, Bryce Rollinmud, Doreen Kaquitts, Elder Jackson Wesley
Room: Mindapore B
There's an FRN for that...
Join us as we explore Alberta’s Family Resource Network Program, or FRNs as they are colloquially referred to. With over 70 networks across the province, children, youth, and families can access a wide range of free programs and services in their local community.
These programs range from parent education and child and youth development groups to opportunities for cultural connections and intensive support for families facing unique challenges. With life growing increasingly complex, we’re here to share some of the community programs and services that might ease stress, offer support and information, and empower you to connect to your community in times of need.
Stewart G. Chiu, BSW, RSW. / Heidi Greenhalgh, BCST
Room: Mckenzie
The Power of Advocacy
Have you ever wondered how to have your voice heard in the grand scheme of government? Join us for an enlightening journey to gain comprehensive insights into the mechanisms of the Provincial government. Delve into the roles and responsibilities of Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) and uncover how your advocacy as a foster parent can truly make a difference.
This specialized session is tailored to equip you with a profound understanding of the Provincial government system. Explore the vital role of constituency offices and unlock the ways in which effective advocacy can bring about tangible change. Empower yourself to navigate the intricate landscape of governance and harness your voice to champion the needs of foster children and families.
Chad Krahn
Room:
Sundance Ballroom C
TAP (Transition to Adulthood Program)
The Youth in Transitions Branch of Child Intervention Delivery provides supports and services for youth and young adults who are transitioning from the care system into adulthood and interdependence.
The Transitions to Adulthood Program (TAP), which includes Advancing Futures (AF) fully launched over 18 months ago as clients moved from Support and Financial Assistance Agreements to TAP agreements, and moved from regional service delivery into the YIT branch.
This presentation will provide an overview of branch services, with a focus on TAP, AF and the new Foster Caregivers Caring for Young Adults (FCCYA) option for young adults and their former foster caregivers.
You will learn about the admissions process, how you can support youth to enter into TAP, further their education, get connected to disability services and enhance their career and employment opportunities.
Jody Passmore, Melantha Bain, Lindsay Siciliano
Room: Bridalwood C
Breakout Sessions (3-hours)
(Friday June 7, 2024: 1:15pm – 4:15pm
Saturday, June 8, 2024: 8:30am – 11:30am and 12:45pm – 3:45pm)
No registration is required for breakout sessions.
You’ll have the option to attend whichever sessions you choose (space permitting)!
Your Role on the Caregiving Team
Caregiving is, by design, a temporary situation and most children and youth today, do not stay permanently in a kinship or foster home. We believe that by helping you see a more complete picture of your role, you will have a better understanding and appreciation of the roles of the other members of the child’s team. While you have a critical role as the primary caregiver(s) for children and youth, you are a part of a collaborative, multi-disciplinary team of professionals. Working with this team requires an understanding of your role and responsibilities and the roles and responsibilities of the other team members.
Therese Johnson / Heather Kleckner
Nurturing Child and Youth Connections
We all experienced the importance of connections and relationships in our own lives – and research and legislation reinforce how connections support a child’s safety and well-being. As a caregiver it is critically important to help the children and youth in your care maintain relationships and build meaningful connections with people who are important to them. In this workshop you will explore the importance of building connections to the wellbeing of the children and youth in your care, your role in building relationships with those the child or youth is connected to and strategies to help you support children and youth in building and nurturing their connections.
Zil Azeem / Christine Duteau
Play: The Building Block of Development and Connection
Play is an important part of a child’s development. Play develops lifelong tools by building the brain and relationship connections. This half-day workshop provides an overview about what makes an activity “play” and will help you: Support a variety of play activities; introduce you the benefits of play to building the brain and connections so you can help meet needs of the children in your home; and build practical ways to create fun activities for the whole family!
Tanis Suchow / Darlene Perry / Nancy Clayden
The Unique Dynamics of Kinship Care
Kinship is the preferred placement for children in care. Becoming a kinship caregiver is a unique experience with both joys and challenges. This session will cover a variety of topics including a discussion of the impact on your family, supporting natural parents, what supports are helpful/needed and navigating the system.
Joan Connibear / Sharlene Van Etten
Building Supportive Communities: Understanding the Impact of Minority Stress on the Mental Health and Wellbeing of Youth
Youth, particularly from racialized and equity-seeking groups, face numerous challenges when navigating healthcare systems, schools and learning environments, community spaces, and peer groups.
Race-based trauma disproportionately impacts racialized youth, exacerbating mental health burdens they may face in childhood and adolescence. As such, this discussion will focus on how caregivers can provide support to their children and families navigating discriminatory or harmful experiences based on race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, ability status, and other protected identities.
To provide support for caregivers and their families, the discussion will center (a) the unique experiences of colorism, texturism, and featurism, (b) ways to facilitate difficult conversations around identity concerns, and (c) recommendations for empowering minoritized youth.
We will also review strategies for advocating for inclusivity and cultural responsiveness in schools, and coping skills for navigating these complex issues.
Lastly, attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions about issues impacting their families and receive information resources.
Dr. Taymy J. Caso, PhD
Multi-disciplinary approach to Autism in the Home
Join us for a session that explores different ways to turn your daily routines at home and in the community and into a playground of positive possibilities
During this session, we’ll discuss strategies for promoting desired behaviours, guiding your child to understand expectations, motivating adherence to family rules and teaching alternative ways for meeting your child’s needs. We’ll explore:
- How to address unsafe or disruptive behaviours effectively. at home and in the community.
- Explore innovative methods to utilize common household items to stimulate your child’s senses and motor skills.
- Gain practical insights for enhancing communication through play and within your daily family interactions.
- Unearth various approaches to involve your child in meaningful household responsibilities that foster engagement, communication, and vital life skills.
Arwen Caines / Shelly Booker Salvador / Kara Wenzel / Ruby Alsharaf
Memory Books
When we reminisce about our own childhood, we usually go through old photos, or saved drawings and awards or we fondly remember stories we’ve heard because it brings us back to important people and events. Did you know that every child who has been in care over six months requires a Memory Box? Many children/youth who have made life books, state that these are some of the their most prized possessions.
The life book is autobiographical and is an organized presentation of what children and youth have experienced and WHO they have had the experiences with while honoring the four areas of connection, Physical, Relational, Cultural and Legal. We believe you, as caregivers, play a critical role in being a part of those memories and we need your help to keep the stories alive! The most frequently asked questions about Memory Boxes and Life Books are; who does them, what do we put in them, and what happens to them when the child leaves my care?
Connie Tamagi / Lindsey Evans
Exploring What It Means To Be Human - The Reality of Bias and Stigma
Understanding we are all biased; it is a human condition. So what can we do about it?
If bias is part of living as a human in society, then it affects all of us and influences all we do. Most of us want to treat everyone fairly, we believe the kids we work with deserve the best. Let’s work with who we are and think about bringing the best out in ourselves.
Dr. Peter Choate
Silent Auction: A Night of Giving & Winning
Join us on the first night of the conference for a special event that combines generosity with excitement – our Silent Auction. This year, we’re thrilled to offer an expanded online auction, making it easier for everyone to participate, regardless of your ability to attend in person.
Online Auction Details
Prepare to be wowed by the array of incredible items we have up for bid. Our online auction platform goes live for viewing on May 28th, giving you plenty of time to browse and select your must-have items. Then, get ready to place your bids from Saturday, June 1st, until Friday, June 7th (closing at 8pm). Stay tuned for more details on how to access the online auction and make your bids count!
AFKA’s Raffle!
For those attending the conference, our Raffle items promise to be a highlight of the conference. Check back for details!
Thursday, June 6, 2024, from 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM
Join us for our meet and greet, enjoy some refreshments, sign in for the weekend and get set for the start of an exciting silent auction bidding war!
Whether you’re with us in person or participating from afar, your bids contribute directly to our mission and help us continue our vital work. Don’t miss this chance to win some incredible items and make a difference. We can’t wait to see what you’ll take home!
Don’t Miss Out On This Incredible Event
This annual event is the highlight of our year! We can’t wait to see you there, connect, learn, and leave inspired and refreshed.
Event Details
Calgary Deuling Pianos
“Two extremely talented pianists with great voices and great entertainers. What more could we ask for!”
Experience the thrill of Calgary Dueling Pianos at our event—a lively show of skillful musicianship and interactive fun. Join us for a night of your favorite melodies, laughter, and high-spirited entertainment that promises to keep you engaged and entertained!
2024 Conference Location:
Deerfoot Inn and Casino
11500 35 St SE #1000, Calgary, AB T2Z 3W4
Individual Call-In:
Contact the Deerfoot Inn and Casino’s reservations department as detailed below. Attendees must mention they are attending the Alberta Foster and Kinship Association Conference.
Hotel Direct: 403-236-7529
Toll Free: 1-888-875-4667
Email: reservations@dfic.ca
Online: www.deerfootinn.com
When booking online, enter the conference dates on the first page and you will be redirected. Click ‘add code’, add ‘group attendee’ and then enter group code 1008239. Click ‘complete reservation’ and proceed with entering your personal information or ask for “Alberta Foster and Kinship Association Conference”.
Can I transfer my registration to another individual?
Registration is transferable by telephone until 3-weeks prior to conference.
Can I cancel my registration/receive a refund?
There is a $50.00 non-refundable fee which will apply for any cancellation request received prior to and including Friday, May 24, 2024.
No refunds will be provided for cancellations after May 24, 2024.
Can I get a discounted rate, for example, if I’m only attending 1 of the 3 days?
Unfortunately, we do not have any pro-rated options available. We only have full conference packages available for purchase.
Are there extra meal tickets available for purchase?
Unfortunately, we do not have any extra meal tickets available for purchase.
Registration Open!
Interested in speaking at next year’s conference?
We are always looking for subject matter experts to help us deepen our knowledge of essential and relevant topics to raising our foster and kinship kids.
If you are interested in presenting, visit our call for presenters page to apply.
