The Alberta Foster and Kinship Association's 50th Annual Caregiver Training Conference
Don’t miss our 50th anniversary of this incredible event. We can’t wait to see you there!
Details and registration coming soon!
June 6-8, 2024 - Calgary, Alberta
Open Hearts,
Valued Voices: Empowering Caregivers
For 50 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 “Open Hearts, Valued Voices,” we’re thrilled to announce two significant changes designed to make the conference more accessible and enjoyable for everyone across Alberta.
New Location, Broader Accessibility: Understanding the diverse locations of our valued members, we’ve moved the conference from the beautiful but remote Jasper to the vibrant and accessible city of Calgary. This change ensures that more caregivers and professionals can join us without the long journey, making it easier for our community to come together.
A Warmer Welcome in June: Traditionally held in November, a time often marked by cold and snow, especially in Jasper, we’ve shifted the conference to June.
This change promises warmer weather and aligns with a season of renewal and growth, reflecting the spirit of our gathering.
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.
Join us as we gather with open hearts, ready to amplify the valued voices within our community, in a setting that’s more accessible and welcoming than ever.
We look forward to seeing you there!
This year’s conference will be held in beautiful Calgary, Alberta at the Deerfoot Inn and Casino.
A Message from the President
Renee 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 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 caring workforce.
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
*Conference schedule is subject to change without notice
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
6:30 am – 8:00 am:
Breakfast
8:00 am – 8:30 am:
Welcome
*Silent Auction Bidding Ends*
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
Registration Sign-in
Silent Auction/Raffle
Breakout Sessions: 11am-12pm
Big Brothers Big Sisters Mentoring Program for youth in care and 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
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
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
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)
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, Deb Hellwig
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, Shirley Dawley
The Power of Advocacy
This session is geared towards understanding how the Provincial government system works, how constituency offices can help and how advocacy is effective.
Chad Krahn
TAP (Transition to Adulthood Program)
An overview of the Transition to Adulthood Program, which is intended to help prepare youth in government care and young adults who were previously in care to live independently, pursue education, and build their careers.
Jody Passmore
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 Saturday, June 8th, at 12 PM. Stay tuned for more details on how to access the online auction and make your bids count.
On-site Auction:
For those attending the conference, the Silent Auction promises to be a highlight of the first evening. Set aside the date:
Thursday, June 6, 2024, from 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM
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:
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 $50.00 non-refundable fee which will apply for any cancellation request received prior to and including Friday, May 24, 2024.
No refunds will be provided for cancellations after May 24, 2024.
Can I get a discounted rate, for example, if I’m only attending 1 of the 3 days?
Unfortunately, we do not have any pro-rated options available. We only have full conference packages available for purchase.
Are there extra meal tickets available for purchase?
Unfortunately, we do not have any extra meal tickets available for purchase.
Registration Opening Soon!
Register For Open Hearts, Valued Voices: Empowering Caregivers
AFKA Member Registration ……………………………………………….$ 325.00
Non-Member Registration …………………………………………………..$ 375.00
If you are unsure of your membership status or member number, you may contact our office during regular business hours at 1-800-667-2372.
Registration for this year’s 50th Annual Conference will soon open. Follow us on Facebook to be notified when registration opens.
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.
