Charting Our Own Path Forward and First Nations Lifelong Learning Forum - Thunder Bay

The Chiefs of Ontario (COO) wish to invite all First Nation education staff to attend the Charting Our Own Path Forward (COOPF) Education Forum.  Registrations are due by April 20, 2018. 

Purpose: 
The Charting Our Own Path Forward Education Forum - Spring 2018 is the culmination of grassroots engagement that took place during 2017-18.  The Forum will provide an opportunity for First Nations educators, community members, and the like, to gather together and discuss the outcomes of the engagement and solidify next steps and inform recommendations to First Nation Leadership.

Dates:
Monday April 30 (Half-day, starting at 12 PM), Tuesday May 1, Wednesday May 2, and Thursday May 3 (Half-day, ending at 12 PM)

Location:
Valhalla Inn, 1 Valhalla Road, Thunder Bay, Ontario 
Space is limited to 130 spots and registration will be accepted on a first-come-first-served basis. Please register ASAP to ensure your spot. 

Registration Fees:
There is no registration fee if you are working for a First Nation or First Nation organization. The registration fee for non-First Nation affiliated individuals or organizations is $250 flat rate (This includes members of the public, and or any outside organizations). 

Vendor Fees:
Vendor registration fee is $225. Vendors, please keep in mind that the Forum will be starting April 30th at 12:00PM and ending May 3rd at 12:00PM. Please set up your booth the Morning of Monday, April 30th. Vendors must be available for all 4 days. In addition, all exhibitors must donate a small gift for our daily door prize draws (valued at $25 minimum). We will have 10 vendor tables available. Tables will be confirmed upon receipt of payment.

ALL FEES MUST BE PAID AND RECEIVED BEFORE THE CONFERENCE, NO WALK-INS AVAILABLE.

PayPal Payment link is provided at the end of this registration form.


Hotel Information:
A block of guest rooms will be available at the Valhalla Inn on April 30th – May 3rd 2018. Individuals making their own reservations should contact the hotel at 1-800-964-1121 or (807) 577-1121 or by fax at (807) 475-4723 or e-mail at reservations@valahallainn.com. The hotel will honor reservations received at the rate of $119.00.  Please quote booking #180501TAPR. Reservations received April 13, 2018 are subject to space availability and rate availability. Amenities include complimentary parking, high-speed internet, Timbers restaurant, indoor pool & sauna, Hot Tub, exercise room, courtyard, free shuttle service, and free guest passes to Movati Athletic. 

Reservations must be booked by April 13, 2018.

Parking:
Complimentary 


Meals:
Registration includes lunch on April 30th,  breakfast, snacks and lunch on May 1st and 2nd, and breakfast and a boxed lunch on May 3rd. Please indicate any dietary concerns in the designated section of the registration form.

Travel and Accommodation Reimbursement:
COO will support 2 First Nation community and First Nation education-related organization representatives attending the COOPF Forum by providing reimbursement for travel and accommodations on a percentage basis depending on funding available.  It is anticipated that participants will be reimbursed at a rate of approximately 50%.  Prepopulated travel claims will be provided to each registrant during the Forum and participants will be required to complete the forms and provide the required documentation to COO by June 2, 2018. Travel claims received after June 2, 2018, will not be accepted.

• Submit your travel claim with original physical receipts (taxi, hotel parking, train, and flight invoice).
• If you traveled by plane or train original boarding passes must be included in your travel claim submission.
• Breakfast and lunch are not claimable because they are provided to participants on the meeting dates. (Receipts for meals are not required)

Audio, Video, Photo Release Waiver:
Please note that by registering you are authorizing the below media release:
At the Chiefs of Ontario, we appreciate having photos to use in our publications and presentations. By attending the workshop, it is assumed that participants authorize the use, without additional compensation of his or her name and/or likeness and/or voice/photograph and community of residence for promotion and/or advertising purposes in any manner in any medium (including without limitation, radio broadcasts, newspapers and other publications and in television or film releases, slides, videotapes, distribution over the internet and picture data storage which the Chiefs of Ontario may deem appropriate and waive any rights of compensation or ownership thereto.