The annual FNESC Education Conference is focused on advancing quality First Nations education in British Columbia.
This year’s conference theme, Reconciliation through Education, recognizes education as a powerful tool for advancing reconciliation. Transformative changes in educational policies, practices, and learning environments are key to advancing reconciliation in BC. The conference will explore effective approaches to center First Nations learners and create respectful and inclusive education systems.
Conference participants will include educators and education administrators from First Nations, public and independent schools, school districts, and public post-secondary institutions in BC.
Key Dates
- Sept. 29, 12:00 pm – Early registration opens for BC First Nations (leadership and employees of First Nations in BC)
- Oct. 5, 12:00 pm – Registration opens for all other BC residents
- Oct. 6, 12:00 pm – Hotel block opens
Waitlist
The registration has reached the capacity. Please join our waitlist to be notified once the spot becomes available.
Rates & Registration
$650 Regular, $450 Elder (60+), $450 Student with valid student card. GST included.
Early registration opens for BC First Nations (leadership and employees of First Nations in BC) on Tuesday, September 29, 12:00 pm.
Registration opens for other BC residents on Monday, October 5, 12:00 pm.
The hotel block opens on Tuesday, October 6, 12:00 pm.
Given the high demand for seats at this conference, only residents of British Columbia are eligible to register.
Upon successfully registering, you will receive an email registration confirmation.
Full payment must be received by Friday, November 20, 2026.
Each participant must be registered with a unique email address so that they will receive follow up correspondence directly.
To make changes to your registration, please use the change/cancellation request link in the registration confirmation email or request the change via email to conference@fnesc.ca.
Group Invoicing
To request group invoicing, email a list of registered participants and billing contact details (including an email and full mailing address) to conference@fnesc.ca with “Group Invoice Request” in the subject line.
All group members must register online before invoicing can occur.
Invoicing is scheduled to begin in mid October.
The application deadline is extended. Submit your application by September 30, 2026.
We are seeking workshops for the annual FNESC Education Conference, an event focused on advancing quality First Nations education in British Columbia.
This year’s conference theme, Reconciliation through Education, recognizes education as a powerful tool for advancing reconciliation. Transformative changes in educational policies, practices, and learning environments are key to advancing reconciliation in BC. The conference will explore effective approaches to center First Nations learners and create respectful and inclusive education systems.
Please find the flyer and the application form below.
About the Workshops
- Workshops will be presented in person two to three times during the conference and will be 75 minutes long.
- Workshops that are interactive, evidence based, and relevant to the BC First Nations context are highly encouraged and will be prioritized.
- Workshops that are primarily promotional, commercial, or product-focused are not eligible.
- Workshops from public schools/districts and independent schools must be developed in partnership with First Nation(s) on whose territory the schools/districts operate and/or Indigenous Education Council.
Thank you for your interest in exhibiting. The application period was closed on September 4, 2026. We are currently selecting exhibitors and will update applicants soon.
FNESC is seeking approximately 40 exhibitors that support BC First Nations and/or First Nations education. We will be including exhibitors in the following categories:
- Art/Gifts;
- Books/Classroom Resources/Curriculum/Technology;
- Post-Secondary/Training/Awards; and
- Partners/First Nations Organizations/Government Partners.
The exhibiting days are December 4th and 5th, 2026.
Fee
The table fee is $650 (GST included). This fee includes buffet breakfasts and lunches for one person. An extra meal ticket for an additional person is available for $250. Table subletting is not permitted. Only one table is available per exhibitor.
Table
A 6-foot skirted table with one chair is provided. All exhibit materials, including banners, must fit within the 6-foot width.
The hotel block is open for reservation. Please use the link provided below.
The Westin Bayshore Hotel, 1601 Bayshore Drive, Vancouver
- Rooms will be available from $254+tx for a single or double room.
- Booking Link
During the conference, FNESC is holding a benefit auction for the Seventh Generation Arts Promotion Initiative.
The Seventh Generation Arts Promotion Initiative will support students to explore and develop their artistic abilities through workshops, performances, and experiences related to dance, theatre, music, storytelling, media, and arts such as weaving, carving, beading, and painting.
Auction proceeds will directly support the Seventh Generation Arts Promotion Initiave for school-based activities for students enrolled in First Nation schools in BC, and/or community-based activities for all students that are offered outside of regular school hours.
Contributions for the benefit auction are greatly appreciated. If you will be contributing an item for the auction, please contact us at conference@fnesc.ca and we will plan to connect with you.
For conference questions, please contact conference@fnesc.ca.