The First Nations Education Steering Committee (FNESC) is a policy and advocacy organization that represents and works on behalf of First Nations in British Columbia. FNESC has a mandate to support First Nations students and advance First Nations education in BC.
News
- FNESC is pleased to share important news regarding new legislation that supports the implementation of key commitments included in the Declaration Act Action Plan and the BC Tripartite Education Agreement. Co-developed with FNESC, the amendments to the BC School Act are aimed at improving First Nation student learning outcomes through effective relationships and processes that respect the inherent authority and role of First Nation governments, parents and communities in the education of their children and youth. See the October 25 news release and backgrounders. Learn More…
- Updated Public Health Guidance for Schools, Fall 2023. Learn more…
- Thank you for the overwhelming interest in the 2023 FNESC Education Conference. Waitlist is now open. See event page
- Three new Education Jurisdiction Agreements have been signed by Canim Lake Band, Ditidaht First Nation and Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation). Through the conclusion of these self-government agreements, the Participating First Nations now have recognized law-making authority over Kindergarten-Grade 12 education on their lands. Learn more…
- For the first time in history, eight Syilx Okanagan students are graduating with a degree taught in their language and delivered on their land when they accept their Bachelor of Nsyilxcn Language Fluency degrees on June 8, 2023, in Kelowna. The degree program is based on a framework developed by the First Nations Education Steering Committee and the Indigenous Adult and Higher Learning Association working with a consortium of First Nations, First Nations institutes and public post-secondary institutions. Learn more…
Featured Resources
The First Nations Education Steering Committee (FNESC) was founded in 1992 by participants at a provincial First Nations education conference at the Vancouver Friendship Centre. That visionary group of people determined the need for a First Nations-controlled collective organization focused on advancing quality education for all First Nations learners.
The BC Tripartite Education Agreement: Supporting First Nation Student Success (BCTEA) has been signed, resulting in important and positive changes for First Nations education in British Columbia.
Quick Links
- The English First Peoples Teacher Resource Guide (2018) provides support for the 2016-18 revision of British Columbia’s English First Peoples 10-12 curriculum. See publications catalogue for more resources…
- The Aboriginal “How Are We Doing?” report, available on the BC Ministry of Education website, provides information about Aboriginal students (including adults) performance in public schools.
- First Nations Post-Secondary Coordinators can visit our PSE Coordinators page to information about funding programs, student resources, and more.
- Looking for a career in First Nations schools? Visit our partner, the First Nations Schools Association.
- FNESC Membership is open to BC First Nations (Bands). Each First Nation is eligible to have one representative on the FNESC Board. Contact FNESC at 1-877-422-3672 regarding membership questions or updates or see details on our Membership Page.
Did You Know?
Each year FNESC holds a series of community meetings called Regional Sessions to report on our activities and to seek input from First Nations on a wide range of education issues.