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

    • Registration is now open for the FNESC Regional Sessions. See event page
    • 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…
    • Call for workshops! FNESC is seeking workshop applications for the 27th Annual FNESC Education Conference.  See event page
    • Registration opens for 2023-24 Post-Secondary Education (PSE) Coordinator Workshops. See event page
    • 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

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            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.

            Learn more about FNESC.

            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.

            Learn more about BCTEA.


              • 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.