The 27th Annual First Nations Education Steering Committee (FNESC) Education Conference is an event dedicated to advancing quality education for First Nations learners in BC. Our conference supports the capacity of all those in the education system to make transformative changes in First Nations education by supporting innovative practices and inspiring one-another.
The Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (DRIPA) Action Plan includes 17 priority actions related to education, reflecting the goals of Self-Determination and the Inherent Right of Self-Government, Ending Indigenous-Specific Racism and Discrimination, and Social, Cultural and Economic Well-being. This year’s theme, Transforming Education Through the DRIPA Action Plan, speaks to the potential for positive change in the education system as a result of implementing the Action Plan.
FNESC’s conference brings together approximately 750 people each year. In keeping with the principle of lifelong learning, more than two dozen workshops are offered featuring topics relating to K-12 education, adult education, and post-secondary education.
This year’s conference is taking place at The Westin Bayshore Hotel, Vancouver, BC.
Mark your Calendars!
- August 31: Early registration opens for BC First Nations representatives
- September 7 (1:30 pm): Registration opens for all BC residents
- September 15: Workshop proposals due (this is the extended deadline)
- November 30: Opening evening
- December 1-2: Main conference days
Registration
- August 31: Early registration opens for BC First Nations representatives
- September 7, 1:30 pm: Registration opens for all BC residents
Registration is now full. Please find the link to the waitlist below. Those at the top of the waitlist will be notified once the space is available. Thank you for the overwhelming interest in the 2023 FNESC Education Conference.
* There are approximately 340 people on the waitlist.
Program (Updated August 31)
Participants will be invited to select workshops in November 2023. Dates subject to change.
Rates
- $550 Regular
- $375 Elder (60+)
- $375 Student with valid student card
- $300 One Day
- GST included
Requesting an Invoice
To request an invoice, please email conference@fnesc.ca with “Invoice Request” in the subject line, providing the names of the registrants and the billing details. FNESC will only invoice after people have registered online. Invoices must be fully paid by November 15th. There is no group registration form this year
Out-of-Province Residents
BC residents have registration priority. Out-of-province residents may join the waitlist beginning September 7th and they will be invited to register if registration space becomes available. The waitlist link will be added on September 7th.
Refunds
Full refunds up to and including November 15, 2023. Substitutions allowed.
Registration Fee Schedule
Full payment must be received by November 15th or the registration will be cancelled. Payments will not be accepted on-site at the event.
Payments
Payments can be made to our registration provider, CivicInfo, by credit card during registration or by using the link in your registration confirmation email. Cheques are payable to the First Nations Education Steering Committee. Mail to: First Nations Education Steering Committee, Suite 113, 100 Park Royal South, West Vancouver V7T 1A2. All cheques must be accompanied by a list of registrants.
Call for Workshops
The First Nations Education Steering Committee is seeking workshop applications for the 27th Annual FNESC Education Conference. FNESC is seeking workshops relating to the conference theme, Transforming Education Through the DRIPA Action Plan, focusing on the 17 actions in the Action Plan specific to education. Those actions relate to the Action Plan themes of Self-Determination and the Inherent Right of Self-Government, Ending Indigenous-Specific Racism and Discrimination, and Social, Cultural and Economic Well-being. In keeping with the principle of lifelong learning, workshops at the FNESC Conference will feature topics relating to First Nations education at the K-12 education, adult education, and post-secondary education levels.
To apply, please complete the application form, save it, and send it as an email attachment to conference@fnesc.ca. Use the email subject line 2023 Workshop [Your Last Name].
Application Deadline: Extended to September 15th
Workshop Details
- Sessions are typically presented twice, on either December 1 or 2, 2023.
- Two workshop formats are available: 1.5-hour long and 40-minutes long.
- Workshops should relate to the conference theme, “Transforming Education through the DRIPA Action Plan.” See the education-specific items excerpted from the Action Plan.
- Two presenters per workshop are eligible for benefits, such as travel reimbursement, hotel, and registration fee waiver. FNESC Travel Claim Policies will apply. Additional co-presenters may attend but are not eligible for benefits.
- You will receive an email acknowledging receipt your application.
Contact
For questions, please contact conference@fnesc.ca.
Thank you for your interest in presenting at the conference.
Call for Exhibitors
Thank you for all the exhibitor applications. The application period has now ended. We will be in the process of selecting our exhibitor this year.
Exhibitor Details
- Fee: $550 (GST included). Your fee includes buffet breakfast and lunch for one person. $150 per person if additional meals are needed. Table subletting is not permitted.
- Table size: 6 ft. skirted table with one chair. Space behind and beside tables is variable but is not suitable for large displays. Table assignments are random.
- Setup time: Nov. 30, 2023, 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm
- Display times: Dec. 1, 2023, 7:30 am to 4:30 pm / Dec. 2, 2023, 7:30 am to 4:00 pm (Times subject to change)
- Cancellations: Should the Exhibitor be unable to occupy and use the table space, FNESC must be notified immediately in writing a minimum of 10 business days prior to the conference to be eligible for reimbursement of fees.
Contact
For questions, please contact conference@fnesc.ca.
Thank you for your interest at the conference.
Accommodation
The Westin Bayshore Hotel, 1601 Bayshore Drive, Vancouver, BC
- Rooms from $157+tx single/double
- Book by October 29, 2023 for the negotiated rate. It is recommended to book accommodation early.
- Booking link
- Reservations: 604-682-3377 bayshore.reservations@westin.com quoting “FNESC 2023 Conference.”
Thank you to the Westin Bayshore for donating $4 per room night to the Seventh Generation Club!
Parking
Parking at The Westin Bayshore is available at 1620 Bayshore Drive.
Guests staying at The Westin Bayshore can access a discounted parking rate of $25.50/day for 24-hour self-parking.
For those attending the conference but staying elsewhere, there is a discounted self-parking rate of $16.25/day from 7:00 am to 6:00 pm.
Parking instructions will be sent to registrants prior to the event.