The First Nations Education Steering Committee (FNESC) invites you to our annual Regional Sessions to learn about the work of FNESC and our partners and to discuss emerging topics in First Nations education. The sessions are an important component of FNESC’s accountability to BC First Nations as we continue to seek direction from First Nations to inform our ongoing work.
AGENDA HIGHLIGHTS
Day 1:
- BC Tripartite Education Agreement (BCTEA) Renewal
- Student Data, BC Public Schools
- Declaration Act Action Plan
- School Act Amendments (First Nation Schools of Choice, Model LEAs, Indigenous Education Councils)
- Post-Secondary Education Policy and Legislation (First Nations Mandated Post-Secondary Institutes Act)
- Distinctions-Based Approach
- First Nations Children and Youth in Care Protocol
- Recruitment and Retention of First Nations Teachers
- First Nations Languages
- Anti-Racism
- Presentations by Indigenous Services Canada and Ministry of Education and Child Care
Day 2:
- Post-Secondary BC First Nations Tripartite Model
- First Nation Schools Updates, including National First Nations Food Program and First Nations Language-Apprentice Program
- First Nation Parents Resources
- Education Jurisdiction Update
- First Nation School Capital
Registration
* Participants are only eligible to attend the session nearest to their community.
| Date | Venue | Registration |
|
October 16-17, 2025 |
Nanaimo, Vancouver Island Conference Centre (accomm. Courtyard by Marriott) |
At capacity |
|
October 29-30, 2025 |
Prince George, Courtyard by Marriott |
At capacity |
|
November 20-21, 2025 |
Prince Rupert, The Crest Hotel |
At capacity |
|
November 25-26, 2025 |
Kelowna, Delta Hotels by Marriott Okanagan |
|
|
December 11-12, 2025 |
Kamloops, Delta Hotel Kamloops |
|
|
January 19-20, 2026 |
Vancouver, Sheraton Wall Centre |
* If the registration in your desired region is at its capacity, please join the waitlist.
Who is eligible to attend?
- Up to 2 representatives from each BC First Nation or Tribal Council (Days 1 & 2)
- 1 School District representative per district. Eligible participants are Superintendents, Indigenous Education Leads and Trustees. (Day 1 only)
There will be a waitlist for additional participants. Maximum venue capacities apply. Participants are only eligible to attend the session nearest to their community.
Hotel
October 16-17, 2025
Courtyard by Marriott Nanaimo, 100 Gordon St, Nanaimo, BC
- Room rate from $179+tax
- Reservations: Booking Link
- Book by October 9, 2025 for the group rate.
October 29-30, 2025
Courtyard by Marriott, Prince George, 900 Brunswick St, Prince George, BC
- Room rate from $169+tax
- Reservations: Booking Link
- Book by September 30, 2025 for the group rate.
November 20-21, 2025
The Crest Hotel, 222 1st Ave W, Prince Rupert, BC
- Room rates from $199 + tax.
- Reserve your room: Please call on +1 250-624-6771 and quote “for FNESC Regional Sessions” to make the reservation to on Government rate.
You must also request a City/Mountain view room when booking for the negotiated/reimbursable rate.
- Book by October 20, 2025, for the reimbursable rate, which is equivalent to City/Mountain View room (1 queen bed) booked by October 20.
November 25-26, 2025
Delta Hotels Grand Okanagan Resort, 1310 Water St, Kelowna, BC
- Room rate from $295+tax
- Reservations: Booking Link
- Book by October 24, 2025 for the group rate.
December 11-12, 2025
Delta Hotel by Marriott Kamloops, 540 Victoria St, Kamloops, BC
- Room rate from $194+tax
- Reservations: Booking Link
- Book by November 10, 2025 for the group rate.
January 19-20, 2026
Sheraton Vancouver Wall Centre, 1000 Burrard St, Vancouver, BC
- Room rate from $219+tax
- Reservations: Booking Link
- Book by December 20, 2025 for the group rate.
Travel
Travel is reimbursable for up to two representatives per BC First Nation (Band) or Tribal Council to attend their nearest session. See the sample travel claim (including policies).
Schedule
- Day 1: 9:00 am to 4:00 pm
- Day 2: 9:00 am to 1:30 pm
Breakfast (8:00 am) and lunch are provided.
Health
Please stay home if you are feeling unwell. Only registered participants are eligible to attend. Family and friends cannot attend the event at any time, including for meals. The decision to attend in-person events is a personal one and it should be made in consideration of your individual risk factors and vulnerabilities.
Recording
Audio and video recording, AI transcription, and use of other AI tools to record the meeting is not permitted.
Event Contact
Saori Masaki, Administrative Assistant
regionalsessions@fnesc.ca