The First Nations Education Steering Committee (FNESC) invites representatives of BC First Nations and First Nations schools to our annual regional sessions. We are very pleased to be returning to an in person format. To ensure that the information and discussions are relevant, please register for the session that corresponds most closely with the location of your community. If you are unable to attend the in-person session within your region, you may register for the virtual session in June.
These sessions are an opportunity for FNESC to share information about important issues in First Nations education, to support First Nations schools and communities, and to receive direction from First Nations to inform our work. They are part our efforts to share information and maintain accountability to First Nations in BC.
See the event flyer and health and safety protocols as a shareable pdf.
Due to capacity limits, participants must be registered to attend the session. Participants who are not registered will not be admitted. As registration is limited to two representatives per First Nation, please coordinate internally with your First Nation to determine who will be in attendance.
Who can attend?
Representatives from BC First Nations/Tribal Councils and BC First Nations schools may attend. Given that we will be limiting capacity to ensure health and safety, participation is limited to two representatives per First Nation. In some cases, we may be required to further limit participation, in which case we will follow up with impacted First Nations as early as possible. Venue-specific maximum capacities will also apply.
Schedule and Registration
| April 12-13, 2022 | Prince Rupert | The Crest Hotel (revised date) This session is now full | |
| April 26-27, 2022 | Prince George | Courtyard by Marriott This session is now full | |
| May 5-6, 2022 | Kamloops | Sandman Signature Hotel | |
| May 9-10, 2022 | Kelowna | Delta Okanagan Grand | |
| May 12-13, 2022 | Nanaimo | The Grand Hotel Nanaimo This session is now full | |
| May 17-18, 2022 | Cranbrook | Prestige Rocky Mountain Resort This session is cancelled | |
| June 1-2, 2022 | Vancouver | Pinnacle Hotel Harbourfront | REGISTER |
| June 8-9, 2022 | Virtual Session | REGISTER |
*See hotel booking details below.
Health and Safety
To attend an in-person regional session, participants will be required to present their BC Vaccine Card (electronic or print copy) showing they have received two doses of an approved COVID-19 vaccine.
See the FNESC Health and Safety Protocol for Regional Sessions.
Agenda Highlights (Draft)
Day 1:
- COVID-19 in the public and independent school context
- BC Tripartite Education Agreement, including Adult Dogwoods, FSAs, LEAs, transportation and research, nominal roll, and First Nations languages policy
- Other major topics include the Indigenous-focused graduation requirement, draft Anti-racism Strategy, First Nations Student Rate, BC Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act, and transition of childcare to the Ministry of Education
Day 2:
- Post-secondary education
- COVID-19 in the First Nations school context
- Services and resources for First Nations schools
- BCTEA funding, including formula updates, nominal roll, the estimator tool, and funding handbook
- First Nations education jurisdiction, including the First Nations Education Authority and Teacher Certification
- First Nations school governance
- Curriculum resource support for teachers
Schedule
Meeting 9:00 am to 4:00 pm each day. Breakfast (8:30 am) and lunch provided.
Travel
Travel is reimbursable for up to two representatives per BC First Nations community (Band) or Tribal Council to attend their nearest session. See a sample FNESC travel claim (including policies).
Hotel Booking
Booking codes/rates are available. Deadlines apply.
Prince Rupert, The Crest Hotel
Address: 222 1st Ave W, Prince Rupert, BC V8J 1A8
Booking Deadline: March 25, 2022
Rate: $165 +tx queen
Make a Reservation: 1-250-624-6771 quoting “FNESC Regional Session”
Prince George, Courtyard by Marriott
Address: 900 Brunswick Street, Prince George, BC V2L 2C3
Booking Deadline: April 12, 2022
Rate: $129 +tx king
Make a Reservation: Booking link 1-250-596-6274 quoting “FNESC group block”
Kamloops, Sandman Signature Hotel
Address: 225 Lorne Street, Kamloops BC V2C 1W2
Booking Deadline: April 20, 2022
Rate: $135 +tx king
Make a Reservation: 1-250-377-7263 quoting “First Nations Education Steering Committee”
Kelowna, Delta Okanagan Grand
Address: 1310 Water Street, Kelowna, BC V1Y 9P3
Booking Deadline: April 11, 2022
Rate: $275 +tx single/double
Make a Reservation: Booking link 1-250-624-6771 quoting “FNESC Regional Session”
Nanaimo, The Grand Hotel Nanaimo
Address: 4898 Rutherford Rd, Nanaimo, BC V9T 4Z4
Booking Deadline: April 28, 2022
Rate: $145 +tx single/double
Make a Reservation: 1-250-758-3000 quoting “FNESC Regional Session”
Cranbrook, Prestige Rocky Mountain Resort
Please note that the Cranbrook session is cancelled
Address: 209 Van Horne St S, Cranbrook, BC V1C 6R9
Booking Deadline: April 25, 2022
Rate: $116 +tx queen
Make a Reservation: 1-250-417-0444 quoting “FNESC Regional Session”
Vancouver, Pinnacle Hotel Harbourfront
Address: 1133 W Hastings St, Vancouver, BC V6E 3T3
Booking Deadline: May 2, 2022
Rate: $269 +tx single/double
Make a Reservation: Booking link 1-844-337-3118 quoting “FNESC Regional Session”
Event Contact
Jennifer White, Senior Communications Officer