Who We Are
The First Nations Public Service Secretariat’s (FNPSS) mission is to strengthen and enhance capacity in First Nations communities and organizations, on an individual and Nation level.
What We Do
The primary purpose of FNPSS is to create and implement a collective plan to support BC First Nation communities and organizations across the core public service sectors as they pursue excellence in their own governments and administrations.
Through engagement with BC First Nations, FNPSS has identified three primary goals
FNPSS has identified four core pillars of public service capacity
FNPSS targets its activities on supporting capacity building across those areas.
How we do it
FNPSS listens to BC First Nations to define our priorities and our work.
We bring First Nations experts and partner organizations together to make training opportunities more readily available to BC First Nations.
We develop new tools and training, and tailor existing ones to better meet the needs of BC First Nations.
We support coordination across organizations to avoid duplication and identify and address gaps.
Our Logo
We are represented by an Eagle, a powerful symbol for First Nations, in particular the people of the Northwest Coast. The Eagle signifies focus, great strength, peace, leadership, and wisdom. These are traits embodied by those that serve their communities in First Nation administrations and traits we strive to incorporate in everything we do at FNPSS. The Eagle soars to great heights; FNPSS aims to give First Nation public servants the courage to soar too.
Our logo is the work of an Indigenous graphic designer, Robert Mearns, from Poho Studio. If you're looking for a designer and like what you see, contact him at info@poho.studio.
If you wish to use the FNPSS logo in your products, please contact info@fnps.ca for images and our brand guidelines.
The reality is that we already have a First Nations Public Service, but we don’t acknowledge it and work to make it effective and credible.
Our History
Our Future
FNPSS was founded in 2009 because BC First Nations Leadership recognized the need to support BC First Nations to build capacity in their administrations. Our aim is to assist BC First Nations to effectively and efficiently carry out their increasing decision-making powers, whether through greater jurisdiction, increased authority, or overall administration.
Since its re-establishment in 2018, FNPSS has reaffirmed its mandate and objectives through engagement with BC First Nations, and its mission continues to be supporting First Nations in BC to strengthen their own public service.
Social Feeds
;
📢 Registration OPEN for the FFNA course starting in October! Band Managers, CAOs, and EDs—build governance skills & expand your network. Hybrid model: 1 week in Kelowna + 8 virtual weeks. Register now! 🔗 https://ow.ly/AK3G50SAMV6
#IndigenousLeadership #FirstNationsGovernance
#FNPSS attended the grand opening of #UpperSimilkameen Indian Band's Chuchuwayha Community Hall. The restoration project was supported through the First Nations #WellBeingFund. Visit link for more details! https://ow.ly/j2x650T2oJR
If you are a planner or administrator from the Vancouver Island and Coast region, don’t miss your chance to attend the upcoming regional workshop on understanding and sharing land use frameworks between First Nations and local governments in B.C! https://ow.ly/saRb50SV2GX
We are thrilled to congratulate Howard Grant, Executive Director of the First Nations Summit, on his Order of British Columbia appointment. This prestigious honor recognizes his 26+ years of leadership in bridging cultures and advancing Indigenous rights. #FirstNations
Howard's unwavering commitment to strengthening the First Nations public service, building capacity in BC First Nation governments, and supporting institutions like #FNPSS has fostered positive change. We’re delighted to see his invaluable contributions recognized!
Teamwork in action! Our recent team-building event brought us closer and sparked new ideas for supporting capacity building in BC First Nations. Thanks @takayatours for the unforgettable tour!
Calling all Band Managers, CAOs, and Executive Directors! The third offering of the Foundations of First Nations Administration (FFNA) course kicks off this October!
Over nine weeks, participants will dive into essential topics for First Nations governance and public administration, from Human Resources and Economic Development to Financial Fundamentals. The course is offered in a hybrid model—one week in-person in Kelowna, BC, and the rest delivered virtually via Zoom.
Join us to gain new skills, build a stronger network with Band Administrators from across BC, and learn directly from expert facilitators and keynote speakers! Registration is limited, so secure your spot today!
Register here: ow.ly/AK3G50SAMV6
Learn more: ow.ly/BqRx50SAJe2
#firstnationsgovernance #IndigenousLeadership #ProfessionalDevelopment
0 CommentsComment on Facebook
FNPSS was invited to attend the grand opening of Upper Similkameen Indian Band's, Chuchuwayha Community Hall. The event was attended by approximately 100 people from the First Nation and neighbouring communities, and included drumming, singing, the sharing of memories from community members, and words from the First Nations Elders.
Chuchuwayha Community Hall was originally built in 1905, serving as a gathering space for the local community. Unfortunately, the building required significant restoration and was not in use for almost 20 years, leaving the First Nation with no space to gather, celebrate, and offer their youth in community education. The hall long served as the centrepiece of community events, dances, and gatherings. Restoration of the community hall will allow Upper Similkameen Indian Band to run child and youth programs, including after-school care and summer camps, provide training and education on traditional practices, and host all community members in one gathering space.
FNPSS supported the restoration project through our First Nations Well Being Fund. This funding was used to construct an outdoor kitchen and to create a Community Well Being Plan. The kitchen will serve as a gathering place where members can learn about traditional food gathering, preparation, and preservation to build food sovereignty in Upper Similkameen. Alongside this kitchen, funding was used to plan programming for the rebuilt community hall – including care for children and youth, strengthening community ties, and building knowledge of Upper Similkameen’s culture. Additional funding was provided by the Government of Canada, Province of British Columbia, Indigenous Services Canada, Greyback Construction, P&E Lumber, Heritageworks, McGinn Engineering & Preservation, and T.L Timber.
0 CommentsComment on Facebook
Do you work in Land Use Planning?
Are you interested in how UNDRIP is changing the way local governments and First Nations work together in BC?
If you answered yes, this workshop is for you!If you are a planner or administrator from the Vancouver Island and Coast region, don’t miss your chance to attend the upcoming regional workshop on understanding and sharing land use frameworks between First Nations and local governments in BC! Along with regionally curated content, this workshop will help you build common understanding of land use frameworks in the context of DRIPA and learn about best practices and tools that contribute to your collaboration efforts. Register before October 1 to take advantage of the early bird rates! In collaboration with the First Nations Public Service Secretariat and with the support of the Fraser Basin Council ow.ly/L6Uk50SV3iI
0 CommentsComment on Facebook
We are thrilled to congratulate Howard Grant, Executive Director of the First Nations Summit, on his appointment to the Order of British Columbia. This prestigious recognition honors his remarkable efforts in bridging cultures and advancing Indigenous rights over more than 26 years of leadership and dedication.
Howard's unwavering commitment to strengthening the First Nations public service, building capacity in First Nation governments in BC, accessing resources, and supporting institutions such as FNPSS has been instrumental in fostering positive change for First Nations. We are delighted to see his invaluable contributions recognized!
Musqueam Band
Government of British Columbia
0 CommentsComment on Facebook
Teamwork in action! Our team had an incredible time connecting and strategizing at our recent team-building event. The activities brought us closer and sparked new ideas for supporting capacity building in BC First Nations.
A big thank you to takayatours for the unforgettable tour!
0 CommentsComment on Facebook