FNPSS connects community needs with resources and initiatives, often leveraging our partners and their strengths. These initiatives are meeting specific needs identified by individual First Nations through sharing of expertise, funding, and collaboration.
Institute of Public Administration of Canada - Volunteer Indigenous Policy Project
The VIP Project is an initiative that aims to match experienced policy expert volunteers from the Institute of Public Administration of Canada (IPAC) with First Nations with policy project needs. A key principle of the VIP Project is mutual and reciprocal learning; the IPAC expert will not perform the work for the community but will assist by sharing expertise. This approach achieves two goals: building capacity within the community while meeting a real policy need that the community might otherwise have hired a consultant to undertake.
The VIP Project is based on the success of the Transitional Governance Project implemented using this model in Lil’wat Nation. The Lil’wat Nation presented at the FNPSS 2019 Breaking Barriers – Building Connections conference, and you can hear them speak about their experience by watching the IPAC webinar.
In partnership with FNPSS, IPAC is piloting VIP Projects with BC First Nations communities and IPAC volunteer experts. There are three pilot projects currently underway:
First Nations Well Being Fund
The First Nations Well Being Fund supports First Nations in their efforts to promote well being, increase quality of life for all community members (both on and off reserve) and reduce poverty at the community and/or Nation level.
Collaborative Community-Federal Projects
As one initiative under the Strengthening Public Service Institutions Initiative, Collaborative Community-Federal Projects bring together community-identified needs and priorities with resources, expertise and training available in the federal government.
The objectives include:
- Building capacity and development opportunities for First Nations administrations based on their identified needs and priorities
- Building capacity and development opportunities for federal public servants around strengthening Indigenous awareness and cultural competencies
The first project underway is a collaboration between Musqueam First Nation and Statistics Canada. As Musqueam First Nation embarks on their third community census as part of their larger community planning process, Statistics Canada is supporting their work through training around data collection, management and analysis.
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📢 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
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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.
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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
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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
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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!
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