COVID-19 Information

FNPSS COVID-19 Information and Resource Archive

As BC First Nation communities, administrators, businesses and individuals confronted and managed the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, access to accurate information from multiple sources in a timely manner was essential. Financial, general, administrative, health and emergency response information from various trusted First Nation and government organizations are listed.

This resource is now an archive. This resource listing is for information only. The FNPSS makes no representations or warranties about the accuracy or suitability of any information in the listed materials, nor does it administer or deliver any programs or services detailed on this site.

Archive Contents

Financial Supports & Benefits | General Resources | Administration Resources | Health & Prevention | Emergency Response | Updates from ISC

Financial Supports and Benefits

COVID-19 at-a-Glance

In partnership with the BC Federal Council, FNPSS created a series of informational one-pagers that outlined useful supports and resources available on key topics related to COVID-19.

COVID-19 AT A GLANCE
Housing Resources for BC First Nation Individuals

COVID-19 AT A GLANCE
Resources for all BC First Nation Individuals

COVID-19 AT A GLANCE
Benefits & Personal Tax Returns for BC First Nation Individuals

COVID-19 AT A GLANCE
Resources for BC First Nation Post-Secondary Students

COVID-19 AT A GLANCE
Food Security for BC First Nation Communities

COVID-19 AT A GLANCE
Additional Disability Benefits and Supports

COVID-19 AT A GLANCE
Support for Indigenous Businesses

General Support and Information

Government of Canada / Services Canada

  • Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan
    Categorized into support for individuals, businesses, sectors, organizations helping Canadians, support for provinces and territories (source: GoC, type: website, dated: updated regularly)
  • New Federal COVID-19 Supports
    Canada Response Benefits and Changes to Employment Insurance, presentation by Brenda Giesbrecht, Outreach Liaison, Service Canada, Dianne Stoesz, Outreach Liaison, Service Canada, Karen Martin, Outreach Manager, CRA and Saverio Desantis, Officer, CRA (source: Service Canada, type: webinar, dated: November 4, 2020) - Presentation materials

Indigenous Services Canada

Support for First Nation Band Administration

FNPSS

  • Accessing COVID-19 Supports for First Nations
    Presentation by Karen Martin, CRA, Saverio Desantis, CRA and Mary Leslie, Heiltsuk Nation (source: FNPSS, type: webinar, dated: April 29, 2020)
  • Managing New Economic Realities
    Presentation by Chief Commissioner Manny Jules, First Nations Tax Commission and Chief David Jimmie, Squiala First Nation (source: FNPSS, type: webinar, dated: April 15, 2020)
  • Secwepemc Nation’s Economic Impacts due to COVID-19
    Presentation by Councillor Jeanette Jules, Title and Rights, Legal (Day Scholars, DRI) and Community Services Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc, Greg Booth, Director, Indigenous Economic Opportunity, Secretariat to the Indigenous Investment Council, Innovation and Technology Division, Ministry of Jobs, Economic Development and Competitiveness, Bill Guerin, Associate Regional Director General, ISC and David S. Russell, Director, Lands and Economic Development, ISC (source: FNPSS, type: webinar, dated: April 6, 2020)

BC First Nations Responding to COVID-19 – A series of presentations

  1. Chief Byron Louis, Okanagan Indian Band and Councillor Alison Trenholm, Homalco First Nation
    (source: FNPSS, type: webinar, dated: April 2, 2020)
  2. Chief Chris Derickson, Westbank First Nation and Erik Blaney, Emergency Planning Advisor, Naut’sa mawt Tribal Council
    (source: FNPSS, type: webinar, dated: March 26, 2020)
  3. Rob Bullock, Band Administrator, Ahousaht First Nation and Collette Sunday, Band Administrator, Upper Nicola Band
    (source: FNPSS, type: webinar, dated: March 25, 2020)
  4. Sandra Olson, Chief Executive Officer, Nak’azdli Whut’en and Councillor Deanna George, Tsleil-Waututh Nation
    (source: FNPSS, type: webinar, dated: March 20, 2020)

Support for First Nations Individuals

Government of Canada / Services Canada

Taxes

Canadian Revenue Agency

Support for First Nations Businesses

Government of Canada / Services Canada

BC Assembly of First Nations

Province of BC

  • COVID-19 Supports for Businesses
    (loans, grants, rent support, wage support, changes to taxes, bill relief and other) (source: Prov of BC, type: website, dated: December 22, 2020)

Contact Information

General Resources

First Nations Leadership Council

Province of BC

BC Assembly of First Nations

Indigenous Services Canada

Institute of Public Administration of Canada

Administration Resources

FNPSS

  1. Tool Box Talks: The 20/20/20 Rule (PDF)
  2. How to Make Your Computer Workstation Fit You (PDF)
  3. Department Workplace Scan and Contingency Planning Worksheet (PDF)
  4. Emergency Office Closure Workforce Planning Policy (PDF)
  5. Emergency Preparedness Guidelines for Working at Home (PDF)
  6. Emergency Office Closure Temporary Teleworker Agreement (PDF)
  7. Workstation and Work Area Disinfecting Policy (PDF)

Health and Prevention of COVID-19

Prevention / Awareness / Planning Resources

FNPSS Webinars

  • COVID-19 Vaccination: The Realities of Community Roll-Out
    (source: FNPSS, type: webinar, dated: January 20, 2021)
  • Outbreak! Lessons Learned from BC First Nations
    Presentation by Shannon Alfred, Health and Safety Manager, ‘Namgis First Nation Health Centre, Erik Blaney, Fire Chief, Tla’amin Nation, Chris Lewis, Spokesperson/Council Member, Squamish Nation Council, Kyle Marshall, Director, Emergency Operations Center, Skidegate Band Council (source: FNPSS, type: webinar, dated: October 6, 2020)
  • First Nations Child and Family Services during the COVID-19 Crisis
    Presentation by Cheryl Casumer, Executive Task Group, First Nations Summit, Allison Bond, Deputy Minister, Ministry of Children and Family Development and Catherine Lappe, Regional Director General, ISC BC Region (source: FNPSS, type: webinar, dated: April 8, 2020)
  • Wellness in a Time of Uncertainty
    Presentation by Babs Stevens, CAO, Skidegate Band Council and Healer, and Sandra Harris, Wet’suwet’en Trauma Practitioner (source: FNPSS, type: webinar, dated: April 8, 2020)

First Nations Health Authority

First Nations Health Authority (FNHA) plays a role within the provincial emergency management structure by providing health and wellness services to support BC First Nation communities. For COVID-19 response, FNHA (in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, Office of the Provincial Health Officer and Regional Health Authorities) supports communities through direct coordination of response to medical and health-related requests.

Northern Health BC

Indigenous Services Canada

Government of Canada / Service Canada

Province of BC

Community Organisations

Health Care / Mental Health

FNPSS

  • Food Security During a Pandemic
    Presentation by Jeneen Hunt, Ditidaht First Nation, Anne Atleo, Ahousaht First Nation and Milica Nauman, ISC (source: FNPSS, type: webinar, dated: May 20, 2020)

First Nations Health Authority

Community Organisations

KUU-US Crisis Services

General: 1-800-588-8717

Adult/Elder: 1-250-723-4050

Child/Youth: 1-250-723-2040

Hope for Wellness

General: 1-855-242-3310

Chatbox to connect with a counselor online

FNHA Contact Information

For individual health care and COVID-19 questions call 8-1-1 or primary care provider.

Emergency Response

Emergency Management BC

Emergency Management BC (EMBC) is the Province’s lead coordinating agency for emergency response to non-health related needs of COVID-19 impacts. This work is done in collaboration with local governments, First Nations, provincial and federal departments, industry, non-government organizations and volunteers. They also host regular regional coordination calls, which First Nations are invited to join. EMBC Regional Operations offices will function as universal entry for Indigenous communities seeking supports.

Indigenous Services Canada

Updates from ISC

ISC BC Updates

ISC BC Region supported First Nations on-reserve in coronavirus response through a number of programs and services, including the Emergency Management Assistance Program and Income Assistance. The department also played a role in delivering distinction-based funding as announced by the Prime Minister.

2021

September

  • Update #87 - September 15
    Frequently Asked Questions from the All Chiefs Town Hall on Wildfires | Indigenous Community Support Fund Allocations | Cultural Spaces in Indigenous Communities Program

August

  • Update #86 - August 10
    All Chiefs Town Hall on Wildfires | Emergency Management funding programs at ISC | What Should You Do If There Are Concerns About Potential Water Shortages

July

  • Update #85 - July 16
    Wildfire Information and FAQ | Health and safety around wildfire smoke | Culturally Sensitive Mental Health and Wellness Supports
  • Update #84 - July 2
    Wildfire Information | Legislation to implement UNDRIP becomes law | Action against hate speech and hate crimes

June

  • Update #83 - June 18
    2nd virtual session of Our Gathering 2021 | Indigenous Community Business Fund | Expanding shelters network for Indigenous peoples
  • Update #82 - June 11
    Indigenous Community Support Fund | Own-Source Revenue in Indigenous Communities Initiative | Residential Schools Missing Children – Community Support Funding
  • Update #81 - June 4
    Indigenous Community Support Fund | National Action Plan to Address Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls And 2SLGBTQQIA+ People

May

  • Update #80 - May 5
    Mental Health Week | Registration and Status Card Updates | Budget 2021

April

  • Update #79 - April 21
    Income Assistance Information | Green and Inclusive Community Buildings Program | Emergency Assistance for Post-secondary Students in the North
  • Update #78 - April 8
    COVID-19 vaccination | First Nations Well-Being Fund | Tax Filing Tips

March

February

January

  • Update #74 - January 26
    Details of new funding through the Indigenous Community Support Fund | Income Assistance changes
  • Update #73 - January 15
    Announcement of the release of the funding through Indigenous Community Support Fund | Update on funding for food security for Indigenous communities
  • Update #72 – January 11
    Updates on Indigenous Community Support Fund, Province of BC support of Tourism sector, and 'CleanBC Better Homes'

2020

ISC BC Town Halls

  • ISC BC Region Town Hall
    Presentation by Rick Milone, FNHA, Dr. Shannon McDonald, FNHA, Catherine Lappe, Regional Director General, ISC BC Region, Bill Guerin, Associate Regional Director General, David Russell, Director Lands and Economic Development, Wendy Rogers, Director Programs and Partnerships, and Jody Kaden, Director Funding Services (source: ISC BC, type: webinar, dated: September 16, 2020)
  • ISC BC Region Town Hall
    Presentation by Catherine Lappe, Regional Director General, ISC BC Region, and members of the ISC BC Region Executive Leadership Team (source: ISC BC, type: webinar, dated: August 4, 2020)
  • ISC BC Region Town Hall with FNSA and FNESC
    Presentation by Catherine Lappe, Regional Director General, ISC BC Region, Tyrone McNeil, President of the First Nations Education Steering Committee (FNESC), Edith Loring-Kuhanga, President of the First Nations Schools Association (FNSA), and representatives of the BC Ministry of Education (source: ISC BC, type: webinar, dated: May 1, 2020)
  • ISC BC Region Town Hall
    Presentation by Catherine Lappe, Regional Director General, ISC BC Region, members of the ISC Executive Leadership Team, and representatives of the FNHA (source: ISC BC, type: webinar, dated: April 16, 2020) - Webinar coming soon
  • ISC BC Response to COVID-19 for BC First Nations
    Presentation by Catherine Lappe, Regional Director General, ISC BC Region, members of the ISC Executive Leadership Team, Dr. Shannon McDonald, Deputy Chief Medical Officer, FNHA (source: ISC BC, type: webinar, dated: April 3, 2020)
  • ISC BC Response to COVID-19 for BC First Nations
    Presentation by Bill Guerin, Associate Regional Director General, ISC BC Region and Leah George-Wilson, Co-Chair, First Nations Summit and Chief of Tsleil-Waututh Nation (source: ISC BC, type: webinar, dated: March 27, 2020)

ISC National Updates

ISC Contact Information

Social Feeds

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First Nations Public Service Secretariat
3 days ago
First Nations Public Service Secretariat

Registration is now open! Calling all Band Managers, CAOs and Executive Directors! FNPSS’ third offering of Foundations of First Nations Administration (FFNA) begins in October 2024.

This introductory course will cover a variety of key topics essential to First Nations governance and public administration. This course will take place over 9 weeks in a hybrid model, with one in-person week in Kelowna, BC, and all other sessions held virtually via Zoom.

FFNA participants will be joined by expert facilitators and keynote speakers to deliver First Nations-tailored training sessions in areas such as Human Resources, Economic Development, Financial Fundamentals and more! Participants will finish the course with new and applicable skills to help with their daily responsibilities, and a new network of Band Administrators from across the province with similar challenges to connect with.

To register: ow.ly/AK3G50SAMV6
For more information visit: ow.ly/BqRx50SAJe2. Please note that registration is limited! ... See MoreSee Less

Registration is now open! Calling all Band Managers, CAOs and Executive Directors! FNPSS’ third offering of Foundations of First Nations Administration (FFNA) begins in October 2024. This introductory course will cover a variety of key topics essential to First Nations governance and public administration. This course will take place over 9 weeks in a hybrid model, with one in-person week in Kelowna, BC, and all other sessions held virtually via Zoom. FFNA participants will be joined by expert facilitators and keynote speakers to deliver First Nations-tailored training sessions in areas such as Human Resources, Economic Development, Financial Fundamentals and more! Participants will finish the course with new and applicable skills to help with their daily responsibilities, and a new network of Band Administrators from across the province with similar challenges to connect with. To register: https://ow.ly/AK3G50SAMV6 For more information visit: https://ow.ly/BqRx50SAJe2. Please note that registration is limited!
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First Nations Public Service Secretariat
3 weeks ago
First Nations Public Service Secretariat

Today is National Indigenous Peoples Day! Join us today as we celebrate and honour the diverse cultures, traditions, and contributions of Indigenous people. ... See MoreSee Less

Today is National Indigenous Peoples Day! Join us today as we celebrate and honour the diverse cultures, traditions, and contributions of Indigenous people.
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First Nations Public Service Secretariat
4 weeks ago
First Nations Public Service Secretariat

Application reminder for the 2024 First Nations Well Being Fund!

Deadline to apply: June 23rd, 2024, at 11:59pm (Pacific Standard Time). Applications received before this date will be given priority. FNPSS will continue to accept and review applications beyond June 23, 2024, if funding is available.

The First Nations Well Being Fund has been developed and is being implemented by FNPSS in order to support First Nations in their efforts to promote well-being, increase quality of life for all community members and reduce poverty at the community and Nation level.

There are two streams of project funding available: Stream 1: Community Projects and Stream 2: Wellness Planning Projects.
Stream 1 - A maximum of $250,000 will be available.
Stream 2 – A maximum of $50,000 will be available.

First Nations who received project funding in a previous round of the First Nations Well Being Fund should contact FNPSS to discuss eligibility under the current funding opportunity.

For additional details on each funding stream and eligibility, and to apply, visit our website: ow.ly/TJuh50RRPMQ ... See MoreSee Less

Application reminder for the 2024 First Nations Well Being Fund! Deadline to apply: June 23rd, 2024, at 11:59pm (Pacific Standard Time). Applications received before this date will be given priority. FNPSS will continue to accept and review applications beyond June 23, 2024, if funding is available. The First Nations Well Being Fund has been developed and is being implemented by FNPSS in order to support First Nations in their efforts to promote well-being, increase quality of life for all community members and reduce poverty at the community and Nation level. There are two streams of project funding available: Stream 1: Community Projects and Stream 2: Wellness Planning Projects. Stream 1 - A maximum of $250,000 will be available. Stream 2 – A maximum of $50,000 will be available. First Nations who received project funding in a previous round of the First Nations Well Being Fund should contact FNPSS to discuss eligibility under the current funding opportunity. For additional details on each funding stream and eligibility, and to apply, visit our website: https://ow.ly/TJuh50RRPMQ
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First Nations Public Service Secretariat
1 month ago
First Nations Public Service Secretariat

FNPSS is hiring one full-time Accounting Technician to support the First Nations Public Service Secretariat initiative within the First Nations Summit Society.

The Accounting Technician is crucial to our operations and assists with full-cycle accounting needs. The Accounting Technician ensures FNPSS has financial information that is timely, accurate, and can be fully relied upon to support the needs of operational management and strategic planning of the organization. The Accounting Technician works directly with FNPSS executive, staff, BC First Nations and other levels of government.

The position will require an individual who shows strong judgement, integrity and discretion. We are looking for someone with a strong attention to detail, excellent written and verbal communication skills; and strong organizational skills with the ability to balance multiple competing priorities.

To learn more and apply: ow.ly/q6JF50SituV ... See MoreSee Less

FNPSS is hiring one full-time Accounting Technician to support the First Nations Public Service Secretariat initiative within the First Nations Summit Society. The Accounting Technician is crucial to our operations and assists with full-cycle accounting needs. The Accounting Technician ensures FNPSS has financial information that is timely, accurate, and can be fully relied upon to support the needs of operational management and strategic planning of the organization. The Accounting Technician works directly with FNPSS executive, staff, BC First Nations and other levels of government. The position will require an individual who shows strong judgement, integrity and discretion. We are looking for someone with a strong attention to detail, excellent written and verbal communication skills; and strong organizational skills with the ability to balance multiple competing priorities. To learn more and apply: https://ow.ly/q6JF50SituV
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First Nations Public Service Secretariat
1 month ago
First Nations Public Service Secretariat

Scholarship applications are open until October 4, 2024!

The scholarship is valid for up to two years in the amount of up to $1,500.

The BC First Nations Public Service Scholarship is open to Indigenous applicants working in a non-elected role in any BC First Nation government or First Nation organization that supports governance and/or professional capacity development which contributes to the improved programming, services, or governance of a First Nation community, excluding applicants working in for-profit organizations.

Credit or non-credit programs delivered by an accredited post-secondary institution are eligible.

Any application for this scholarship must be submitted by completing the online form by no later than 4:30 p.m. on October 4, 2024, with notification to the successful candidate being given by the Local Government Management Association of British Columbia by December 13, 2024, at the latest.

For any inquiry, please contact office@lgma.ca

For more information, and to apply, visit ow.ly/cCpN50Sc5Mp ... See MoreSee Less

Scholarship applications are open until October 4, 2024! The scholarship is valid for up to two years in the amount of up to $1,500. The BC First Nations Public Service Scholarship is open to Indigenous applicants working in a non-elected role in any BC First Nation government or First Nation organization that supports governance and/or professional capacity development which contributes to the improved programming, services, or governance of a First Nation community, excluding applicants working in for-profit organizations. Credit or non-credit programs delivered by an accredited post-secondary institution are eligible. Any application for this scholarship must be submitted by completing the online form by no later than 4:30 p.m. on October 4, 2024, with notification to the successful candidate being given by the Local Government Management Association of British Columbia by December 13, 2024, at the latest. For any inquiry, please contact office@lgma.ca For more information, and to apply, visit https://ow.ly/cCpN50Sc5Mp
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