Many First Nations in BC are working to develop and expand their communication’s function as an essential part of Nation building and to further their Nation’s political, operational, and social objectives. Foundations for Professional Communications (FAPC 100), an offering from the First Nations Public Service Secretariat (FNPSS) and Nicola Valley Institute of Technology (NVIT), is designed to introduce adults working for First Nation communities and Indigenous organizations to a wide array of fundamental communications skills, including communications research, planning and evaluation, internal communications, branding, media relations, and community engagement – all from an Indigenous perspective.

Foundations of Professional Communications will be running from January 23 – March 20, 2025. The course will consist of weekly virtual sessions with four days of in-person learning (March 3–6) at NVIT’s Burnaby campus.

This course is offered at no-cost to participants.

This course is accredited. Students who successfully complete the Foundations for Professional Communications course will receive credit for an accredited and transferable post-secondary course.

To be eligible for this course, you must:

1. Be Indigenous
2. Be working as a communicator or performing tasks of a communicator
3. Be new to your role
4. Have completed an English 12 or similar level course (ENGL 060 or English 12 or English Studies 12 and/or English First Peoples 12).
5. Have Manager (ie. CAO, supervisor) approval in the form of an email or phone call.

If you are interested in taking the course, please reach out to info@fnps.ca with the following information:

1. Your current role and organization/Nation
2. Your level of experience in communications (number of years working in a comms role or performing comms tasks)
3. Confirmation of your availability to participate in one week of in-person learning from March 3–6, 2025.
4. Confirmation of your ability to provide a transcript that shows your English 12 level credential.

Travel will be reimbursed for eligible participants for the in-person week, for those who work in a First Nation and have permission from their Administrator to attend. For any questions about reimbursement, or other questions, please reach out to info@fnps.ca.

The Foundations of Professional Communications course delivered real results in 2024, and we’re excited to share the highlights! From expanded social media strategies to hands-on communication planning, the course empowered participants to earn 3 university credits and strengthen practical skills they’re already applying in their communities. The 2024 outcomes report showcases how feedback from participants shaped key updates, ensuring the 2025 session will continue to adapt with the evolving needs of First Nations communicators.