Frequently Asked Questions

Why does FNPSS exist?

FNPSS was established by BC First Nation Leadership to support capacity building for all BC First Nation administrations and organizations.

Why the First Nations Public Service Secretariat? Why not just the First Nations Public Service?

The First Nations Public Service is the group of individuals that support First Nations Governments in non-elected roles. The First Nations Public Service Secretariat supports those individual to excel in their roles, hence we describe ourselves as providing a secretariat function to that very important group of public servants.

What is a MTA? How is an MTA different from FNPSS Annual Conferences?

Our Management Training Academies (MTAs) aim to help participants return to their organizations with capacity enhancing strategies by providing tools and training specifically tailored to BC First Nations needs from experts in the core competencies: Records and Information Management, Policy Development, Human Resource Management, and Financial Management. The MTAs differ from our Conferences because they provide intensive full-day workshops on one of the core public service competencies.

How are your services different from other First Nation Organizations that also offer capacity building training?

While FNPSS does offer direct training, our primary role is to support BC First Nations to find the best training for their capacity building needs. Our aim is to enhance coordination between our partner organizations so that together we are offering the best training for communities.

How do I sign up for training?

Registration information for our Management Training Academies and other training is available on our website under Events.

What can I do as a volunteer?

FNPSS relies on the generous contributions of our volunteers to ensure the success of our events and initiatives. Our volunteers contribute in numerous ways including: note taking, registration support, photography, sharing expertise, and other roles. Please contact us if you are interested in getting involved.

Is the FNPSS membership based with fees?

No, currently FNPSS does not operate as a membership-organization, nor do we charge membership fees.

Does the FNPSS offer travel reimbursements or other funding to support training?

At this time, we are unable to offer travel reimbursements or funding to support attendance at all of our training. When we have secured funding for First Nations to attend specific training or activities, this information is included in the event registration information. If you are unable to participate due to funding constraints, funding may be available through other sources (e.g. Indigenous Services Canada, New Relationship Trust, etc.).

Who funds FNPSS?

FNPSS operates with the support of the BC First Nations Leadership Council, but as an initiative within the First Nations Summit Society (FNS), and all funding for FNPSS flows through FNS. FNPSS has received funding from various sources, including the Government of Canada and the BC Ministry of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation (MIRR), as well as other sources for specific projects.

Does FNPSS provide consultant services to communities?

FNPSS does not provide consultant services to First Nations communities, however we have a wide network of experts and depending on your needs, we may be able to help connect you with someone that meets them. We do not recommend or ‘vouch’ for any given consultant or individual. We can also offer our Management Training Academies (MTAs) or other tailored training in communities. Please contact us for more information.

Can the FNPSS come to my community to deliver training?

Yes, if you are interested in hosting FNPSS in your community, please contact us.

Why hasn’t FNPSS offered any Financial Management Training Academies (MTAs) recently?

As part of our commitment to ensuring we do not duplicate efforts of our partner organizations, rather than develop and offer unique financial management training, we recommend BC First Nations access the training available from the Aboriginal Financial Officers Association of BC (AFOABC) and First Nations Financial Management Board (FNFMB).

What happened to FNPSS between 2012 and 2017?

After making significant progress and establishing partnerships with other well-established and recognized organizations through formal Memorandums of Understanding (MOU), the FNPSS abruptly lost its funding and was forced to stop operations in 2012. In November 2017, funding for FNPSS was re-established within the First Nations Summit Society (FNS).

Where do i find ...

FPNSS supports various organizations by providing virtual meeting support. When resources are posted after the meeting, FNPSS locates them on the Resources page.

FNPSS posted comprehensive resources to support First Nation communities, administrators, businesses and individuals confront and managed the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. These are now archived and located on the Resources page.

Social Feeds

Load More...
Comments Box SVG iconsUsed for the like, share, comment, and reaction icons

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!

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.

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

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

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
Load more

Want to hear more from us?

Check out our Social Media accounts and sign up to our Newsletter