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.

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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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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: https://ow.ly/AK3G50SAMV6 
Learn more: https://ow.ly/BqRx50SAJe2 

#FirstNationsGovernance #IndigenousLeadership #ProfessionalDevelopment

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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FNPSS was invited to attend the grand opening of Upper Similkameen Indian Bands, 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.Image attachmentImage attachment

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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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!

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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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.

Howards 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 ColumbiaImage attachment

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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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!Image attachment
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