FNPSS Foundations of First Nation Administration Course Concludes

From June 27 – 29, 2022, eleven First Nations Chief Administrative Officers, Band Managers, and Executive Directors from across the province gathered for the last week of an 8-week hybrid training program entitled Foundations of First Nations Administration.

As the First Nations Public Service Secretariat’s (FNPSS) first in-person workshop since 2019, we were delighted to host this cohort of First Nations Administrative professionals after connecting with them for 7 weeks previously over Zoom for the virtual portion of the training. We would like to extend our thanks to Elder Larry Grant from Musqueam First Nation for opening our session with a prayer and helping who provided us with an opening prayer on Day 1 and starting us all in a good way for the learning ahead.

Some feedback from the participants included:

“I enjoyed finally having the opportunity to meet fellow colleagues in the same position who have the same issues and achievements within their roles and nations. To be able to discuss our challenges in an open forum was very enlightening. I found it all to be very beneficial.”

To close the learning series, the 3-day in-person workshop ended with a “Participant Takeaway” session, where the cohort was divided into small groups to deliver a short presentation on their experiences, showcase their learning and significant takeaways from the course overall. All participants echoed the desire to continue to connect through Nation-to-Nation sharing, which was incredibly valuable throughout the entire learning series.

FNPSS’ Foundations of First Nations Administration is a training program offered at no-cost to those working in First Nations administration as Chief Administrative Officers, Band Managers, Executive Directors, or those in equivalent roles. This 8-week comprehensive introductory series featured over 25 sessions by experts and keynote speakers and provided opportunities for informal coaching, networking, and skills development. To attend the course, the selected participants were required to commit a significant amount of time each week, as well as obtaining approval from their Chief and Council.

Some of the sessions that were held during the series include, but are not limited to, the following topics and speakers:

  • An Introduction to the Role of Government and Administration, by Laara Yaghujaanas – Primary, Carden Consulting
  • Planning Tools (Strategic planning, CCP, and more) with Cara Basil – Planner, Alderhill Planning
  • Financial Fundamentals with Joe Bevan – Senior Consultant, Humanity Financial Management Inc.
  • Sessions on Self-Government with Valerie Cross – Tsawwassen First Nation; and Angela Wesley – BC Treaty Commission
  • Sessions on Communications with Beverly O’Neil – Principal, O’Neil Marketing and Consulting; and Davis McKenzie – Principal, Becoming Clear Communications
  • Records & Information Management (RIM) Fundamentals with Michelle Barroca – FY Information Management
  • Human Resources (HR) with Robin Henry and Cathy Murphy – HR Management Consultants, as well as an HR Q&A panel with Scott McCann – Partner, Harris & Co. LLP and representatives from ESDC and the Province of BC
  • Sessions with representatives from Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) on topics such as Community Infrastructure programs, capital programs and assets management overview, and funding programs, agreements, and reporting
  • Informal Coaching Circles on a variety of topics with guest speakers such as Howard E. Grant – Executive Director, First Nations Summit; Zandra Ross – Primary, Zandra Ross Coaching & Consulting; Adrienne Morrison – Records Management Archivist, Tsleil-Waututh Nation; Robert Louie – LAB Chairman, Lands Advisory Board (LAB); Gwen Phillips – Ktunaxa Nation; and more.

A full summary report will be shared widely with participants and those who contributed to the course development and delivery.

We would like to raise our hands to all the participants, advisory committee members, individual speakers, First Nations support organizations for lending their expertise and the participants’ First Nations Leadership for supporting their time commitment and learning throughout the entire course. FNPSS greatly enjoyed connecting with you all, and we look forward to future training, networking, and connection with First Nations across the province.

If you are interested in participating in the next iteration of the Foundations of First Nations Administration or would like to know more about any of FNPSS’ offerings, please contact us at info@fnps.ca.

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Applications are now open for the 2023 First Nations Well Being Fund!
Deadline to apply: December 31, 2023, 11:59pm (PST).
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: Planning Projects.
For additional details on each funding stream and eligibility, and to apply: ow.ly/rJQG50PO26M
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Applications are now open for the 2023 First Nations Well Being Fund!
Deadline to apply: December 31, 2023, 11:59pm (PST). 
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: Planning Projects.  
For additional details on each funding stream and eligibility, and to apply: https://ow.ly/rJQG50PO26M

Register now for the 2023 FNPSS Conference – Taking Root!

We invite leadership, administrators, and senior managers from all BC First Nations, delegates from First Nations governance and service organizations, and government and other partners to join us for a thought-provoking two days that will explore how First Nations governance administrations are "Taking Root."

To support BC First Nations public service, FNPSS offers paid registration, travel, and accommodation for two delegates per BC First Nation.

ow.ly/gIaf50Ox90u
... See MoreSee Less

Register now for the 2023 FNPSS  Conference – Taking Root!
 
We invite leadership, administrators, and senior managers from all BC First Nations, delegates from First Nations governance and service organizations, and government and other partners to join us for a thought-provoking two days that will explore how First Nations governance administrations are Taking Root.  
 
To support BC First Nations public service, FNPSS offers paid registration, travel, and accommodation for two delegates per BC First Nation.
 
http://ow.ly/gIaf50Ox90u

Applications are now open for the BC First Nations Public Service Scholarship!

The scholarship supports Indigenous professionals in BC First Nation governments to access training for Administration or management of public services. Each scholarship is valid for up to two years in the amount of up to $1,500 and will be provided to the successful candidate(s) specified post-secondary institution upon proof of registration.

To learn more regarding eligibility and upcoming deadlines: ow.ly/C53c50PqOKP
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Applications are now open for the BC First Nations Public Service Scholarship! 

The scholarship supports Indigenous professionals in BC First Nation governments to access training for Administration or management of public services. Each scholarship is valid for up to two years in the amount of up to $1,500 and will be provided to the successful candidate(s) specified post-secondary institution upon proof of registration. 

To learn more regarding eligibility and upcoming deadlines: https://ow.ly/C53c50PqOKP

Last chance to register with our Early Bird pricing for the 2023 FNPSS Annual Conference – Taking Root!

We invite leadership, administrators, and senior managers from all BC First Nations, delegates from First Nations governance and service organizations, and government and other partners to join us for a thought-provoking two days that will explore how First Nations governance administrations are "Taking Root."

Through a series of keynote speakers, plenaries, workshops, and networking and partnership opportunities, participants will delve into the many ways strong roots for collective growth in First Nations governance and administration are being developed. Join us as we focus on building and gaining capacity through strong rooted governance systems, and people to bring them to life.

Register before August 31st for Early Bird pricing: ow.ly/gIaf50Ox90u
... See MoreSee Less

Last chance to register with our Early Bird pricing for the 2023 FNPSS Annual Conference – Taking Root!
 
We invite leadership, administrators, and senior managers from all BC First Nations, delegates from First Nations governance and service organizations, and government and other partners to join us for a thought-provoking two days that will explore how First Nations governance administrations are Taking Root.  
 
Through a series of keynote speakers, plenaries, workshops, and networking and partnership opportunities, participants will delve into the many ways strong roots for collective growth in First Nations governance and administration are being developed. Join us as we focus on building and gaining capacity through strong rooted governance systems, and people to bring them to life.
 
Register before August 31st for Early Bird pricing: http://ow.ly/gIaf50Ox90u

Calling all Band Managers, CAOs and Executive Directors – mark your calendars! FNPSS’ Foundations of First Nations Administration (FFNA) course is being offered once again, beginning in August 2023. This introductory, comprehensive course will take place over 6-weeks in a hybrid model. This includes an in-person session at the beginning in Victoria, BC and an in-person session at the end in Prince George, BC. This course will be co-facilitated by leadership mentor and motivational speaker, Zandra Ross. FFNA will also feature expert facilitators and keynote speakers in areas such as Human Resources, Economic Development, Financial Fundamentals and more!

For more information please visit: ow.ly/el2e50OLHHO

Please note that registration is very limited!
... See MoreSee Less

Calling all Band Managers, CAOs and Executive Directors – mark your calendars! FNPSS’ Foundations of First Nations Administration (FFNA) course is being offered once again, beginning in August 2023. This introductory, comprehensive course will take place over 6-weeks in a hybrid model. This includes an in-person session at the beginning in Victoria, BC and an in-person session at the end in Prince George, BC. This course will be co-facilitated by leadership mentor and motivational speaker, Zandra Ross. FFNA will also feature expert facilitators and keynote speakers in areas such as Human Resources, Economic Development, Financial Fundamentals and more! 

For more information please visit:  https://ow.ly/el2e50OLHHO

Please note that registration is very limited!
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