Welcome to Our Gathering, 2021
Our Gathering kexwkexwntsút chet, tə sq̓əq̓ip is an annual event co-hosted by the First Nations Leadership Council, Indigenous Services Canada, and Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada which provides a space for meaningful discussions between First Nations leaders, community members, and the Government of Canada. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this year’s sessions were hosted virtually in March and June.
The First Nations Public Service Secretariat (FNPSS) team has been proud to support the Our Gathering, 2021 events on March 10 & 11 and June 23 & 24 by providing the virtual platform, logistics and planning, as well as technical support during sessions for all participants. If you have any questions about Our Gathering, 2021, feel free to contact the FNPSS team at og2021@fnps.ca.
This page acted as the hub for participants during the 2021 virtual events. Scroll down for information and resources from the June 23 and 24 sessions, as well as statistics from the March sessions.
The following organizations act as co-hosts for Our Gathering:
- Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) works collaboratively with partners to improve access to high-quality services for First Nations, Inuit, and Métis. Their vision is to support and empower Indigenous peoples to independently deliver services and address the socio-economic conditions in their communities.
- Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada (CIRNAC) continues to renew the nation-to-nation, Inuit-Crown, government-to-government relationship between Canada and First Nations, Inuit, and Métis; modernize Government of Canada structures to enable Indigenous peoples to build capacity and support their vision of self-determination; and lead the Government of Canada’s work in the North.
- The First Nations Leadership Council (FNLC) is comprised of the political executives of the BC Assembly of First Nations (BCAFN), the First Nations Summit (FNS), and the Union of BC Indian Chiefs (UBCIC). This group works together to develop coordinated approaches to issues relevant to First Nations communities throughout the province.
June 23 & 24 Session Snapshot
On June 23 and 24, 2021, for the second virtual gathering of 2021, representatives from First Nations and other levels of government came together to share and discuss a variety of topics tailored specifically for those in First Nations administration. Administration is an integral part of how Nations run day-to-day operations, and the work has only gotten more complicated during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Thus, these sessions were designed to provide an opportunity for those who work in First Nations administration to connect directly with others from across the province with similar titles and to hold discussions with representatives from Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) on a variety of topics relevant to Band Administration and the future of each of their nations.
Co-hosts Indigenous Services Canada, Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada, and the First Nations Leadership Council, as well as our Moderators Jessie Hemphill and Harold Tarbell, would like to thank all of you who attended this virtual event.
Day 1, June 23: Session Topics
- Panel on 10-Year Grants
- Nation-to-Nation sharing on capacity development and the journey to self-determination
- How can ISC work better with and serve First Nation Administrators
Day 2, June 24: Session Topics
- First Nations Public Service Secretariat (FNPSS) Info Session
- Professional and Institutional Development (P&ID) Session
- Concurrent Networking & Information Session Rooms
- Informal Networking session between First Nations and Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) representatives
- Indigenous Community Support Fund - Information Session
June Session Resources
presentation - P&ID program
Traditional cultural Supports
Throughout Our Gathering, 2021, we have had conversations about a variety of topics that may weigh heavy on the minds and hearts of those in attendance, particularly during this extremely difficult year.
With that in mind, during both the June and March sessions, if any participants felt the need to step back from any of the sessions, we had a separate space available for participants to have one-on-one traditional cultural support sessions with trained First Nations Health Authority (FNHA) counsellors.
We would like to thank the organizations Tsow Tun Le Lum and the Indian Residential School Survivors Society (IRSSS) for providing trained counsellors for the March 10 and 11 event as well as the June 23 and 24 sessions.
Health and Cultural Support Organizations
- Tsow Tun Le Lum (Helping House): Visit their website.
- Indian Residential School Survivors Society (IRSSS): Visit their website.
- The First Nations Health Authority (FNHA): Visit their website.
March 10-11 Session Snapshot
On March 10 and 11, 2021, representatives from First Nations and other levels of government came together to share and discuss a variety of topics including responses to the COVID-19 pandemic, Specific Claims, and Bill C-15 Canada’s proposed legislation to implement the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. Co-hosts Indigenous Services Canada, Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada, and the First Nations Leadership Council, as well as our Moderators Jessie Hemphill and Harold Tarbell, would like to thank all of you who attended this virtual event.
Day 1, March 10: Session Topics
- Communication “Best Practices” - Breakout Session
- Emergency Management “Responding to a Global Pandemic” - Breakout Session
- Education “Supporting First Nations Learners Through COVID-19” - Breakout Session
- Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women - Plenary
- Emergency Management “Community to Community Sharing” - Breakout Session
- Economic Development “Indigenous Economic Recovery Initiatives” - Breakout Session
Day 2, March 11: Session Topics
- Leadership Armchair Discussion - Plenary
- Specific Claims Update - Plenary
- UNDRIP Bill C-14 Update - Plenary
Quick Statistics about the March 10 and 11 Sessions
631 individuals registered for the event
347 registrants attended Day 1, and 323 attended Day 2
Over 135 different BC First Nations communities were represented, with 172 Chief or Council members and 185 First Nations administration staff registered
16 First Nations Elders participated
30 Speakers attended, representing a variety of First Nations communities, organizations, and the Government of Canada
5 First Nations youth registered
3 organizations provided traditional cultural supports, with 10 counsellors available during the entirety of each day for private support
24 volunteers supported the event
Social Feeds
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🎓 Deadline Extended: Apply for the BC First Nations Public Service Scholarship by October 28, 2024! Up to $1,500 available! 🔗 Apply Now: https://ow.ly/82js50TIelI
📅 Join FNPSS on Oct 30 for a free workshop on succession planning in BC First Nations! 📈 Learn to identify roles and develop plans for smooth leadership transitions. 🔑 Register here: https://ow.ly/U9HE50THjv7
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🏨 Book your accommodations for the First nations - Local Government Land Use Planning Workshop and take advantage of special workshop room rates. Discount codes can be found in the link in bio.
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Last call to register! Band Managers, CAOs, and Exec Directors—enhance your governance skills! FFNA starts this October! This 9-week hybrid course covers HR, Finance, and Economic Development. 🌟 Limited spots! Deadline: Oct 4th. 👉 Register: https://ow.ly/H6MT50TBMAA
#FFNA
Today, September 30th, we observe the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. We honor survivors and grieve the children lost to Residential Schools. Our offices are closed today and will reopen on October 1st. For support, call the IRSSS 24-hour crisis line: 1-866-925-4419.
🎓 Deadline Extended: Apply for the BC First Nations Public Service Scholarship! 🎓
Applications are now open until October 28, 2024. Submit your application for this opportunity to enhance your skills and contribute to your community!
📌 Scholarship Amount: Up to $1,500 (valid for 2 years)
📌 Eligibility: Indigenous applicants in non-elected roles with BC First Nations governments or organizations focused on governance & professional capacity development.
In partnership with the Local Government Management Association of British Columbia, this scholarship can be used for credit or non-credit programs at accredited post-secondary institutions!
📝 New Deadline: 4:30 PM, October 28, 2024
Successful candidates will be notified by December 13, 2024.
🔗 Apply Now: ow.ly/LBUw50TIekZ
📧 Questions? Email: office@lgma.ca
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📅 Join FNPSS on October 30th for a free, insightful workshop on succession planning in BC First Nations! Gain essential knowledge and tools to identify key roles, assess competencies, evaluate potential leaders, and develop effective succession plans.
In this virtual half-day session, you’ll learn how succession planning builds organizational capacity and ensures seamless leadership transitions. 🔑 Discover practical insights and strategies for your Nation’s success.
👉 For more details and to register, visit: ow.ly/L88N50THjq5
#FNPSSWorkshop #BCFirstNations #SuccessionPlanning
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🌲The First Nations - Local Government Land Use Planning Workshop is happening Nov. 12-14, 2024 in Campbell River.
🏨 Book your accommodations at Coast Discovery or the Comfort Inn to take advantage of special workshop room rates. Both hotels are centrally located and just a 10-15 minute walk to Thunderbird Hall. Discount codes can be found in the link in bio.
🤝 Learn more about land use frameworks and identify tools for developing shared land use practices.
📅 Registration closes October 30, 2024.
Learn more and sign up today 🌟https://ow.ly/Geci50Ts0T5
#firstnationslocalgovernment #LandUsePlanning #landuseframeworks #sharedlanduse #Campbellriver
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Last chance to register! Band Managers, CAOs, and Executive Directors—are you ready to strengthen your skills in governance and administration? The Foundations of First Nations Administration (FFNA) is back starting this October. This 9-week hybrid course covers key topics like Human Resources, Financial Fundamentals, and Economic Development, with expert facilitators and inspiring keynote speakers.
Don’t miss your chance to build your skills and connect with other professionals!
🌟 Limited spots available! Registration deadline: October 4th
👉 Register now: ow.ly/ZNxw50TBMyW
#FirstNationsAdministration #GovernanceTraining #ProfessionalDevelopment
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Today, September 30th, 2024, we recognize the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
This day is to reflect on the trauma inflicted by Residential Schools, honour the survivors, and grieve the children who never returned to our communities. Our offices are closed today, and we will reopen on Tuesday, October 1st.
For those who need support, the IRSSS has a 24-hour crisis line available: 1-866-925-4419.
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