Elementary and Secondary School Program – Nominal Roll Report Policy and Joint Verification Process Virtual Training Sessions Webinars (Summer 2023)

In August and September 2023, ISC, the First Nations Education Steering Committee, and the BC Ministry of Education and Child Care will host virtual training webinars for First Nation Education Coordinators, Education Directors, and Education Managers who support the Elementary and Secondary School Program on reserve. These sessions will offer an opportunity for First Nations to address common questions, increase their understanding, and build capacity for completing the Nominal Roll report and the Joint Verification Process (JVP) in partnership with their local School Districts. The due date for submission of the Nominal Roll for the 2023-24 school year is October 15, 2023. Invitations for the webinars will be sent at the end of July 2023. To request an invitation to the webinars, or for questions regarding Education programs at ISC, please contact bceducation@sac-isc.gc.ca.

Our Gathering, kexwkexwntsút chet, tə sq̓əq̓ip ct 2023

The First Nations Leadership Council, Indigenous Services Canada and Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada held the first in-person Our Gathering, kexwkexwntsút chet, tə sq̓əq̓ip ct since 2020 from May 16 to18, 2023. Across the three days, there were over 700 attendees in-person and 150 online, with 133 First Nation communities in BC represented at the event.

The event hosted various plenaries, breakout sessions and information booths on a wide range of topics. The program also included a recorded message from Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services, Question and Answer with Marc Miller, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations, and a speech from RoseAnne Archibald, National Chief, Assembly of First Nations. Attendees also had an opportunity to witness the strength and perspectives from the youth delegation, along with Elders who shared their wisdom and knowledge at an Elders’ Tea and through a graphic recording by artist Tiaré Lani.

This year marked the 10^th anniversary of co-hosting the event with our First Nations partners and ISC appreciates and values the opportunity to come together to engage in dialogue, share knowledge and collaborate to continue advancing First Nations interests.

Reference materials such as the BC Region Overview Report and Programs Reference Guide are attached. Additional reference materials and recordings of the sessions will be available on the Our Gathering 2023 Event Page in the coming weeks.

National Outcome-Based Framework

As part of the ongoing work between Canada and First Nations to build a new fiscal relationship, the Assembly of First Nations and ISC have been working towards the development of a National Outcome-Based Framework. The Framework will assist in ensuring there is continued progress toward improving living conditions and closing the socio-economic gaps between First Nations and non-Indigenous Canadians, as well as providing support for joint discussions and advocacy about the resources required to close these gaps. Engagements with First Nations leaders and organizations on the purpose and design of the Framework are underway, after which the draft Framework will be further developed and refined, and ultimately subject to validation by First Nations through a resolution of the First Nations-in-Assembly. We are looking for opportunities to hear from First Nations leaders in BC on the Framework. If you are interested in hearing more, please contact Jody Kaden, Director, Funding Services, who can organize a virtual presentation.

Inaugural First Nations First Responders Gathering held in Ottawa, First Nations Fire Protection Strategy updated

In May 2023, an inaugural First Nations First Responders Gathering was held in Ottawa. The event brought together Indigenous fire protection and emergency responder leadership to explore how best to address increasing fire dangers faced by First Nations. The Gathering also saw the release of a First Nations Fire Protection Strategy for 2023 to 2028—the first such strategy jointly developed by the AFN and ISC.

Minister Sajjan announces $5.9M for Indigenous clean energy projects and digital skills training

On June 1, 2023, the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada (PacifiCan), announced an investment of over $5.9 million for two organizations supporting Indigenous economic growth in clean energy projects and digital skills training. Over $3.9 million in funding is being provided to the BC Indigenous Clean Energy Initiative (BCICEI), which will support 14 Indigenous communities to develop new clean energy projects. PacifiCan is also investing more than $2 million to support the Digital Horizons technology employment training program that will be delivered by the First Nations Technology Council.

Increased support for families of missing and murdered Indigenous people and Indigenous victims and survivors of crime

On May 29, 2023, the Government of Canada announced $95.8 million over five years and $20.4 million ongoing, starting in 2023-24 to support families of missing and murdered Indigenous people and Indigenous victims of crime. This funding will increase access to culturally safe supports for victims and their families to assist them with their grief and healing journey by providing dignified and responsive supports for Indigenous victims and survivors of crime (or violence) and the families of MMIWG2S+, men and boys.

There is a national, toll-free 24/7 crisis call line providing mental health support for anyone who requires emotional assistance related to missing and murdered Indigenous people. For assistance, call 1-844-413-6649. Supports are also available through the MMIWG2S+ health and cultural support services. Support could include professional counselling with a focus on healing, emotional supports such as listening and referrals to additional services, and culturally specific help centred around traditional healing methods and Elder services.

Jordan’s Principle BC – simple to access

To submit a Jordan’s Principle request, only 3 items are needed:

1. Eligibility
2. Consent
3. Letter of Recommendation

Jordan’s Principle ensures that eligible First Nations children who reside in Canada and are under the age of majority in their province or territory of residence can access the products, services and supports they need.

Request forms, as well as eligibility information, can be found on the ISC website or the Jordan’s Principle Hub website. Each request must include written or oral consent from the child’s parent or guardian. Requests must include a letter of recommendation from a professional in the child(ren)’s circle of care or an authorized Elder or Knowledge Keeper that links the unmet need of the child(ren) to the product, service or support requested.

Funding can help with a wide range of health, social and educational needs, including the unique needs that First Nations Two-Spirit and LGBTQQIA children and youth and those with disabilities may have.

For more information, please contact:

• A Jordan’s Principle Service Coordinator to support a request
• BC Region Duty Phone: 778-951-0716 (monitored from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm)
• BC Region General Inbox: principedejordancb-bcjordansprinciple@sac-isc.gc.ca
• Jordan’s Principle National Call Centre (available 24 hours, 7 days a week): 1-855-JP-CHILD (1-855-572-4453)

Grants and Contribution Information Management Systems

Did you know First Nations can submit proposals and reporting submissions directly to ISC through the Grants and Contribution Information Management Systems (GCIMS), and that it is the recommended submission method for all non-Education reports? GCIMS provides access to funding agreements for up-to-date financial information and reporting requirements. It can also be used to generate system reports for program and budget analysis. Contact your Funding Services Officer for GCIMS access or training anytime between April and November 2023.

In-person service for registration and status cards

ISC BC Region’s Registration and Status Card Service Counter at 1138 Melville Street in Vancouver continues to offer appointments for service, which can be made by calling 236-330-9961. Hours for the Service Counter are Monday to Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Walk-ins are also welcome and are served between appointments.