Training

Pursuing Excellence in Governance and Administration

FNPSS provides training and other opportunities that support capacity building in BC First Nation communities and organizations as they pursue excellence in their own governments and administrations.

Be sure to visit our Events Calendar regularly, subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media (Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, Linkedin) to stay informed about upcoming training opportunities.

Core Administration Skills

Management Training Academies

Our Management Training Academies (MTAs) aim to help participants return to their organizations with capacity enhancing strategies they can implement immediately. MTAs provide tools and training specifically tailored to BC First Nations needs from experts in the core competencies: Records and Information Management (RIM), Policy Development, Human Resource Management (HR), and Financial Management.

Intensive RIM Assessment Workshop

The Intensive RIM Assessment Workshop is designed to help First Nations to determine the strengths and weaknesses of their own records and information management program. The Workshop is delivered to smaller cohorts over a one-to-two-month period and includes attending intensive workshops, conducting interviews within your own organization, and analyzing results with the support of expert RIM coaches.

Foundations of First Nations administration

Foundations of First Nation Administration (FFNA) is an introductory course covering a variety of key topics essential to First Nations governance and public administration. Subjects will include Communications, Community Engagement, Records & Information Management, Wellness, Human Resources, Language Revitalization, Economic Development, Finance Fundamentals and more!

Communications & Engagement Capacity Building

Foundations for professional Communications

Many First Nations in BC are working to develop and expand their communication’s function as an essential part of Nation building and to further their Nation’s political, operational, and social objectives. Foundations for Professional Communications (FAPC), an offering from the First Nations Public Service Secretariat (FNPSS) and Nicola Valley Institute of Technology (NVIT), is designed to introduce adults working for First Nation communities and Indigenous organizations to a wide array of fundamental communications skills, including communications research, planning and evaluation, internal communications, branding, media relations, and community engagement – all from an Indigenous perspective. 

The second cohort of the course will be held from January - March 2024. Registration is open until December 22nd, 2023.

Zoom Training

FNPSS is pleased to offer virtual meeting training for First Nations to move towards facilitating their own virtual meetings. Zoom is the most widely used video conferencing tool around the world and FNPSS is committed to sharing all the essentials needed to enable First Nations to feel confident in hosting a successful event.

Leadership and Governance Skills

Leadership Training Series

'The 3-part Leadership Training series was developed by FNPSS in partnership with Naut’sa mawt Tribal Council and Carden Consulting for leaders in all roles, including senior administrators, elected and aspiring leaders, and those wishing to strengthen their skills to effect positive change in their communities for the benefit of current and future generations.

The Leadership Training series is made up of three parts – Leading Self, Leading Others, and Leading Nation Rebuilding. Sessions recordings and materials from all three parts are available online for interested learners. Please email mentorship@fnps.ca for further information.

Part 1: ‘Leading Self and Systems Thinking’: Exploring Leading Self, Team Development, Conflict Management, Systems Thinking, Organizational Development, Strategic Thinking

Part 2: ‘Leading Others’: Personal Learning, Community Engagement, Financial Management, Project Management, Organizational Development, Governance

Part 3: 'Leading Nation Rebuilding': Nation Rebuilding, Decision Making, Responsibilities & Jurisdiction, Development Corporations, Indigenous Institutions, Indigenous Rights

Elected Leadership Training (Pre- and Post-Election)

The Pre and Post Election Training series is tailored specifically for BC First Nations. This comprehensive training program is designed for those running for elected leadership positions, recently elected leaders, as well as administrators and senior managers involved in their Nation's governmental operations during election periods. Our training aims to equip participants with essential knowledge and skills to navigate the complexities of elections and governance effectively.  

This training series addresses the unique challenges faced leading up to, during and after the election cycle, focusing on roles and responsibilities, leadership development, and governance. By participating in this training, individuals will gain a deeper understanding of the electoral process, enhance their leadership abilities, and be better prepared to tackle the main challenges that arise during elections. 

The Pre and Post Election Training series offers three unique, tailored workshops:  

  1. Pre-Election Training for Administrators 
  2. Pre-Election Training for Leaders 
  3. Post-Election Training for Leaders 

The Pre and Post Election Training series by FNPSS is a vital resource for BC First Nations, providing the necessary tools and knowledge to navigate the electoral process and enhance governance. By participating in this training, leaders and administrators will be better equipped to serve their communities effectively and uphold the principles of good governance. 

Customized Training

Upon request, FNPSS can deliver – and tailor – any of its developed training for one or a group of communities. These are offered on a cost-recovery basis.

Training with Federal Government Public Servants

Reverse Town Halls

The federal government regularly hosts ‘Town halls’, where government public servants share new program and funding information with First Nations. A ‘Reverse Town Hall’ flips the event around, where First Nations share invaluable insights, perspectives and stories with government public servants. The series of Reverse Town Halls are jointly produced by the BC Federal Council Secretariat and the FNPSS under the MOU Strengthening Public Service Institutions Initiative.

Collaborative Learning Day

The first Collaborative Learning Day for both federal and First Nations’ public servants was held on June 29 and 30, 2021. Modelled on the successful HR Learning Day in 2018, federal and First Nations specialists hosted discussions and shared tips, tools and resources on several relevant and important topics for a successful and strong public service. The Collaborative Learning Day was jointly organized by the BC Federal Council Secretariat and FNPSS under the MOU Strengthening Public Service Institutions Initiative.

Canada School of Public Service Library

The Canada School of Public Service offers federal public servants courses on a variety of topics ranging from leadership and risk management to HR and communications. Many of these resources are online, interactive and self-paced, allowing for learning when it is most convenient. For access and to participate in a small study, please contact the BC Federal Council for more information.

Social Feeds

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Are you a planner or administrator from the Vancouver Island and Coast region? Join us for a 2.5-day workshop designed to enhance collaboration between local governments and First Nations!

Darcy Lindberg will be leading a session on the Declaration of Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (DRIPA). Register before Nov. 4 to secure your spot! Bursaries available for First Nation staff. ow.ly/jYiL50TVUWg

In collaboration with the Local Government Management Association of British Columbia and with support of the Fraser Basin Council.

FNPSS and LGMA gratefully acknowledge the financial support of FortisBC.

#firstnations #LandUsePlanning #DRIPA # LGMA
... See MoreSee Less

Are you a planner or administrator from the Vancouver Island and Coast region? Join us for a 2.5-day workshop designed to enhance collaboration between local governments and First Nations!

Darcy Lindberg will be leading a session on the Declaration of Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (DRIPA). Register before Nov. 4 to secure your spot! Bursaries available for First Nation staff. https://ow.ly/jYiL50TVUWg

In collaboration with the Local Government Management Association of British Columbia and with support of the Fraser Basin Council.

FNPSS and LGMA gratefully acknowledge the financial support of FortisBC.

#FirstNations #LandUsePlanning #DRIPA # LGMA

Are you a planner or administrator from the Vancouver Island and Coast region? Join us for a 2.5-day workshop designed to enhance collaboration between local governments and First Nations!

Chief Ken Watts will be leading the 'Examples of Local Government & First Nations Partnerships in Land Use Planning' session. Register before Nov. 4 to secure your spot! Bursaries available for First Nation staff. ow.ly/jYiL50TVUWg

In collaboration with the Local Government Management Association of British Columbia and with support of the Fraser Basin Council.

FNPSS and LGMA gratefully acknowledge the financial support of FortisBC.

#FirstNations #LandUsePlanning
... See MoreSee Less

Are you a planner or administrator from the Vancouver Island and Coast region? Join us for a 2.5-day workshop designed to enhance collaboration between local governments and First Nations!

Chief Ken Watts will be leading the Examples of Local Government & First Nations Partnerships in Land Use Planning session. Register before Nov. 4 to secure your spot! Bursaries available for First Nation staff. https://ow.ly/jYiL50TVUWg

In collaboration with the Local Government Management Association of British Columbia and with support of the Fraser Basin Council.

FNPSS and LGMA gratefully acknowledge the financial support of FortisBC.

#FirstNations #LandUsePlanning

Are you a planner or administrator from the Vancouver Island and Coast region? Join us for a 2.5-day workshop designed to enhance collaboration between local governments and First Nations!

Dr. Aftab Erfan will be leading the 'Public Education and Engagement in the Face of Resistance to Change' session. Register before Nov. 4 to secure your spot! Bursaries available for First Nation staff. ow.ly/jYiL50TVUWg

In collaboration with the Local Government Management Association of British Columbia and with support of the Fraser Basin Council Basin Council.

FNPSS and LGMA gratefully acknowledge the financial support of FortisBC.

#FirstNations #LandUsePlanning #ProfessionalDevelopment #PublicEducation #Engagement
... See MoreSee Less

Are you a planner or administrator from the Vancouver Island and Coast region? Join us for a 2.5-day workshop designed to enhance collaboration between local governments and First Nations!

Dr. Aftab Erfan will be leading the Public Education and Engagement in the Face of Resistance to Change session. Register before Nov. 4 to secure your spot! Bursaries available for First Nation staff. https://ow.ly/jYiL50TVUWg 

In collaboration with the Local Government Management Association of British Columbia and with support of the Fraser Basin Council Basin Council.

FNPSS and LGMA gratefully acknowledge the financial support of FortisBC.

#FirstNations #LandUsePlanning #ProfessionalDevelopment #PublicEducation #Engagement

Are you a planner or administrator from the Vancouver Island and Coast region? Join us for a 2.5-day workshop designed to enhance collaboration between local governments and First Nations!

Ron Mattiussi will be leading the Local Government Land Management session. Register before Nov. 4 to secure your spot! Bursaries available for First Nation staff. ow.ly/jYiL50TVUWg

In collaboration with the Local Government Management Association of British Columbia and with support of the Fraser Basin Council

FNPSS and LGMA gratefully acknowledge the financial support of FortisBC.

#firstnations #LandUsePlanning #ProfessionalDevelopment
... See MoreSee Less

Are you a planner or administrator from the Vancouver Island and Coast region? Join us for a 2.5-day workshop designed to enhance collaboration between local governments and First Nations!

Ron Mattiussi will be leading the Local Government Land Management session. Register before Nov. 4 to secure your spot! Bursaries available for First Nation staff. https://ow.ly/jYiL50TVUWg 

In collaboration with the Local Government Management Association of British Columbia and with support of the Fraser Basin Council 

FNPSS and LGMA gratefully acknowledge the financial support of FortisBC.

#FirstNations #LandUsePlanning #ProfessionalDevelopment

Are you a planner or administrator from the Vancouver Island and Coast region? Join us for a 2.5-day workshop designed to enhance collaboration between local governments and First Nations!

The workshop will begin with Jenelle Greenway leading the Cultivating Safe Spaces Workshop on November 12. Learn more about the Cultivating Safe Spaces Workshop: ow.ly/Uy6e50TVUAT

Jenelle Greenway, a Two-Spirit Tahltan-Kaska writer, podcaster, and Indigenous Rights activist, will lead this session, focusing on decolonizing education and fostering collaboration between Indigenous and Settler communities. Her approach centers on creating inclusive spaces, guiding organizations in adopting reconciliatory practices, and offering tools for supporting the LandBack movement and Reconciliation. Through her work, Jenelle highlights the impact of lateral violence on creativity and performance, offering participants spiritual self-care techniques and insights into managing team dynamics.

Bursaries available for First Nation staff. Register before Nov 4. ow.ly/jYiL50TVUWg

FNPSS and LGMA gratefully acknowledge the financial support of FortisBC.

#firstnations #LandUsePlanning #ProfessionalDevelopment
... See MoreSee Less

Are you a planner or administrator from the Vancouver Island and Coast region? Join us for a 2.5-day workshop designed to enhance collaboration between local governments and First Nations!

The workshop will begin with Jenelle Greenway leading the Cultivating Safe Spaces Workshop on November 12. Learn more about the Cultivating Safe Spaces Workshop: https://ow.ly/Uy6e50TVUAT

Jenelle Greenway, a Two-Spirit Tahltan-Kaska writer, podcaster, and Indigenous Rights activist, will lead this session, focusing on decolonizing education and fostering collaboration between Indigenous and Settler communities. Her approach centers on creating inclusive spaces, guiding organizations in adopting reconciliatory practices, and offering tools for supporting the LandBack movement and Reconciliation. Through her work, Jenelle highlights the impact of lateral violence on creativity and performance, offering participants spiritual self-care techniques and insights into managing team dynamics. 

Bursaries available for First Nation staff. Register before Nov 4. https://ow.ly/jYiL50TVUWg 

FNPSS and LGMA gratefully acknowledge the financial support of FortisBC.

#FirstNations #LandUsePlanning #ProfessionalDevelopment
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