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)
FNPSS has heard repeatedly from BC First Nations that there is significant need for pre-nomination and post-election training for aspiring and recently elected leaders. Working with an Advisory Group, FNPSS and Carden Consulting have developed pre-election training for those considering running for election and post-election training for newly-elected leaders. Training explores roles and responsibilities of elected leaders, leadership skill building, and governance training.
Both pre- and post-election training were piloted in January and February 2022.
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
;
📢 Registration OPEN for the FFNA course starting in October! Band Managers, CAOs, and EDs—build governance skills & expand your network. Hybrid model: 1 week in Kelowna + 8 virtual weeks. Register now! 🔗 https://ow.ly/AK3G50SAMV6
#IndigenousLeadership #FirstNationsGovernance
#FNPSS attended the grand opening of #UpperSimilkameen Indian Band's Chuchuwayha Community Hall. The restoration project was supported through the First Nations #WellBeingFund. Visit link for more details! https://ow.ly/j2x650T2oJR
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 B.C! https://ow.ly/saRb50SV2GX
We are thrilled to congratulate Howard Grant, Executive Director of the First Nations Summit, on his Order of British Columbia appointment. This prestigious honor recognizes his 26+ years of leadership in bridging cultures and advancing Indigenous rights. #FirstNations
Howard's unwavering commitment to strengthening the First Nations public service, building capacity in BC First Nation governments, and supporting institutions like #FNPSS has fostered positive change. We’re delighted to see his invaluable contributions recognized!
Teamwork in action! Our recent team-building event brought us closer and sparked new ideas for supporting capacity building in BC First Nations. Thanks @takayatours for the unforgettable tour!
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
0 CommentsComment on Facebook
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.
0 CommentsComment on Facebook
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
0 CommentsComment on Facebook
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
0 CommentsComment on Facebook
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!
0 CommentsComment on Facebook