Current, Relevant, Focused
FNPSS webinars feature speakers on topics of current interest, such as COVID-19, and relevance to BC First Nations administrators and leaders.
- The FNPSS Mentorship Network webinars are based on First Nation to First Nation learning
- The Town Hall webinars bring federal government representatives and others together to share and discuss relevant topics with First Nations leaders and administrators
Contact the FNPSS at if you have any questions about the webinars or if you would like to propose a subject.
The FNPSS makes no representations or warranties about the accuracy or suitability of any information in the listed materials.
“Great webinar with experienced administrators – Kukstemc!”
– FNPSS Webinar Participant
Upcoming Webinars
Visit our Events Calendar to register for upcoming webinars.
Stay Informed
To stay up to date on upcoming webinars and other opportunities, follow us on social media and subscribe to our newsletter.
Join the First Nations Administrators Network Facebook Group to ask questions, post requests for speakers and topics, and/or share best practices from your community.
“The Moderator was exceptionally efficient. All speakers were well prepared and clear. The information provided was very timely and relevant. One of the best webinars I’ve ever attended. Thank you for permitting me to watch.”
Access Past Webinars
Past webinars are organized below into FNPSS’s four core pillars of public service capacity plus special categories, like COVID-19. The link is provided to each YouTube video. Alternatively, you can view all the recordings on our YouTube channel.
COVID-19: Planning and Reporting in Unprecedented Times
February 2, 2021
Significant funds have been distributed to First Nations over the last year to respond to the pandemic. With the fiscal year-end coming up and ongoing uncertainty on reporting requirements and financial accountability, webinar panelists discuss how they have been managing their finances to be able to pivot and manage their COVID relief funds for audits and budgets.
Presenters
Sukhi Chouhan, Aboriginal Financial Officers Association of BC, Brian Conner, Penticton Indian Band and Heather Fader. Shackan Indian Band
COVID-19 Vaccination – The Realities of Community Roll-Out
January 20, 2021
As COVID-19 vaccines become available in British Columbia, remote First Nations are among the first to receive doses for their community members. Community leaders share stories around what has worked, what has been challenging, and what they have learned during the implementation process.
Presenters
Chief Kevin Peacey from Klahoose First Nation, Feddie Louie from Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council and Mariah Charleson from Tahltan Band Council
New Federal COVID-19 Supports – Canada Response Benefits and Changes to Employment Insurance
November 4, 2020
A discussion about the new COVID-19 supports, including changes to Employment Insurance (EI) and the new Canada Response Benefits and what info you can share with your band members living on and off reserve.
Presenters
Service Canada Community Outreach Liaisons, Brenda Giesbrecht and Dianne Stoesz, and Canada Revenue Agency’s Outreach Manager Karen Martin and Officer Saverio Desantis
Outbreak! Lessons Learned from BC First Nations
October 6, 2020
A discussion about the experiences responding to COVID-19 outbreaks in their own communities that focused on the details of the outbreak in their community, how prepared their community was and what they wish they had had in place prior to the outbreak, how community mobility was/is being managed to contain the outbreak and reduce further exposure, what partners supported the community the most and how, and recommendations to other First Nations on how to improve their response measures, resume services, and be ready for the second wave.
Presenters
Shannon Alfred, Health and Safety Manager, ‘Namgis First Nation Health Centre, Erik Blaney, Fire Chief, Tla’amin Nation, Chris Lewis, Spokesperson/Council Member, Squamish Nation Council and Kyle Marshall, Director, Emergency Operations Center, Skidegate Band Council
ISC BC Region Town Hall
September 16, 2020
A general update to community leadership and a discussion from leadership about the issues of importance for your communities.
Presenters
Catherine Lappe, ISC Regional Director General, Bill Guerin, ISC Associate Regional Director General, David Russell, ISC Director Lands and Economic Development, Wendy Rogers, ISC Director Programs and Partnerships, Jody Kaden, ISC Director Funding Services, Rick Milone, FNHA and Dr. Shannon McDonald, FNHA
Continuing Capital Projects During COVID-19
September 2, 2020
COVID-19 has created massive disruptions to all forms of business over the last five months. In some communities, projects have managed to continue moving ahead, despite these challenges. The discussion shared the ways in which the communities have managed to move forward waterline and house construction projects and work towards building a health facility and Kekuli (gathering place) for their community in the midst of a global crisis.
Presenters
Vaughn Sunday, Executive Director, Adams Lake Indian Band and Jerry Andrew, Engineer, Adams Lake Indian Band
ISC BC Region Town Hall
August 4, 2020
A general update to community leadership and a discussion from leadership about the issues of importance for your communities.
Presenters
Catherine Lappe, Regional Director General, ISC BC Region and members of the ISC BC Region Executive Leadership Team
Reopening Offices and Returning to Work
July 23, 2020
What are your obligations as a manager to reopen your band office safely? How can you support your staff and what might you expect as they return to work? The webinar provides an overview of the applicable regulations from Federal Labour Program officials and best practices from a First Nation HR practitioner.
Presenters
Robin Henry, ‘Namgis First Nation, Siobhan Hutchinson, Federal Labor Program Official and Melissa Morden, Federal Labor Program Official
Discussion on Community Funding for Wildfires
June 10, 2020
A discussion with Emergency Management BC (EMBC), BC Wildfire Services (BCWS), First Nation Emergency Social Services (FNESS), and Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) on funding available for First Nations for wildfires and other emergencies.
Presenters
Wendy Rogers, Director or Programs and Partnerships, ISC, Duncan Stephen, Manager, Emergency Management, ISC, Jamie Jeffreys, Director of Strategic Engagement, BCWS, Kayla Pepper, Director, Indigenous Community Relations & Partnership Engagement, EMBC, Stephanie Papik, Director, Strategic Integration of Indigenous Knowledge, Cultural Safety and Humility, EMBC, and Jeff Eustache, Manager Forest Fuel Management Department, FNESS
Reconciliation in a Time of Uncertainty
June 3, 2020
A presentation from Chief Joseph on the impacts of COVID-19 on reconciliation in Canada and the opportunities emerging from this crisis for new ways of working and being together.
Presenters
Dr. Robert Joseph, Hereditary Chief of the Gwawaenuk First Nation
Food Security During a Pandemic
May 20, 2020
A discussion on food security challenges, opportunities, and innovative responses during COVID-19.
Presenters
Jeneen Hunt, Ditidaht First Nation, Anne Atleo, Ahousaht First Nation and Milica Nauman, ISC
Communicating with Members During COVID-19
May 13, 2020
A discussion about communications challenges arising from COVID-19, as well as best practices for communicating with members from a distance.
Presenters
Melissa Quocksister, K'ómoks First Nation and Juanita Lindley, Upper Nicola Band
ISC BC Region Town Hall
May 1, 2020
A discussion about First Nations’ education in BC given the current COVID-19 pandemic.
Presenters
Catherine Lappe, Regional Director General, ISC BC Region, Tyrone McNeil, President of the First Nations Education Steering Committee (FNESC), Edith Loring-Kuhanga, President of the First Nations Schools Association (FNSA), representatives of the BC Ministry of Education
Accessing COVID-19 Supports for First Nations
April 29, 2020
A discussion about accessing supports for on- and off-reserve BC First Nations during COVID-19 and ideas for moving forward.
Presenters
Karen Martin, CRA, Saverio Desantis, CRA and Mary Leslie, Heiltsuk Nation
Wellness in a Time of Uncertainty
April 8, 2020
The webinar outlined the critical importance of wellness and healing in a time of uncertainty.
Presenters
Babs Stevens, CAO, Skidegate Band Council and Healer and Sandra Harris, Wet’suwet’en Trauma Practitioner
First Nations Child and Family Services during the COVID-19 Crisis
April 8, 2020
A discussion about First Nations Child and Family Services in BC during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Presenters
Cheryl Casumer, Executive Task Group, First Nations Summit, Allison Bond, Deputy Minister, ISC and Catherine Lappe, Regional Director General, ISC BC Region
Secwepemc Nation’s Economic Impacts due to COVID-19
April 6, 2020
A discussion about the economic impacts that have – and will continue to – impact First Nation communities due to COVID-19.
Presenters
Councillor Jeanette Jules, Title and Rights, Legal (Day Scholars, DRI) and Community Services Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc, Greg Booth, Director, Indigenous Economic Opportunity, Secretariat to the Indigenous Investment Council, Innovation and Technology Division, Ministry of Jobs, Economic Development and Competitiveness, Bill Guerin, Associate Regional Director General, ISC and David S. Russell, Director, Lands and Economic Development, ISC
ISC BC Region Town Hall
April 3, 2020
A discussion on information related to the Indigenous Community Support Fund, Emergency Management Assistance Program, Income Assistance, and reporting requirement changes.
Presenters
Catherine Lappe, Regional Director General, ISC BC Region and joined by members of the ISC Executive Leadership Team, as well as Dr. Shannon McDonald, Deputy Chief Medical Officer, First Nations Health Authority (FNHA)
BC First Nations Responding to COVID-19
April 2, 2020
Many communities are struggling with how to respond to the COVID-19 outbreak. This webinar provides a discussion about how communities are moving forward during the crisis.
Presenters
Byron Louis, Chief, Okanagan Indian Band and Alison Trenholm, Councillor, Homalco First Nation
ISC BC Region Town Hall
March 27, 2020
A review of news related to the Emergency Management Assistance Program, Income Assistance, and funding and reporting requirement changes.
Presenters
Bill Guerin, Associate Regional Director General, ISC BC Region and Leah George-Wilson, Co-Chair of the First Nations Summit and Chief of Tsleil-Waututh Nation
BC First Nations Responding to COVID-19
March 26, 2020
Many communities are struggling with how to respond to the COVID-19 outbreak. This webinar provides a discussion about how communities are moving forward during the crisis.
Presenters
Rob Bullock, Band Administrator, Ahousaht First Nation and Collette Sunday, Band Administrator, Upper Nicola Band
BC First Nations Responding to COVID-19
March 25, 2020
Many communities are struggling with how to respond to the COVID-19 outbreak. This webinar provides a discussion about how communities are moving forward during the crisis.
Presenters
Chris Derickson, Chief, Westbank First Nation and Erik Blaney, Emergency Planning Advisor, Naut’sa mawt Tribal Council
BC First Nations Responding to COVID-19
March 20, 2020
Many communities are struggling with how to respond to the COVID-19 outbreak. This webinar provides a discussion about how communities are moving forward during the crisis.
Presenters
Sandra Olson, Chief Executive Officer, Nak’azdli Whut’en and Deanna George, Councillor, Tsleil-Waututh Nation
Human Resources Management
Collaborative Learning Day 2021
June 29 and 30, 2021
The FNPSS and the BC Federal Council invited Human Resource Practitioners, Managers, and Band Administrators from BC First Nations communities to come together virtually for a two, half-day Collaborative Learning event, focused on the theme of Human Resources and preparing for the future.
Opening Panel Discussion: Human Resources - Current Realities and Charting a Path Forward
A diverse open panel of government/provincial and First Nations speakers together discussed HR lessons learned and how human resources has been affected by COVID 19. Speakers drew from their experience and discussed learnings from the past, transition periods, planning for the future and what that looks like. COVID-related legislation, return to work, mask/vaccination, virtual work, and other government facing initiatives came from the Provincial Government side. First Nations speakers provided Indigenous context and best practices on COVID-19 related HR practices.
Speakers: Leona Baptiste, Osoyoos Indian Band; Diane Carrier, Canadian Aboriginal Human Resources Management Association; Melissa Morden, Employment and Social Development Canada; Sunny Wong, Canada Revenue Agency; Jennifer Wiegele, Mathews Dinsdale & Clark LLP
Breakout Session 1: Planning and Preparing for A Return to the Office
Speakers: Kelly Parkin, Employment and Social Development Canada; and Qwuyumaat (Eyvettee) Elliott, Ever Plan.
Breakout Session 2: Courageous Conversations
Speaker: Jeanette Proulx, Canada School of Public Service
Breakout Session 3: Learn More About New Legislation – Violence in the Workplace and Cultural Leave
Speakers: Scott McCann, Harris & Co, and Melissa Morden, Employment and Social Development Canada
*Note: Due to recording issue, this recording begins suddenly*
Breakout Session 4: A Deeper Dive into the Labour Code Part III: Tidbits Around Hiring, Firing, and Record Keeping
This session discussed Part 3 of the Canada Labor Code (which touches on topics such as termination, keeping records, paying wages, types of leave, and more). In relation to workers’ rights and fair and equitable conditions of employment, speakers dove into the details and conditions of these line items.
*Please note that due to a recording issue the session has a slightly delayed start.*
Speakers: Scott McCann, Harris and Co.; Siobhan Hutchinson, Employment and Social Development Canada
Breakout Session 5: Building Your Conflict Resolution Toolkit
Speaker: Scott Siemens, Federal Interdepartmental Conflict Management Practitioner
Breakout Session 6: What You Need to Know About Duty to Accommodate
Speaker: Melanie Samuels, Singleton Urquhart Reynolds Vogel LLP
Closing Keynote: Promoting Health, Wellness, and Resiliency
Keynote speaker, Dr. Leroy Little Bear, drew from his wisdom and expertise as a Blackfoot knowledge keeper to highlight strategies to promote health and wellness, along with resiliency during challenging times.
Reopening Offices and Returning to Work
July 23, 2020
What are your obligations as a manager to reopen your band office safely? How can you support your staff and what might you expect as they return to work? The webinar provides an overview of the applicable regulations from Federal Labour Program officials and best practices from a First Nation HR practitioner.
Presenters
Robin Henry, ‘Namgis First Nation, Siobhan Hutchinson, Federal Labor Program Official and Melissa Morden, Federal Labor Program Official
Working Remotely with Staff
May 6, 2020
A discussion about some of the challenges, solutions, and opportunities of working with staff from virtual offices.
Presenters
Robin Henry, ‘Namgis First Nation and Cathy Murphy, Fort Nelson First Nation
Human Resources in a COVID-19 World
April 22, 2020
A discussion about the human resource issues (HR) arising from COVID-19 to date and explore how to proceed with managing HR in this uncertain time.
Presenters
Roy Spinks, Human Resources Manager, Lytton First Nation and Scott McCann, Partner, Harris & Company
Wellness in a Time of Uncertainty
April 8, 2020
The webinar outlined the critical importance of wellness and healing in a time of uncertainty.
Presenters
Babs Stevens, CAO, Skidegate Band Council and Healer and Sandra Harris, Wet’suwet’en Trauma Practitioner
Financial Management
Managing New Economic Realities
April 15, 2020
A discussion about current and future economic impacts of COVID-19 and how BC First Nations can respond.
Presenters
Chief Commissioner Manny Jules, First Nations Tax Commission and Chief David Jimmie, Squiala First Nation
Records and Information Management
Indigenous Data Sovereignty and DRIPA: Asserting Data and Intellectual Property Ownership
August 4, 2021
The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) acknowledges that Indigenous peoples have rights related to intellectual property and identity. This session provided participants with practical examples of how First Nations Governments can assert ownership over their Nation's intellectual property (i.e. language, stories, songs, practices, etc.) and identity.
This summer knowledge-sharing series was organized by the First Nations Information Governance Centre (FNIGC) and the BC First Nations Data Governance Initiative (BCFNDGI).
Presenters
Indigenous data specialists Gwen Phillips and Christopher Horsethief
The Power of Our Data
April 14, 2021
Numbers and statistics are used all the time to tell us things about our communities and how we compare. How can we take charge of all of this information to tell the stories we want to tell about our people?
Presenters
Byron Flekke, St'at'imc, Statistics Canada, Len Garis, National Indigenous Fire Safety Council, and Robert Harding, University of the Fraser Valley
Policy Development and Implementation
Virtual Engagement and Decision-Making
May 27, 2020
A discussion about the challenges and opportunities around engaging members remotely and conducting virtual decision-making for land code and elections amidst COVID-19.
Presenters
Collette Sunday, Band Administrator, Upper Nicola Band
Communicating with Members During COVID-19
May 13, 2020
A discussion about communications challenges arising from COVID-19, as well as best practices for communicating with members from a distance.
Presenters
Melissa Quocksister, K'ómoks First Nation and Juanita Lindley, Upper Nicola Band
FNPSS Information
FNPSS Holiday Webinar: Raising Our Hands
December 16, 2020
Featuring a live performance from the award-winning Mohawk blues musician Murray Porter! A celebration of the strength and resilience of all of the amazing people and organizations that have been part of our collective journey in 2020.
FNPSS Information Session
August 20, 2020
Information about the FNPSS and its work, directed at all BC Government employees.
Presenters
Howard Grant, Executive Director of the First Nations Summit, Jehan Casey, Director of the First Nations Public Service Secretariat, Sandra Wesley-Olson, Director of Operations for the Hagwilget First Nation Government and Collette Sunday, Band Administrator for the Upper Nicola Band
Government of Canada Information Sharing
Reverse Town Hall: First Nations Youth: bridging the gap between community and opportunity
March 25, 2021
First Nations youth often have to leave their communities to access education and career opportunities. Hear from three BC first Nation youth as they share their views on why First Nations youth leave their communities, why they do or do not choose to return, and what those choices mean for their connection to culture and community.
Presenters
Howard Grant, Councillor, Musqueam Indian Band, and Executive Director, First Nations Summit, Karista Olson, Shoshoni Andrew and Dylan Daniels
Reverse Town Hall: How to Best Engage and Consult with First Nations During COVID
January 28, 2021
First Nations communities are in the midst of a second wave of the pandemic, which is hitting them harder than the first wave last spring. Yet federal government public servants are faced with the mandate to continue to engage and consult on a variety of programs, policies and initiatives. A discussion of what the current realities are on the ground for First Nations, and some best practices and respectful approaches to consult and engage in meaningful discussions and initiatives.
Presenters
Chief Christopher Derickson, Westbank First Nation, Collette Sunday, Upper Nicola Band, Councillor Brian Holmes, Upper Nicola Band
First Nations Children and Family Townhall Session
January 14, 2021
A discussion about First Nations child and family services in BC and specifically on work that is occurring provincially and federally and have an opportunity to ask questions directly to representatives.
Presenters
Representatives from Indigenous Services Canada, MCFD, and the FNLC
“Thanks for hosting these webinars, they are a good resource for sharing & learning to navigate our way through this pandemic”
– FNPSS Webinar Participant
Social Feeds
Registration is now open for this year's Post-Secondary BC Virtual Fairs! Are you interested in learning more about NVIT or post-secondary education? If yes, attend one or more of the upcoming FREE virtual events! Register to attend at https://t.co/zsFB3UioA7.
In case you missed it, the report can be found here:
https://t.co/4YxuY1sFSA
The Activities Report on the MoU between @FNSummit @fnpublicservice @ARMA_Vancouver @arma_VI and ourselves has been posted online.
Our many thanks and appreciation for our partners and members for the work and passion brought to these projects.
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Foundations in Leadership for Administrators and Chief & Council Part I – Leading Self
*Back by Popular Demand!*
To register and learn more, visit https://t.co/j5haTrWkhy by October 15th, 2021.
This is a reminder to register now for tomorrow's Chief & Council session!
September 9, 2021: 10:30am to 12:00pm pm PS
Please visit our website to register https://t.co/kMlHvQHTIp. If you have any questions about the dialogue process, please email info@fnps.ca.
The BC Community Climate Funding Guide for Indigenous communities and local governments is a new all-in-one guide created to simplify a community’s search for funding opportunities for climate-related projects. Check it out! https://t.co/2KNfp2BsOt
Foundations in Leadership for Administrators and Chief & Council Part I – Leading Self
*Back by Popular Demand!*
Are you a new, seasoned, or aspiring administrator or elected leader hoping to take your leadership skills to the next level? If so, this training is designed for you!
The leadership series features six 2.5-hour interactive online training sessions (Tuesdays from 9:00-11:30am on October 26, November 2, 9, 16, 23, and 30) developed by a First Nations advisory group and Laara Yaghujaanas, an Indigenous governance specialist. The sessions in the first part – “Leading Self” – of this three-part series build on one another and focus on the following topics:
- Leading Self
- Team Development
- Conflict Management
- Systems Thinking
- Organizational Development
- Strategic Planning
To register and to learn more, visit ow.ly/NDKI30rTxwU by October 15th, 2021.
Kelly Jeffrey Deborah Jeffrey
This is a reminder to register now for tomorrow's Chief & Council session!
September 9, 2021: 10:30am to 12:00pm pm PS
In May and June of this year, we invited BC First Nations Band Administrators to participate in online dialogue sessions about the ways that FNPSS can support First Nations to strengthen their administration and governance capacity.
This upcoming Chief & Council session will review what we heard from Band Administrators in May and June and provide an additional opportunity to hear from leadership and to build on what we learned during our previous sessions.
Please visit our website to register for an engagement session ow.ly/qw8Y50G6yaO. If you have any questions about the dialogue process, please email info@fnps.ca.
Thank you in advance for sharing your time, experience, and knowledge to help guide the work of FNPSS and help us ensure we are providing the most relevant and needed capacity support to BC First Nation administrations.
There’s still time to apply for the BC First Nations Public Service Scholarship!
Deadline: September 30, 2021
This scholarship aims to provide support for Indigenous professionals to access training related to the administration or management of public services in their First Nation government. The scholarship is valid for one year in the amount of up to $1,500 and will be provided to the successful candidate as a voucher to the specified post-secondary institution upon proof of registration. Two scholarships will be awarded in 2021.
The scholarship was first awarded in 2020 to Stacie Coutlee and Saul ‘Hazil’hba’ Brown. To learn more about our winners from 2020, please visit our website: ow.ly/AcFB50G3qn8
Eligibility: The BC First Nations Public Service Scholarship is open to Indigenous applicants working in a non-elected role in any BC First Nation government.
Applicants must be enrolled in full or part-time study in an accredited post-secondary course or program. Please note that preference will be given applicants working towards a diploma, certificate or degree. The course or program may be offered online or in-person.
Area(s) of study must be related to the administration or management of core public services in First Nations government.
To learn more about the scholarship and to apply please visit the FNPSS ow.ly/3dtL50G3qn9 LGMA website ow.ly/jBTV50G3qn7 .
There's less than a week left to put in your Expression of Interest to host an Indigenous intern! Apply now!
Deadline: August 31, 2021!
For more information, please visit our website: ow.ly/3GYF50FRuxW...
The Expression of interest form and Intern profiles can be found here: ow.ly/1TH650FRuxY
If you require support in completing the Expression of Interest, please contact Amory Adrian at 604-341-0017 or aadrian@fnps.ca
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Expressions of Interest are now being sought for fall 2021 Intern placements. As an important component of federal participation in the Indigenous Intern Leadership Program (IILP), interns will be placed for three months with a First Nation community or Indigenous organization while their salary continues to be covered by the federal government. If you are able to provide supervision and a meaningful project/role for an intern, please complete an Expression of Interest form and email the completed form to info@fnps.ca.
The Indigenous Intern Leadership Program was created through a collaboration between the BC Assembly of First Nations, the BC Business Council, and Vancouver Island University (VIU). Interns are recent graduates, who self-identify as Indigenous, from 25 recognized BC post-secondary institutions. Further information on the IILP may be found through the VIU website.
This is a reminder to register now for tomorrow's session!
The First Nations Public Service Secretariat (FNPSS) is hosting Chief & Council engagement sessions in August and September of this year.
August 24, 2021: 10:30am to 12:00pm PST
Can't make it tomorrow? Register for our next session!
September 9, 2021: 10:30am to 12:00pm pm PST
In May and June of this year, we invited BC First Nations Band Administrators to participate in online dialogue sessions about the ways that FNPSS can support First Nations to strengthen their administration and governance capacity.
These upcoming Chief & Council sessions will review what we heard from Band Administrators in May and June and provide an additional opportunity to hear from leadership and to build on what we learned during our previous sessions.
Please visit our website to register for an engagement session ow.ly/lEZC50FWCVj. If you have any questions about the dialogue process, please email info@fnps.ca.
Thank you in advance for sharing your time, experience, and knowledge to help guide the work of FNPSS and help us ensure we are providing the most relevant and needed capacity support to BC First Nation administrations.