The overall goal of FNPSS’ work with youth is to encourage and support First Nations youth to pursue education and careers in public administration and governance.
Youth Engagement Roundtable | FNPSS Youth EngagementI Internships
YOUTH ENGAGEMENT ROUNDTABLE STRATEGIC PLANNING SESSION
In August 2020, FNPSS hosted a Youth Engagement Roundtable Strategic Planning Session (the “Roundtable”) organized and attended by Indigenous youth leaders from across BC. The aim of the Roundtable was to formulate next steps for increasing youth presence and participation in FNPSS activities and overall capacity within the First Nations public service. FNPSS sees this Roundtable as the first step in greater effort to build and hold these spaces for youth to allow for self-determination in action and opportunities for long-term planning. Read the full 2020 Youth Roundtable Report.
YOUTH ENGAGEMENT
At FNPSS, our youth work is informed by-youth and for-youth and we recognize the importance of empowering young voices in shaping our work. Youth perspectives, aspirations, and challenges are essential in guiding our efforts to better support First Nations youth in pursuing education and careers within their communities.
We're embarking on new initiatives to engage with First Nations youth from across BC, and we want to hear from you!
If you're a First Nations youth eager to share your voice, ideas, and interest in working in your Nation, we invite you to participate in our youth engagement survey.
Connect with us at info@fnps.ca to learn more and be part of empowering youth to shape the future of BC First Nations.
INTERNSHIPS
Securing meaningful and paid work experience through internships can be an excellent opportunity for First Nations youth to build their public administration and leadership skills before launching their careers. The programs below are not FNPSS-led; however, FNPSS works with our partners to support these valuable internship programs.
Indigenous Youth Internship Program (IYIP)
The Indigenous Youth Internship Program (IYIP) provides a 1-year paid internship for up to 25 young Indigenous British Columbians, ages 19 to 29. The program encourages Indigenous youth to consider the BC Public Service and First Nations / Indigenous organizations as a place to pursue a rewarding career. The program helps to support Indigenous youth to develop their leadership skills through work placements. Interns are initially placed with a BC Government ministry for the first 9 months. Following that, the intern is placed with an Indigenous organization for three months (salary still paid by BC Government). For more information on the program, including applying as a Intern or as a First Nation to host an Intern, visit Indigenous Youth Internship Program - Province of British Columbia.
Indigenous Intern Leadership Program (IILP)
The Indigenous Intern Leadership Program (IILP) was created through a collaboration between the BC Assembly of First Nations, the Business Council of BC, and Vancouver Island University (VIU). The IILP matches employers in BC with recent graduates, who self-identify as Indigenous, from 25 recognized BC post-secondary institutions. VIU administers the two-year paid work placement allowing for a rich experience that builds professional capacity and networks, and increases skills and knowledge for all. Graduating students should contact VIU for more information at IIPL@viu.ca.
In the fall of 2020, the federal government in BC became one of the employers in the IILP and welcomes recent graduate and future Indigenous leaders to join the federal public service for a two-year work experience. In the second year of the work experience, interns will have the opportunity to work outside of government for an Indigenous organization or a First Nations Community for at least three months (salary to be covered by the federal government). To learn more about this opportunity to host students for a three-month placement, please contact the BC Federal Council or FNPSS.
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📢 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
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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.
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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
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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
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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!
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