Announcements

August 18 – 19, 2025 | Vancouver, BC & Zoom Videoconference

The First Nations Education Steering Committee and First Nations Schools Association are pleased to announce an exciting opportunity for principals and school leaders in First Nation schools at the Sheraton Wall Centre on August 18 – 19, 2025.

Whether you are an experienced principal or new to First Nation schools, this two-day session will provide opportunities for you to access a variety of information sessions to suit your needs.

SCHEDULE

Day 1

Day 2

 

SESSION DESCRIPTIONS

Working With Your School Governing Authority

Building on the importance of school principals and School Governing Authorities working together, this workshop will review the FNESC and FNSA Handbook for First Nation School Governing Authorities and highlight helpful tips and resources related to working in partnership as a leadership team, school improvement planning, school attendance, family involvement, funding, policy development, and more.

Learning on the Land and Water

We invite you to join us for a session introducing a new resource titled “A Field Guide to Empowering Students Through Learning on the Land and Water.” This resource was developed to help educators consider the design and implementation of learning opportunities on the land and water that are meaningful and connected to the curriculum – for the benefit of learners and to enhance the revitalization and transmission of First Nations languages and traditions.

 

Supporting Graduation – Grad Planning & Record Keeping

This session will share resources and processes that will support schools in ensuring that students are on track for graduation, including tracking student graduation progress, reporting credits, and receiving important communications related to graduation.

 

Supporting the Professional Growth of EAs

Recognizing the vital role of EAs in First Nation schools, a number of resources have been created to support their professional growth, including new Standards for EAs in First Nation Schools, and accompanying tools to promote thoughtful considerations of EAs responsibilities, strengths, and areas for continued improvement. This workshop will provide an opportunity to review and discuss those resources.

 

IT and Privacy Resources

Over the past few years, several different resources have been developed to support First Nation schools with IT and Privacy. This session will provide an overview of these resources.

Supporting Transitions into Adulthood for Students with Exceptionalities

Please join us for an overview of the new resource “Opening Doors, Unlocking Potential: Helping Students Who Have Exceptionalities Transition to Adulthood”, which covers how to collaborate with students and families to create a transition plan and shares planning tools to support schools throughout the process.

Supporting Adult Learners

A variety of resources have been created to help with the start of new adult secondary education programs and support educators working with adult learners. This session will provide an overview these resources.

Principals Who Are New to First Nation Schools: Things to Know

Complementing a resource that is available to support principals who are new to working in a First Nation school, this workshop will review key issues – such as the differences between First Nation, First Nation Independent, and public schools, BCTEA, Nominal Roll and school funding, reporting and certification requirements, school policies and procedures, and programs and services available for First Nation schools.

The Importance of Attendance

This workshop will review resources that have been created to support school communities in encouraging all students to attend school regularly and on-time. It will review the importance of attendance monitoring and research-based themes for addressing this fundamental issue.

 

Looking at Your CAT4 Data

Have you taken time to review your school’s CAT4 data? If you have, you’ll know that CAT4 data provides valuable information to support discussions and thinking regarding planning for instruction and student learning. This workshop will deepen your understanding of the reports and how you might lead engaging discussions and learning sessions with staff.

ELIGIBILITY

This event is open to First Nation school principals / school leaders.

REGISTRATION

Please register to attend this 2-day event in person or virtually. Virtual attendees will receive a Zoom link closer to the event date.

HOTEL

The Sheraton Vancouver Wall Centre, 1000 Burrard St, Vancouver, BC V6Z 2R9

• Book Online
• Book by July 26, 2025 for the group rate of $379 + tax

TRAVEL EXPENSES

Please note that participants will be responsible for their own travel and accommodation expenses, as well as all food and incidentals related to travel to and from the event. FNESC/FNSA will provide the facility, presenters, breakfast and lunch (which will be provided at 8:00 am and 12 pm respectively) during the event.

SCHEDULE

9:00 am – 4:00 pm. For in-person attendees, breakfast will be served at 8:00 am.

HEALTH

Please stay home if you are feeling unwell. Only registered participants are eligible to attend. Family and friends cannot attend the event at any time, including for meals. The decision to attend in-person events is a personal one and it should be made in consideration of your individual risk factors and vulnerabilities.

EVENT CONTACT

firstnationschoolevents@fnesc.ca