Announcements

August 24 – 25, 2026 | Vancouver, BC & Zoom

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 24 – 25, 2026.

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

Session Descriptions

Building the Capacity of Education Assistants (EAs) in First Nation Schools

Education Assistants (EAs) fulfill a key role in helping students succeed and they are an integral part of school life. This workshop will highlight possible activities to assist EAs in developing their critical skills and understandings, highlighting how principals can help make the most of EAs’ contributions. The workshop will also highlight a new workbook designed to help EAs reflect on their roles and responsibilities and plan for continued professional development.

Building the Capacity of Teachers in First Nation Schools

In its 1996 final report, the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples (RCAP, 1996) emphasized that “an inspiring teacher can set an individual on a path of discovery that lasts a lifetime …” Building on that understanding, new resources have been created to support teachers in First Nation schools – including tools for self-assessment and reflection, as well as resources to support their professional growth.

The Importance of Engaging Parents and Families

When families and schools work together, transformative change is possible – benefitting students, families, schools, and communities. But effective family engagement doesn’t happen on its own; it requires thoughtful planning and ongoing attention. To help make that possible, this session will explore a new Toolkit for Schools: Promoting Family Engagement – What’s Possible?

Starting the Year Off With Data

Although teachers are central to the learning that takes place at the classroom level, principals address a variety of school wide issues and they therefore have a significant impact on all the teaching and learning that takes place in the school. Principals are also responsible for monitoring the school’s operations and programs to ensure they are achieving relevant goals and leading to improvement. During this session, principals will learn about the importance of gathering and monitoring student achievement data beginning in September, the types of data school leaders can gather, and how that data can guide classroom and school decision-making.

Overview of Support, Services and Resources

FNESC staff will provide principals with a short overview of the supports and services to be offered in the upcoming school year. This will be particularly valuable for principals who are new to First Nation schools.

Eligibility

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

Registration

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

Travel Expenses

Please note that participants will be responsible for paying 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, presenter, breakfast and lunch.

Schedule

Hotel

Approved registrants will receive an email confirmation including hotel booking information

Health

Please stay home if you are feeling unwell. Only registered participants are eligible to attend.

Recording Not Permitted

Audio and video recording, AI transcription, and use of other AI tools to record the meeting is not permitted.

Event Contact

firstnationschoolevents@fnesc.ca