April 10-11, 2026 | The Westin Bayshore Hotel, Vancouver
The First Nations Schools Association (FNSA) invites BC First Nations schools to register for the 2026 FNSA Conference – Collaborate to Inspire, Empower, and Grow. Together, we will explore a wide range of effective practices in classroom instruction, school administration, and key areas of professional growth.
Phase 1 of registration opens February 19th at 12pm, and Phase 2 opens February 24th at 12pm.
We look forward to seeing you. For conference questions, please contact fnsaconference@fnesc.ca.
Phase 1
- Registration opens Thursday, February 19, 2026, at 12:00 pm. Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Until Tuesday, February 24, 12:00 pm First Nations schools can register a maximum of 10 people. This includes each school’s FNSA Authorized Representative and principal.
- On the registration form there will be a dropdown with school names. The school name will continue to appear until all 10 spots are filled.
Phase 2
- After February 24, 12:00 pm, there is no limit on the number of people a school can register. Registration will close when capacity is reached.
Eligibility
- Only individuals affiliated with BC First Nations schools are eligible to register for the conference.
Registration
- Registrants will receive an automatic email acknowledging registration.
Registration Rate
- Regular Registrants: $475
- FNSA Authorized Representatives: $250 (max 1 per school, with code)
Changes
- To cancel a registration or make changes, please use the change request link at the bottom of your registration confirmation email or contact fnsaconference@fnesc.ca.
- Schools will be invoiced starting in March.
- Alternatively, payment may be made by credit card during online registration or by phoning in payment to CivicInfo at 250-383-4898 after registering.
Policies
- Payment must be received by April 1, 2026, or the registration may be cancelled and individuals will not be admitted to the conference.
- Cancellation: Full refunds up to and including April 1, 2026; no refunds after. Substitutions allowed.
Support
Dr. Kevin Lamoureux
Dr. Kevin Lamoureux is a faculty member at the University of Winnipeg and a well-known public speaker. As an award-winning scholar, he has published several books including the popular Ensouling Our Schools (with Dr. Jennifer Katz), has written many academic articles, and has taught for several universities, colleges and institutions across Canada. He formerly served as Associate Vice President of the University of Winnipeg and Education Lead for the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation. Dr. Lamoureux has been seen on TV, in the media, documentaries, and is a three-time TEDx speaker. He has worked with and presented for education, justice, health, government, the private sector, academia and community-based organizations. More than anything, Dr. Lamoureux is committed to Reconciliation and a better Canada for all Canadians.
Dr. Pamela Palmater
Dr. Pamela Palmater is a Mi’kmaw lawyer, professor, author, and social justice activist from Ugpi’ganjig (Eel River Bar First Nation). She has four university degrees, including a Doctorate in Law from Dalhousie University specializing in Indigenous law. Dr. Palmater currently holds the position of full Professor and Chair in Indigenous Governance at Toronto Metropolitan University. She was one of the spokespeople and public educators for the Idle No More movement and advocates alongside other movements focusing on social justice and human rights. She is frequently called as a legal expert before parliamentary, senate and United Nations committees dealing with laws and policies impacting Indigenous peoples and is considered one of Canada’s Top 25 Influential Movers and Shakers by the Financial Post..
The Westin Bayshore Hotel
1601 Bayshore Drive, Vancouver
- Rooms from $349 + tx
- Booking link will be available on February 20, 2026 at 12:00pm.
- Book by Monday, March 9, 2026, for the negotiated rate.
Sharing Table
Schools are invited to bring flyers or brochures about resources of interest to BC First Nations schools for our Sharing Table. Please drop off your items at the Information and Directions station in the foyer when you arrive at the conference.
Health
Please stay home if you are feeling unwell. Only registered participants are eligible to attend.
Meals
Buffet breakfasts and lunches with a variety of food options will be offered. Please indicate any special dietary needs or severe allergies on your registration form.
Photography & Filming
This is a public event where photography and videorecording will take place. The images and recordings will be used by FNSA and FNESC for promotional purposes. In case of questions, please contact fnsaconference@fnesc.ca.
Recording Not Permitted
Audio and video recording, AI transcription, and use of other AI tools to record the meeting is not permitted.
Friday, April 10
7:30 AM Registration & Breakfast
8:50 AM Traditional Welcome
9:00 AM Opening Remarks
9:10 AM Student Cultural Performance
9:30 AM Keynote Address by Dr. Kevin Lamoureux, Speaker and Professor, University of Winnipeg
10:30 AM Break
11:00 AM Workshop Session 1
12:30 PM Lunch
1:45 PM Workshop Session 2
3:15 PM End of the Day
Saturday, April 11
7:45 AM Registration & Breakfast
8:45 AM Opening of the Day and Recognition of the FNSA Board
9:10 AM Keynote Address by Dr. Pamela Palmater, Author, Mi’kmaw Lawyer, and Activist
10:10 AM Break
10:30 AM Workshop Session 3
12:00 PM Lunch
1:00 PM Workshop Session 4
2:30 PM Break
2:45 PM Door Prizes and Reflections
3:15 PM End of the Day
We are seeking exhibitors representing the following categories: Art/Gifts, Books/Classroom Resources/Curriculum/Technology, Post-Secondary/Training/Awards, and Partners/First Nations Organization/Government Partners.
Applications are extended to January 21, 2026.
We anticipate receiving more applications than available tables and will be evaluating each application, so please provide adequate information in your application. Exhibitor applications will be evaluated on criteria that include relevancy to our conference, quality of products/information, and year-to-year exhibitor variety. It is helpful to have a comprehensive application that includes images.
Exhibitors will be contacted individually to confirm whether they are selected for the conference and for payment.
Exhibitor Application Form
Exhibitor Information
Exhibitor Agreement
Exhibitor Details
Venue
The Westin Bayshore, 1601 Bayshore Drive, Vancouver, Bayshore Grand Ballroom Foyer
Fee
$650 (GST included). Your fee includes buffet breakfast and lunch for one person. $250 per person if additional people are needed (below actual value). Table subletting is not permitted.
Table Size
A 6-foot skirted table with one chair is provided. All exhibit materials, including banners, must fit within the 6-foot width.
Setup Time
Thursday, April 9, 2:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Friday, April 10, 6:30 am – 7:30 am
Exhibiting Hours
Friday, April 10, 7:30 am – 4:00 pm
Saturday, April 11, 7:30 am – to 3:30 pm
Hours subject to change
Policies
Should the exhibitor be unable to occupy and use the table space, FNESC must be notified immediately in writing a minimum of 10 business days prior to the conference to be eligible for reimbursement of fees.
Exhibitor Contact
fnsaconference@fnesc.ca
