FNSA Conference 2025
May 9-10, 2025 | The Westin Bayshore Hotel, Vancouver
The First Nations Schools Association (FNSA) invites First Nations schools to save the date for the FNSA Conference 2025, Cultivating Cultures of Success. Together, we will explore a wide range of effective practices in classroom instruction, school administration, and key areas of professional growth. Principals and Authorized Representatives will be given advance notice before conference registration opens.
For details, please find the program below. Workshop descriptions can be found in the program.
David A. Robertson
Two-Time Governor General’s Literary Award Winner
David A. Robertson is a two-time Governor General’s Literary Award winner who has won the TD Canadian Children’s Literature Award and the Writer’s Union of Canada Freedom to Read Award. He has received several other accolades for his work as a writer for children and adults, podcaster, public speaker, and social advocate. In 2023, he was honoured by the University of Manitoba with a Doctor of Letters for outstanding contributions to the arts and distinguished achievements. David is a member of Norway House Cree Nation and he lives in Winnipeg.
Brandi Morin
Indigenous Author, Journalist and Survivor of the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls Crisis
Brandi Morin is an acclaimed Cree/Iroquois/French journalist from Treaty 6 territory in Alberta who has dedicated over a decade to amplifying Indigenous voices and shedding light on crucial stories that have advanced change and reconciliation in Canada. Known for her clear-eyed and empathetic reporting, Brandi brings a unique perspective to her work as a survivor of the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls crisis.
Registration
- Registration opens Wednesday, March 12, 2025, at 12:00 pm.
- Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Until Monday, March 17, 12:00 pm schools can register a maximum of 10 people. This includes the schools’ FNSA Authorized Representative and principal. On the registration form there will be a dropdown with school names. Your school name will continue to appear until all 10 spots are filled.
- After March 17, 12:00 pm, there is no limit on the number of people a school can register.
- Registration will close when we reach overall capacity.
- When you register, you will receive an automatic email acknowledging registration. To cancel or make workshop changes, please use the link at the bottom of that email to request those changes or contact conference@fnesc.ca.
- Payment options:
- Schools will be automatically invoiced starting late 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 30, 2025, or the registration may be cancelled.
- Cancellation policy: Full refunds up to and including April 30, 2025; no refunds after. Substitutions allowed.
Registration Rate
| Type | Rate |
|---|---|
| Regular Registrants | $450 |
| FNSA Authorized Representatives – with code (max one per school) | $250 |
Support
For registration questions, please contact conference@fnesc.ca.
Accommodation
Hotel booking links will be opened on Wednesday, March 12, 2025, at 12:00 pm.
Main Venue
- The Westin Bayshore Hotel, 1601 Bayshore Drive, Vancouver
- Rooms from $349+tx
- Book by Monday, April 7, 2025, for the negotiated rate.
- How to book: Booking link or Phone (604) 682-3377 and quote ‘FNSA Conference’
Overflow Block
If the main venue fills to capacity, we recommend booking at the following nearby hotel.
- Pinnacle Hotel Harbourfront, 1133 West Hastings Street, Vancouver
- Rooms from $329+tx
- Book by Monday, April 7, 2025, for the negotiated rate.
- How to book: Booking link or Phone 604-689-9211 and quote ‘FNSA Conference
Sharing Table
Schools are invited to bring flyers/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. 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.
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 and 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 conference@fnesc.ca.
Schedule
7:30 AM Registration & Breakfast
7:45 AM Breakfast
8:50 AM Traditional Welcome by Chamiya Janis Campbell, Squamish and Musqueam Nations
9:00 AM Opening Remarks
9:10 AM Student Cultural Performance by Squiala Elementary and Secondary School
9:30 AM Keynote Address by David A. Robertson
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
*Workshop descriptions can be found in the program.
7:45 AM Registration & Breakfast
8:45 AM Opening of the Day and Recognition of the FNSA Board
9:10 AM Keynote Address by Brandi Morin
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
*Workshop descriptions can be found in the program.
Exhibitors
Thank you to those who have applied to exhibit at the conference. The exhibitor application period has now ended and applications are no longer being accepted.
