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ABOUT FNESC

The First Nations Education Steering Committee was established in May 1992 by participants at a Provincial First Nations Education Conference held at the Vancouver Friendship Centre. FNESC was mandated to:

"facilitate discussion about education matters affecting First Nations in BC by disseminating information and soliciting input from First Nations. "

In 1999 the FNESC applied for and received status as a non-profit society. Approximately sixty three First Nations education technicians from throughout British Columbia provide overall direction for the Steering Committee's activities (FNESC Board Members). The work of FNESC is also supported by a BC Strategic Action Committee. Finally, a number of other individuals are directly involved with FNESC through a number of subcommittees, including the:

FNESC provides administrative support to the following organizations:

First Nations Schools Association (FNSA)
Indian Studies Support Program (ISSP)
Indigenous Adult and Higher Learning Association (IAHLA)

A Guide to FNESC, FNSA and IAHLA for Education Coordinators

General Activities

The activities identified for a provincial education organization, FNESC on an ongoing basis, include:

Facilitate communication (newsletter, policy updates, etc.).
Provide liaison for First Nations with government and other agencies.
Coordinate information sharing, to enable First Nations to do more with less money for education, as education demands increase while funding diminishes.
Coordinate provincial conferences, regional workshops and information workshops to increase communication and support amongst First Nations communities.
Conduct research on broad topics to support First Nations education initiatives (Aboriginal language programs, legal aspects of control and jurisdiction, best practices in First Nations education, gathering data regarding First Nations education for use by First Nations educators). This includes the work of the various subcommittees.
Undertake some policy discussions, with explicit direction from, consultation and communication with First Nations communities themselves.
Provide a forum for a united First Nations voice.
Serve as a clearinghouse for information resources and models for First Nations education activities.
Provide administrative and technical support to ensure First Nations control and administration of First Nations education programs such as the youth initiatives.
Provide support for First Nations involved in the treaty process.

Generally, FNESC works as a collective organization to facilitate First Nations support for one another in the area of education, and to communicate with both the federal and provincial governments to ensure that First Nations concerns are being addressed.

FNESC also works to provide relevant and up-to-date information to First Nations about federal and provincial government policies and programs, to undertake research to support effective First Nations education, and to facilitate communication amongst First Nations and with other education organizations.

Comments and suggestions about the activities facilitated by FNESC are always welcome. Feel free to contact us!