FNESC promotes the sharing of information through conferences, workshops and
regional sessions.
The largest conference of the year is our Provincial Conference on Aboriginal
Education, which draws approximately 800 educators from First Nations schools,
public schools and other education bodies. This conference is hosted
jointly by FNESC and the BC Ministry of Education.
New Approach to BC First Nations Education: First Nations School Funding Information Sessions
Learn about the new Tripartite Education Framework Agreement and new funding model at these community information sessions and gain information to make informed choices about your community's education funding options. Information about individual school allocations will be provided.
Flyer
Event registration Backgrounder
Schedule
January 30 - Vancouver (special session for First Nations with Canada-First Nations Funding Agreements)
February 2 - Campbell River
February 14 - Terrace
February 15 - Vancouver
February 21 - Kamloops
February 24 - Prince George
Background
For several years, BC First Nations have received K-12 Education funding through an interim Band Operated Funding Formula (iBoff), which helped narrow the funding gap between First Nations schools and provincial schools. However, iBoff expires in 2012/13 and will no longer be available. BC First Nations communities have two main options, based on the federal government's New Approach announcement and as a result of recent FNESC negotiations:
Going back to the national funding formula (BOFF), which could result in significantly reduced school funding (not recommended); or
Opting into the new Tripartite Education Framework Agreement (Tripartite Agreement), which offers equal or increased funding, greater funding flexibility and reduced reporting requirements compared to BOFF. *** To opt in, each community must submit a BCR in support of the Tripartite Agreement to AANDC by March 15, 2012.
FNESC encourages all First Nations communities to send a Band Council representative to the nearest information session to learn about the details specific to your community. In order to opt into the Tripartite Agreement, a community will need to pass a Band Council Resolution. A BCR template will be made available to you.
The Tripartite Agreement has been negotiated by FNESC and approved by the FNESC Board, FNSA Board, First Nations Summit and Union of BC Indian Chiefs.
The information sessions are being jointly hosted by FNESC and AANDC and, at the sessions, each community will receive a report showing how much funding they would be eligible for under the new model.
2012 LEA Regional Workshops
Local Education Agreement (LEA) Regional Workshops are offered for First Nations community representatives to examine effective practices in LEA development and discuss key issues surrounding LEAs.
Day-long workshops are offered in Vancouver (Jan. 13), Prince George (Jan. 20), Nanaimo (Jan. 27), Kelowna (Feb. 6) and Terrace (Feb. 13). Travel/hotel reimbursement is available for one rep. per First Nations community as described in the information flyer.
17th Annual Provincial Conference on Aboriginal Education, November 24-26, 2011, Vancouver.
Listen to the speech of Grand Chief Ed John, Friday November 25, 2011 Download mp3 here Speaking notes
16th Annual Provincial Conference on Aboriginal Education Listen to the speech of Dr. Lorna Williams, Canada Research Chair, Indigenous Knowledge and Learning, University of Victoria, introduced by Deborah Jeffrey, Acting Executive Director, FNESC. Presented on November 20, 2010. Download mp3 here Powerpoint Presentation
Language Instruction Strategies using Total Physical Response (TPR),
with instructor, Janice Billy, Chief Atahm School
Expand your students’ creativity and language skills through energizing activities and strategies for teaching First Nations languages.
During this seminar, led by Janice E. Billy, each participant will be provided with training through lectures, modeling, activities, and multimedia presentations to help develop skills specific to TPR.
The seminar is designed for First Nations language teachers of Kindergarten to Gr. 7 students to improve instructional strategies. Participants will look at a wide range of imagination games, chants, songs, and activities.
Come prepared to be active and have fun!