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.
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.
Upcoming Conferences
Please check back again soon!
Past
Conference Highlights
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
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