First Nation School Governing Authorities

Strong governance is a crucial factor in the success of First Nations students, wherever they attend school. First Nations education transformation is led at the school and community level, responding to the visions of First Nations for their citizens.

FNESC and the First Nations Schools Association (FNSA) have been working to support First Nation School Governing Authorities through a range of information-sharing activities.

  • A Handbook for First Nation School Governing Authorities includes information on topics such as defining the school’s purpose and mission, working effectively with the school principal, advocacy, communications, financial management, school policies, and governance procedures.

  • Since 2023, a series of virtual information sharing workshops have been held, focused on what School Governing Authorities should know about student attendance, family involvement, supports for students who have exceptionalities, funding for First Nation schools, policies and procedures, language and culture programming, and privacy and security. Authorities can also request individual virtual information sessions, which are offered depending on time availability.

  • FNESC and FNSA published a School Governing Authority’s Guide to Attendance Promotion and have offered attendance workshops for School Governing Authority members.

  • FNESC and FNSA have created a Policy and Procedure Guide for First Nation Schools in BC, with a number of important discussion papers and sample policies. This resource available in the First Nation School Portal.

Related Resources

FNESC and FNSA’s, A Handbook for First Nation School Governing Authorities, includes information regarding various responsibilities of School Governing Authorities, considering the issues within the context of the unique opportunities and challenges associated with operating a First Nation school in British Columbia.