First Nations Education Steering Committee is a policy and advocacy organization that represents and works on behalf of First Nations in British Columbia.
The First Nations Education Steering Committee (FNESC) works to support First Nations in their efforts to improve the success of all First Nation students and advance First Nations education in BC. FNESC currently has approximately 130 Board members, representing First Nations and Tribal Councils from across the province.
FNESC was founded in 1992 by participants at a provincial First Nation education conference at the Vancouver Friendship Centre. The participants determined the need for a First Nation-controlled collective organization focused on advancing quality education for all First Nation learners.
FNESC advocates on education matters that affect First Nations learners, regardless of where they live or attend school, recognizing and supporting the diverse and unique nature of First Nations and striving to support all First Nations learners, schools and communities on an equitable basis.
FNESC takes direction from, and is accountable to, all First Nations in BC and it seeks direction from First Nations leadership on all significant matters affecting First Nations education.
Protocol with First Nations Leadership in BC
FNESC has a formal protocol with the First Nations Leadership Council, signed in 2015, that recognizes FNESC as the lead policy and advocacy body, as directed by First Nations governments, working to advance quality education, improved accountability, and improved education outcomes for all First Nation students in BC.
FNESC meets regularly with the First Nations Leadership Council (FNLC) to seek support and direction. FNESC also reports to and seeks direction from organizations that comprise the FNLC: First Nations Summit, Union of BC Indian Chiefs, and BC Assembly of First Nations.
FNESC is dedicated to increasing the success of First Nations learners in British Columbia. We do this by providing services to build capacity in First Nations communities, advocating on behalf of First Nations learners, facilitating communications, and responding to emerging issues with respect to First Nations education. We believe that education for First Nations learners must be premised upon First Nations’ ways of knowing. FNESC is committed to the value of First Nations leadership, the value of all members of First Nations communities, and success in achieving our mission.
Foundations of our System
Our Role
FNESC supports First Nations collectively, through policy and legislative development with government and by implementing programs and services that benefit all First Nations and First Nation schools.
FNESC does not advocate in support of the financial or personal interests of individual First Nations, specific groups, or individuals. FNESC is not able to provide funding for individual students or staff. FNESC also respects and supports the inherent authority and decision-making of First Nations and cannot get involved in education or governance matters internal to First Nations.
