FNESC

The First Nations Education Steering Committee (FNESC) was founded in 1992 by participants at a provincial First Nations education conference at the Vancouver Friendship Centre. That visionary group of people determined the need for a First Nations-controlled collective organization focused on advancing quality education for all First Nations learners, and they set out FNESC's commitment to supporting First Nations in their efforts to improve the success of all First Nations students in BC. FNESC works at the provincial level to provide services in the areas of research, communications, information dissemination, advocacy, program administration and networking. FNESC also strives to share current information about available programs, government policies and initiatives and education issues that impact First Nations learners. In addition, FNESC strives to build partnerships with federal and provincial agencies and other relevant stakeholders in order to communicate the issues and concerns of BC First Nations and ensure that they are meaningfully addressed. Our mandate is "to facilitate discussion about education matters affecting First Nations in BC by disseminating information and soliciting input from First Nations. The primary goal is to promote and support the provision of quality education to First Nations learners in BC. FNESC, the First Nations Schools Association, and the Indigenous Adult and Higher Learning Association operate from the same West Vancouver office and take a collaborative approach to many initiatives. Comments and suggestions about the activities facilitated by FNESC are always welcome.