The First Nations Education Steering Committee (FNESC) is an independent society that is committed to improving education for all First Nations learners in British Columbia. FNESC is led by representatives of First Nations across the province. FNESC also provides administrative services for the First Nations Schools Association, Indigenous Adult and Higher Learning Association (IAHLA) and other partner organizations. BCCPAC appoints members of our Board to represent the Parents’ Voice on the FNESC Education Partners Group. This group includes some of the most significant stakeholders in the BC education system, including FNESC, First Nations Schools Association, Indian and Northern Affairs Canada, BC Ministry of Education, BC Teachers' Federation, BC College of Teachers, BC School Trustees Association, BC Superintendents Association, BC Confederation of Parents Advisory Council, and the BC Principals' and Vice-Principals' Association, United Native Nations and, Metis Nation BC. The majority of the Partners are signatories to a MOU 1999 Ed. Partners (MoU) in 1999 that expressed their commitment to working collectively and within the mandates of their organizations to improve school success for Indigenous learners in BC. Specifically, the Partners have begun their efforts with a focus on four goals.
Four Goals
- Goal One (Increase Collaboration amongst K – 12 Education Partners): BCCPAC sits on this sub-subcommittee.
- Goal Two (Increase the number of Qualified Indigenous Educators (includes retention, recruitment and employment equity)
- Goal Three (Increase awareness, understanding and respect for First Nations, Metis and Inuit knowledge, cultures and history. Includes Anti-racism education
- Goal Four (Incorporate Aboriginal Perspectives into all Education decision making): BCCPAC sits on this committee