New Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to enhance First Nations and Federal public service institutions and facilitate horizontal cooperation

June 4, 2019

(Coast Salish Territory, Vancouver, British Columbia) The First Nations Public Service Secretariat (FNPSS) and the First Nations Summit (FNS) were pleased today to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the British Columbia Federal Council (BCFC). The MOU strengthens First Nations and Federal public service institutions by facilitating the mutual exchange of expertise and experience. The MOU formalizes the relationship between the federal government in BC and the FNPSS and assists the ongoing commitment to support BC First Nation administrations achieve excellence in governance.

“An effective First Nations Public Service is essential to our communities’ success. This agreement is an important acknowledgement by the Government of Canada in BC that our Public Service and the federal Public Service can work together as partners; and that strengthening and supporting both equally is critical if we are truly going to build an effective Nation-to-Nation relationship.”

– Grand Chief Edward John, Political Executive, First Nations Summit

In addition to the Chair of the BCFC, regional heads from seventeen federal departments have signed onto the MOU to indicate their commitment to support federal and First Nations public service development and capacity building in BC.

The MOU marks a new, collaborative approach to address the collective needs to improve public service institutional governance and operations. The proposed initiative complements existing initiatives by providing effective mechanisms for cooperation between Federal and Indigenous public service institutions.

“Today’s ceremony demonstrates our desire for renewed relations with Indigenous peoples based on respect and partnership. I am delighted that we will be innovating together.”

Dylan Jones, Chair of the British Columbia Federal Council and Deputy Minister of Western Economic Diversification Canada

Working together through the MOU, the BCFC, the FNS, and the FNPSS plan to collaborate in the areas of public service development and human resources capacity building through leadership and management training, policy innovation, as well as recruitment and retention initiatives. The parties to the MOU also commit to jointly develop a work plan that will promote the sharing of best practices in all areas of public administration.

“Public Servants in the Government of Canada have much to share with First Nations administrations; but First Nations administrations also have experiences and abilities to share with federal government employees. Through this MOU, we are saying we both have important tools and will work in partnership to support effective public administration and administrators in our communities.”

– Jehan Casey, Director, First Nations Public Service Secretariat

By signing onto this agreement, the following departments have committed to work collaboratively together and with the FNPSS in support of this MOU:

• Canada Coast Guard
• Canada Revenue Agency
• Canada School of Public Service
• Crown Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada
• Department of Fisheries and Oceans
• Environment and Climate Change Canada
• Indigenous Services Canada
• Ministry of Justice- British Columbia Regional Office
• Parks Canada
• Public Health Agency of Canada
• Public Service Commission of Canada
• Public Services and Procurement Canada
• Service Canada
• Transport Canada
• Western Economic Diversification
• Statistics Canada- Western Region and Northern Territories
• Natural Resources Canada

About the FNPSS:

The First Nations Public Service Secretariat (FNPSS) is an initiative of the First Nations Summit, with the support of the First Nations Leadership Council, mandated to support First Nation administrations in BC. The FNPSS provides resources, tools, networking, and other support to strengthen and enhance capacity in BC First Nations communities and organizations on an individual, organizational and Nation level. Further information on the FNPSS may be found at www.fnps.ca.

About the FNS:

The First Nations Summit (FNS) is comprised of a majority of First Nations and Tribal Councils in British Columbia and provides a forum for First Nations in BC to address issues related to Treaty negotiations, Title and Rights issues, and other issues of common concern. The FNS is also a NGO in Special Consultative status with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations. Further information on the First Nations Summit may be found at www.fns.bc.ca.

About the BCFC:

The British Columbia Federal Council (BCFC) is comprised of 45 senior federal executive members that represent 43 federal departments, agencies and organizations that conduct federal government business in BC.

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For more information please contact:

Jehan Casey
FNPSS Director
Tel: 604 926 9903 ext.119
Email: jcasey@fnps.ca
Follow FNPSS: @fnpublicservice

Colin Braker
Director of Communication
Tel: 604 926 9903 ext. 110
Email: cbraker@fns.bc.ca
Follow FNS: @FNSummit

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