BC Regions

Gitksan/Wet’suwet’en

Traditional First Nations lands and territories

There are six First Nation groups operating nine schools in the Gitksan / Wet’suwet’en region. The region encompasses the communities of Hazelton, Gitanyow, South Hazelton, Kitwanga, Kitwanga, Kispiox, and Moricetown.

In this region, there are several different First Nations communities as well as the Office of the Hereditary Chiefs of the Gitxsan. Culture is rich here with sites such as the renowned ‘Ksan Historical Village and Museum, the impressive Hagwilget Bridge, and Moricetown Canyon and events such as the Kispiox Valley Rodeo and Music Festival.

Haida/Tsimshian/Haisla/Nisga'a

Traditional First Nations lands and territories

There are 11 First Nation groups operating 12 schools in the Haida/Tsimshian/Haisla/Nisga’a region.

With rugged beauty, friendly people, and affordable living, this part of the North Coast and Haida Gwaii is home to 12 First Nations schools, all of the small schools that embody local First Nations values and traditions.

Kaska / Dene / Tahltan / Tagish / Inland Tlingit / Tsek’ene

Traditional First Nations lands and territories

The northernmost of the First Nations Schools Association, this region is home to several rural First Nations schools offering intimate and culturally-rich programming.

Regional centres like Fort St. John, Fort Nelson and Fort Ware, and of course the city of Prince George offer urban conveniences, while the numerous small towns and villages, such as Iskut in the Stikine Country and Moberly Lake along BC Hwy 29, offer an escape big city life and return to nature.

Kootenay / Okanagan

Traditional First Nations lands and territories

With sunny skies and beautiful, affordable living the nine First Nations schools in this region are attractive places for teachers to live and work. This easternmost FNSA (First Nations Schools Association) region includes Cranbrook, Penticton, Vernon, Keremeos and many other local centres.

There are nine First Nation groups operating nine schools in the Kootenay / Okanagan.  The region represents the following communities: Cranbrook, Creston, Douglas Lake, Keremeos, Penticton, Penticton, Oliver, Westbank, and Vernon.

Kwakwaka’wakw / Heiltsuk / Nuxalk / Oweekeno

Traditional First Nations lands and territories

Encompassing the northeast tip of Vancouver Island and the coastal communities of BC’s Central Coast, this region is home to twelve First Nations schools serving small coastal communities.

In this region there are several different First Nations communities and the following Tribal Councils: Kwakiutl District Council, Musgamagw Tsawataineuk Tribal Council and Oweekeno Kitasoo-Nuxalk Tribal Council.

Nuu-chah-nulth / Coast Salish

Traditional First Nations lands and territories

There are 24 First Nation groups operating 36 schools in the Nuu-chah-nulth / Coast Salish region. The region encompasses the communities of Abbotsford, Agassiz, Ahousaht, Brentwood Bay, Chemainus, Chilliwack Sardis, Duncan, Gold River/Tsaxana, Kyuquot, Ladysmith, Nanaimo, North Vancouver, Port Alberni, Port Renfrew, Powell River, Sooke, Squamish, Tofino, Vancouver and Victoria.

Secpwepemc / St’atl’imc / Nlaka’pamux

Traditional First Nations lands and territories

This area of Central Interior and Southern Interior British Columbia boasts both small and large communities and teaching opportunities at 23 First Nations schools. It includes the urban centre of Kamloops, as well as a number of smaller towns including Merritt, Lytton, Chase and D’Arcy.

Tsilhqot'in / Carrier / Sekani

Traditional First Nations lands and territories

There are 11 First Nation groups operating 16 schools in the Tsilhqot’in / Carrier / Sekani region. The region encompasses the communities of: Alexis Creek, Anahim Lake, Burns Lake, Fort Babine, Fort Fraser, Fort St. James, Hanceville, Quesnel, Redstone Reserve, Smithers, Takla Landing, and Yekooche.