Membership Belongs to Nations

Membership Belongs To Nations

Membership gives your Nation a vote, a voice, and a seat at the Housing & Infrastructure tables

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How Joining Works

Who Can Be A Member

Membership Is Held by First Nations Governments

Membership in FNHIC is open to First Nations located in British Columbia. Membership is held by the Nation as a government, not by individuals, organizations, or service providers.

Because a Nation cannot attend a meeting or cast a vote in person, each Member designates an Authorized Representative to act on its behalf. That representative receives official notices, attends General Meetings, participates in discussions, and votes on behalf of the Nation.

  • First Nations located in British Columbia

    • Individual persons

    • Tribal councils and political organizations

    • Corporations, vendors, and service providers

    • Municipal, provincial, and federal governments

    • Non-profit and for-profit organizations

Organizations that are not eligible for membership may still work with FNHIC as partners or advisors at the Board's invitation. Partners and advisors do not hold voting rights.

What Membership Gives Your Nation

Member Nations hold sole voting authority over governance matters, strategic direction, and key resolutions. One Member, one vote.

Members in good standing hold exclusive access to:

  • Sole Voting Rights: Authority to participate in governance decisions and vote at General Meetings of the Society.

  • Advocacy & Representation: Dedicated operational and technical support at regional and national levels.

  • General Assembly Participation: Priority access and speaking rights at the Annual General Assembly and Special General Meetings.

  • Professional Development Opportunities: Access to training, workshops, educational opportunities, and discounted technical capacity-building workshops.

  • Resource Center: Exclusive access to proprietary housing data, templates, and infrastructure toolkits.

  • We provide a full information package and meet with your leadership. Your Nation reviews eligibility, governance structure, and what membership involves. Nothing is committed at this stage.

  • Your Nation submits a membership application, a Chief and Council resolution authorizing the application, and written designation of an Authorized Representative. Our staff support you through this.

  • We confirm the application meets eligibility and governance requirements, and prepare a recommendation for the Board

  • The Board of Directors reviews the application and decides on admission by resolution. On approval, your Nation's name is entered on the Register of Members.

  • Your Nation receives a welcome package, is connected to programs, services, and committees, and your Authorized Representative is added to governance communications.

  • Your Nation votes at General Meetings, participates in Director elections, and helps set the direction of FNHIC.

After joining, membership is confirmed annually so that representative and contact information stays current.

The Membership Journey

Joining FNHIC follows a clear, staged process. Each stage has a defined decision point, so your Nation always knows where its application stands and what happens next.

What Your Nation Will Need

Most Nations already have everything required. The application asks for:

  • A completed FNHIC Membership Application Form

  • A Chief and Council resolution (BCR) authorizing the application

  • The name, title, and contact information for your Political or Leadership Representative

  • The name, title, and contact information for your Technical or Operational Representative

  • Confirmation of how your Nation wishes to receive official notices

  • Acknowledgement of the FNHIC Bylaws and Membership Policy

Not sure where to start? We can walk your housing staff or Council through the application before anything is submitted. There is no cost to ask.

Timeline

Timing depends on your Nation's readiness and the Board meeting calendar. In normal circumstances:

Stage

Typical Duration

Learning about membership

1 to 3 months

Preparing and submitting the application

1 month

Administrative review

Board decision

1 month

These are indicative timelines, not commitments. Applications are considered at the next available Board meeting.

Onboarding

1 month

1 to 2 months

GOVERNANCE DOCUMENTS

Read Before You Decide

Your Nation should have full information before making any decision. These documents set out how FNHIC is governed and what membership involves.

Document links:

FNHIC Bylaws
Governance Handbook
Membership Policy
Welcome Package
Membership Application
Q & A

Have Questions About Membership?

We welcome conversations with any BC First Nation interested in membership, governance, or the application process. No commitment is required to ask questions, request the information package, or arrange a presentation to your Chief and Council.