Join for free.
Represent Your Nation.
Strengthen Your Community.
Your membership helps protect more than just our lands. It protects our ways of leading, preparing, and responding.
Being a member is your chance to have your voice heard. It gives you the right to vote at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) and when you vote, you have a direct impact on shaping the future of FNESS and First Nations communities.
Elect the Board of Directors
Increase your awareness and advocacy for the health and safety of all Nations
Shape the future of FNESS’s programs and impact
Membership Eligibility
FNESS Membership is comprised of three types of members.
Voting
Member
First Nation
Member
A person who is a member of a BC First Nation. These members are voting members.
Non-Voting
Member
Associate
Member
A person, most likely from a BC First Nations-owned organization or BC First Nation Emergency Services Entity. Is a non-voting member.
Non-Voting
Member
Honourary
Member
BECOMING A SOCIETY MEMBER IS SIMPLE
Sign up for free and represent your community.
1
Complete membership form
- Applicant fills and signs form.
- Band Chief or Band Administrator authorizes applicant to represent community and signs form (First Nation Members only).
2
Mail membership form to fness
- The form must be submitted in writing.
- The form must be received by FNESS 15 days or more before our AGM to be eligible to vote.
- The form must be mailed to:
FNESS Membership
102-70 Orwell Street
North Vancouver, BC V7J 3R5
Frequently asked questions
Answers to common questions about joining and participating.
Who can join?
Members of a First Nation can be a voting member if they are authorized by their Chief or Band Administrator—these members are called First Nation Members. Anyone can become an Associate Member, but Associate Members do not vote, speak, or hold office. First Nations individuals may be appointed as an Honourary Member if they have made an extraordinary contribution to FNESS. Like Associate Members, Honourary Members may attend meetings as viewers, but are not eligible to vote on resolutions, speak, or hold office.
What does membership cost?
Nothing. Membership is free.
Is there a deadline to become a member?
Yes. Your application form must be submitted in writing and received by FNESS at least 15 days before the AGM (Society Bylaws, section 2.10). Therefore, the deadline for 2025 membership is October 22, 2025.
What's the application process?
Step 1 → Fill and sign either the First Nation Membership Form, or the Associate Membership Form.
Step 2 → If you are applying to become a First Nation Member, your Band Chief or Band Administrator must sign your form, authorizing you to act as a representative of your First Nation. Associate Members do not need to have authorization.
Step 3 → The form must be submitted in writing and mailed to:
FNESS Membership
102-70 Orwell Street
North Vancouver, BC V7J 3R5
Step 4 → Associate membership applications must be reviewed by the Board of Directors (Society Bylaws, section 2.10). First Nation membership applications do not need to be approved by the Board of Directors and will become a member upon applying Society Bylaws, section 2.3).
Why should I become a First Nation Member?
It’s a way for your First Nation to stay involved in how emergency services are delivered across the province. It gives your Nation a voice at the table—especially when it comes to voting at our AGM, helping guide FNESS programs, or standing for election to the Board of Directors. It’s also a way to make sure that the support FNESS provides reflects your community’s needs. FNESS Membership helps FNESS stay connected and accountable to the Nations we serve.
Why should I become an Associate Member?
By becoming an Associate Member, it signals your organization’s or business’s commitment to community safety, sovereignty, and capacity-building in First Nations across BC. Associate Members can attend general meetings, access shared information, and stay up to date on priorities, programs, and emerging issues in emergency services for First Nations communities. It also helps you build relationships and share knowledge with others who are passionate about keeping First Nations communities safe and sovereign.
How do I know if I'm a member?
Associate Members will be notified after October 22, 2025 when the Board of Directors reviews applications. If you would like to know if your application was received, please contact FNESS Membership at membership@fness.bc.ca or 778-694-7790.
Does membership expire?
Yes. Membership expires annually on December 31. You can renew your membership after January 1.
Where can I find the membership forms?
Where can I find the FNESS Constitution and Bylaws?
The FNESS constitution and bylaws are the official rules that explain what the organization is, how it’s run, and how members take part in decisions. They act like a guidebook that keeps everything fair, organized, and consistent.
Click here to download them → FNESS Constitution and Bylaws
FNESS is built on partnerships. Any program we offer is only successful because community members and industry specialists work together. On a wider level, we encourage individuals and organizations within BC’s 203 Nations to partner with FNESS through membership. We invite your insight and your engagement as we work together to improve the health and safety of First Nation communities.”
– Wayne Schnitzler, Executive Director (2020-2024)
Have questions about membership?
We’re happy to help you understand the membership process, or answer any other membership questions you may have.
