BC Regions
British Columbia is home to some of the most geographically diverse landscapes in the country. From mountain ranges with powder-covered slopes to crashing ocean shores and flat plains that produce some of the best wines in the country, in BC, there is no shortage of perfect places to live; the hard part is deciding where.
- Central BC
- Fraser Valley
- Kootenay
- Metro Vancouver
- Northern BC
- Okanagan
- Vancouver Island & Sunshine Coast
- Gitksan/Wet’suwet’en
- Haida/Tsimshian/Haisla/Nisga'a
- Kaska / Dene / Tahltan / Tagish / Inland Tlingit / Tsek’ene
- Kootenay / Okanagan
- Kwakwaka’wakw / Heiltsuk / Nuxalk / Oweekeno
- Nuu-chah-nulth / Coast Salish
- Secpwepemc / St’atl’imc / Nlaka’pamux
- Tsilhqot'in / Carrier / Sekani
- Outside of BC
BC First Nations Map off
Central BC
Tsilhqot’in, Carrier, Sekani, Secpwepemc, St’atl’imc and Nlaka’pamux First Nations lands
Central BC is a geographically vast and diverse region. The western side of the region is dominated by rain forest, and as you head deeper inland, you will find mountain ranges, plains, and grassland.
Much of Central BC is horse country, and although tourists flock to the area to break their boots in at “dude” ranches, residents enjoy affordable housing, a comfortable lifestyle, and a diverse array of outdoor activities. In this region, there are twelve geographically and culturally diverse school district employers and independent schools.
Learn More About this RegionFraser Valley
Nuu-chah-nulth / Coast Salish First Nations lands
Situated in southwestern BC, the Fraser Valley region is the perfect blend of city life and country life. Located in between the Metro Vancouver and Okanagan regions, the Fraser Valley’s smaller cities are set to the backdrop of rich agricultural farmlands, mountains, lakes and ancient forests.
Five public school districts and nine independent schools service the Fraser Valley region’s 13,000 students.
Learn More About this RegionKootenay
Kootenay/Okanagan First Nations lands
The Kootenay region (or “The Kootenays” to locals) is nestled in the southeastern portion of the province, and it’s the location of seven school districts and three independent school employers.
The backdrop of mountains and water dominates this region’s landscape, making for some pretty spectacular scenery as well as some great opportunities for outdoor adventure. Kootenay BC school districts serve students in Castlegar, Trail, Grand Forks, Rossland, Nakusp and other neighbouring communities.
Learn More About this RegionMetro Vancouver
Nuu-chah-nulth / Coast Salish First Nations lands
This region is home to the 3rd largest city in Canada and one of the most livable cities in the world. Eleven multicultural school districts, 50 independent schools and BC’s largest Catholic school employers operate in this region.
From the beautiful coastlines of Vancouver to the snow-capped mountains of Whistler, Metro Vancouver is a geographically and demographically diverse region offering unparalleled lifestyle and opportunity.
Learn More About this RegionNorthern BC
Kaska / Dene / Tahltan / Tagish / Inland Tlingit / Tsek’ene First Nations lands
A landmass of 1,000 kilometres extends from east to west defining the boundaries of BC’s Northern region. It is a place of opportunity where many new teachers start their careers and a destination where people come to explore nature, pursue adventure, and escape the hustle and bustle of the city in a serene environment.
The region’s geography is characterized by dramatic landscapes of jagged mountain peaks and ice age era glaciers that create a spectacular backdrop for outdoor activities. In BC’s north, you’ll find career opportunities in both urban and rural and remote communities.
Learn More About this RegionOkanagan
Kootenay/Okanagan First Nations lands
Located in southern BC, the Okanagan is one of the warmest regions in the province. Home to roughly 375,000 people and 70 different wineries, this region is perfect for those who enjoy warm summers, winter pastimes, lakeside strolls, orchards and wine.
The communities that are served by the Okanagan’s eight school districts and six independent schools offer their own set of unique lifestyle, recreational and career opportunities.
Learn More About this RegionVancouver Island & Sunshine Coast
Nuu-chah-nulth / Coast Salish First Nations lands
The Vancouver Island/Sunshine Coast Region of British Columbia has 15 distinct public school district employers and 13 independent schools with waterfront views. Vancouver island is the pinnacle of island life where you can enjoy a slower pace of life and go off the grid to experience the wonder of BC’s rainforests, oceans, beaches, hot springs and mountains. With 32,000 square kilometres to call home, it’s the largest North American Island in the Pacific Ocean.
Learn More About this RegionGitksan/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.
Learn More About this RegionHaida/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.
Learn More About this RegionKaska / 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.
Learn More About this RegionKootenay / 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.
Learn More About this RegionKwakwaka’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.
Learn More About this RegionNuu-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.
Learn More About this RegionSecpwepemc / 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.
Learn More About this RegionTsilhqot'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.
Learn More About this RegionOutside of BC
BC-Certified Offshore Schools
British Columbia certified offshore schools operate in China, Japan, Egpyt, Qatar, Thailand, and Bahrain. Teaching abroad offers the opportunity to travel and experience a new culture while gaining relevant work experience in an international school that delivers the BC curriculum.
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