First Nations Information Governance Centre (FNIGC)

📣 OCAP® Workshops 📣 Our OCAP® workshops provide First Nations communities and organizations with the tools and knowledge needed to fully understand and apply the principles of OCAP®—Ownership, Control, Access, and Possession. Whether you're looking to strengthen data sovereignty, empower your community, or enhance research efforts, we’ve got you covered! Learn more at the link below. https://ow.ly/ck5h50TByIM

On the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, FNIGC honours the Survivors of Indian Residential Schools, commemorates those who did not return home, and acknowledges the painful legacy of colonialism. We encourage everyone to reflect on our shared history and consider the lasting impacts of this past tragedy on Indigenous communities today. If you are experiencing mental or emotional distress, we urge you to call 1-855-242-3310 or chat online at www.hopeforwellness.ca.

FNIGC's offices and operations will be closed on Monday, September 30 to mark the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. They will reopen on October 1.

📣 Attention Job Seekers!📣 FNIGC is hiring for five positions in Finance, Education & Training, and our Data Sovereignty Research Collaborative (DSRC). All positions offer competitive pay, excellent benefits, and generous paid time off. For more info, follow the link below. https://ow.ly/QuEi50TwoEw

🔍 Knowledge Translation at FNIGC 🔍 FNIGC's Knowledge Translation efforts are about more than just sharing data—they're about empowering communities with knowledge that contributes to informed decision-making, better health outcomes and stronger governance. From accessible plain-language resources on FNIGC's Online Library, more than 400 charts and graphs on the FNIGC Knowledge Lodge, and clear-cut examples of data at work in communities in our Power of Data stories, we make sure that information is understandable, relevant, and actionable for First Nations leaders and members. By translating knowledge into practice, we’re helping to create a future where data serves the people, and strengthens the path toward self-determination. Learn more at: https://lnkd.in/eGag9rzT

How does OCAP® protect First Nations? Ownership Control Access Possession - OCAP® has emerged from a backdrop of harmful and intrusive research relationships between First Nation people and communities and non-First Nation researchers, government, and outside institutions that have come to study them. The following are just some of the grievances that have been voiced over the years of research relationships that have shaped the current landscape in First Nation information governance: 🟠 First Nations have been subject to too much research whereby they have been treated as merely a source of data; 🟠 Researchers have not explained their studies in a manner adequate to ensure fully informed consent; 🟠 A lack of regard for cultural taboos and confidentiality by publicizing sensitive cultural information; 🟠 The presentation of cultural information out of context, resulting in inaccurate conclusions; 🟠 Research results are not returned to the community or they are returned in a form or language that is inaccessible and of no use to the First Nation community; 🟠 Researchers that have profited professionally and economically from First Nation research without employing local people or compensating research subjects; 🟠 Disrespect of the basic human dignity of research participants or their religious, spiritual, or cultural beliefs; 🟠 Researchers have recklessly sensationalized problems without looking at the positive; this leads to First Nations often being portrayed as poor, sick, dependent, and violent; 🟠 Benefits to First Nation individuals and communities are often unclear, while a holistic view of potential harm is not considered. 🟠 And more! OCAP® is a vision and protocol for principled research that protects First Nation people and information from harmful, insensitive, and exclusive research relationships. Instead, through the principles of OCAP®, First Nation people take control over their information; information and research are governed by First Nations in a manner that is beneficial to communities and respectful of each First Nation´s protocols and practices.

The First Nations Data Governance Strategy (FNDGS) is a response to decades of advocacy by First Nations to own and control their data and information. Guided by a commitment to achieving First Nations Data Sovereignty, the end goal of the FNDGS is to establish a national network of fully functional, expert-driven Regional Information Governance Centres. This is more than just data—it's about self-determination, empowerment, and community well-being. To learn more about the FNDGS click the link below. https://lnkd.in/ed4B8vX6

🚨New FNIGC Publications🚨 FNIGC has released FOUR important guides to federal legislation, which are designed to help First Nations understand how these laws relate to (and impact) First Nations data sovereignty. Featuring original art by Tsista Kennedy, the new guides cover: The Access to Information Act The Statistics Act The Library and Archives of Canada Act The Privacy Act Each guide breaks down how these laws impact First Nations businesses and individuals while highlighting their connection to First Nations data sovereignty—ensuring that your data is protected according to your rights and community values. Empower your business with knowledge and take control of your data. Download the guides today! 🔗https://ow.ly/xBlC50TlhJj

📊 Discover FNIGC's survey work 📊 FNIGC understands the power that data can have in fostering change for First Nations communities. Our First Nations-led survey initiatives have been yielding important insights into health, education, employment, and more in communities for more than 25 years, guiding policies and initiatives that address community needs. These surveys, which are done in collaboration with our Regional Partners, include the landmark First Nations Regional Health Survey (FNRHS), the First Nations Regional Early Childhood, Education and Employment Survey (FNREEES), the First Nations Labour and Employment Development (FNLED) survey, and the First Nations Oral Health Survey (FNOHS). Learn more about our surveys (including links to our survey reports) at the link below. https://lnkd.in/gsPk3SUh

FNIGC's offices and operations will be closed for the Labour Day Holiday on Monday, September 2. Our offices will reopen on September 3. Have a great long weekend!