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The First Nations Information Governance Centre

The First Nations Information Governance Centre

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Our data.
Our stories.
Our future.

We envision that every First Nation will achieve data sovereignty in alignment with its distinct world view.

Learn more about who we are

How does FNIGC make an impact?

See our work in action.

Our Impact

Our national surveys are by First Nations, for First Nations.

Learn more here.

Our Surveys

How can I access FNIGC data?

Access or request data here.

FNIGC DATA

How can OCAP® help to protect your information?

Learn more about the First Nations principles of OCAP® here.

OCAP®

What is the First Nations Information Governance Centre?

Understanding the Principles of OCAP®

The First Nations principles of OCAP® establish how First Nations’ data and information will be collected, protected, used, or shared. OCAP® is a tool to support strong information governance on the path to First Nations data sovereignty.

Learn More

Message from our Chairperson

Leona Star

Data sovereignty is among the most pressing issues facing First Nations from coast-to-coast-to-coast. As Nations we recognize that information, knowledge, and research are critical to accessing resources, influencing government policy, or assessing the effectiveness of policies, services, programs, or public health interventions that affect our people. Access to timely, relevant, and quality data is essential to effectively advocate for change needed to adequately address health disparities Nations have experienced as a result of colonization and systemic racism.

Supporting and advocating for this kind of evidence‑based decision making is what has fueled the important work of the First Nations Information Governance Centre (FNIGC) since its inception as an independent non‑profit more than a decade ago and, in fact, since the original work of the National Steering Committee began more than two decades ago. Today, FNIGC and its partners remain at the forefront of First Nations data sovereignty and information governance efforts.

Recently the global pandemic has introduced a myriad of new challenges to these efforts, but FNIGC and its partners responded quickly to adapt its operations and ensure that we continue to advance our vision and mission. Throughout it all, FNIGC remains committed to furthering the important work we have been tasked with, which includes supporting every First Nation in achieving data sovereignty in alignment with its distinct world view.

Board of Directors

Message from our CEO

Jonathan Dewar

Now in its second decade of existence, FNIGC remains committed to supporting the health and well-being of First Nations people living and raising their families across the country through the assertion of data sovereignty.

Since FNIGC was established as a stand-alone entity in 2010, our work has evolved to encompass three national surveys of First Nations people living on-reserve and in northern communities, which have yielded numerous survey reports; research initiatives that align with First Nations values and priorities; many publications and knowledge translation and outreach efforts; strategic partnerships at national, regional, and community levels; and ambitious capacity building activities – all to support our efforts to fulfill the vision that every First Nation will achieve data sovereignty in alignment with its distinct world view.

FNIGC continues to grow into its mandate by developing new research products, creating innovative ways to make our data available to communities, building capacity in research and information governance, promoting OCAP® education and training, and preparing for the implementation of the national First Nations Data Governance Strategy.

The past few years have presented some unprecedented challenges and introduced many uncertainties, but these were also a timely reminder of the power of community to come together and support one another during trying times. We are grateful to have been able to continue the important work we have been tasked with, and for our staff, Board of Directors, and partners that make it possible.

This site is an important resource that provides the latest news and insights from FNIGC, as well as our current reports, publications, resources, and tools. We will also be adding new content that represents our renewed commitment to Knowledge Translation. I encourage you to explore the site and return regularly for updates about our work.

Leadership Team

Our Latest

Spotlight

Introducing A First Nations Data Governance Strategy

On behalf of its Board of Directors and network of Regional Partners, the First Nations Information Governance Centre (FNIGC) presents Canada’s first national strategy to…

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Announcing the recipients of the 2021 FNIGC National Student Bursary Program

The First Nations Information Governance Centre (FNIGC) Board of Directors is pleased to announce the recipients of the 11th annual FNIGC National Student Bursary program. This…

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Happy Holidays from FNIGC

The past year has brought many challenges, but we’re proud of how FNIGC has adapted and continued to advance its vision and mission in new…

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Apply now for the 2021 FNIGC National Student Bursary

Applications for the First Nations Information Governance Centre (FNIGC) 2021 National Student Bursary, an annual award that recognizes outstanding First Nations college and university students,…

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Our Members

Union of Nova Scotia Indians

Union of Nova Scotia Mi’Kmaq

First Nation Education Initiative Incorporated

First Nations Education Initiative Incorporated

First Nations of Quebec and Labrador Health and Social Services Commission

Commission de la santé et des services sociaux des Premières Nations du Québec et du Labrador

First Nations Health and Social Secretariat of Manitoba (Nanaandawewigamig)

First Nations Health and Social Secretariat of Manitoba (Nanaandawewigamig)

Chiefs of Ontario

Chiefs of Ontario

Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations

Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations

Alberta First Nations

Alberta First Nations Information Governance Centre

Dene Nation logo

Dene Nation

Council of Yukon First Nations

First Nations Health Council

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Head Office

341 Island Road, Unit D
Akwesasne, ON K6H 5R7
Tel: 613-733-1916
Fax: 613-936-8974
Toll Free: 866-997-6248

Ottawa Office

180 Elgin Street, Suite 1200
Ottawa, ON K2P 2K3
Tel: 613-733-1916
Fax: 613-231-7072
Toll Free: 1-866-997-6248

General inquiries: [email protected]

Media inquiries, please contact: [email protected]

OCAP® inquiries please contact: [email protected]

The First Nations Information Governance Centre
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