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.
