We thank our Board of Directors, Members, and partners for their commitment and hard work, as well as our team of dedicated employees who have persevered during the past 12+ months of remote work.

We are also grateful to be able to continue the important work we have been tasked with, including supporting the health and well-being of First Nations people and their families across the country through the assertion of data sovereignty. Thank you to all of you who have helped us on this journey.

Please note that FNIGC will be closed for the holidays starting on December 22, 2021, to January 4, 2022, inclusive.

We wish you and your loved ones a safe and joyous holiday season, and a bright 2022.

The post Happy Holidays from FNIGC appeared first on The First Nations Information Governance Centre.

FNIGC will grant up to four $2,500 bursaries to First Nations students enrolled in a post-secondary institution in either health, social science, or applied science fields, or studying issues related to helping First Nations achieve data sovereignty. A focus on quantitative or mixed methods research in one or more of the following fields is considered an asset:

• Epidemiology,
• Population health,
• Biostatistics,
• Statistics,
• Information Management,
• Information Technology,
• Economics,
• Indigenous studies,
• Interdisciplinary studies,
• Environmental studies/science, or
• Computer science

The deadline for applications is  Thursday, December 16, 2021, at 4:00 p.m. EST.

Established in 2011, FNIGC’s National Student Bursary is awarded annually to qualifying First Nations students. In addition to up to four $2,500 bursaries, each recipient also receives free registration (a $250 value) to The Fundamentals of OCAP®, FNIGC’s online training course that explores the First Nations principles of ownership, control, access, and possession as they relate to data sovereignty, information governance, and ethical research.

“For more than a decade now, FNIGC’s National Student Bursary has been providing financial assistance to First Nations students in their post-secondary education journey,” said Leona Star, Chairperson of FNIGC’s Board of Directors. “First Nations post-secondary students across the country are doing outstanding work and breaking down barriers in their respective fields, and we’re thrilled to be able to support them while they are completing their studies.”

The FNIGC bursary program has awarded more than $44,000 to 23 First Nations post-secondary students across Canada over the course of its 11-year history. To learn more about FNIGC’s National Student Bursary program, and to apply, click here.  

For more information on the bursary application process, contact Kristine Neglia, Manager, OCAP® & Information Governance, at bursary@fnigc.ca. To learn more about past recipients of FNIGC’s bursary program, visit the National Student Bursary page of our website.

A First Nations non-profit organization operating with a special mandate from the Assembly of First Nations, FNIGC envisions that every First Nation will achieve data sovereignty in alignment with its distinct world view.

FNIGC serves the information, research, training, and capacity needs of First Nations communities through its unique data-gathering initiatives, including the First Nations Regional Health Survey, the First Nations Regional Early Childhood, Education, and Employment Survey, and the First Nations Labour and Employment Development Survey. FNIGC is committed to improving the health and well-being of First Nations people living and raising their families across the country through the assertion of data sovereignty.

For more information on FNIGC, visit FNIGC.ca or contact Brad Mackay, Manager, Communications, at bmackay@fnigc.ca.

The post Apply now for the 2021 FNIGC National Student Bursary appeared first on The First Nations Information Governance Centre.

Established in 2011, the FNIGC National Student Bursary is awarded each year to exceptional First Nations students enrolled in college or university studying in fields related to the advancement of First Nations data sovereignty. Recipients are chosen following a review of applications by a committee established by the FNIGC Board of Directors.

The FNIGC’s Chairperson, Leona Star, shared her thoughts on the value of the annual bursary program saying, “We are thankful to be able to support the next generation of First Nations researchers and epidemiologists who will create a stronger pathway that supports First Nations to tell their story through data, information, and research.” She added, “These bursaries will continue to help First Nations students move one step closer to achieving their goals – grounded and supported through their ancestral knowledge and ways of knowing.”

2020 Bursary Winners

Chantai Minet was raised in the Yukon Territory and identifies as someone with mixed ancestry: First Nations (Tlingit), European, and Asian. Chantai obtained her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology at the University of Calgary in 2014. She is currently a candidate in the Master of Science in Educational Psychology Program, specializing in Counselling Psychology at the University of Calgary. Chantai has an expansive interest in culture expressed through her love of travelling and the creative arts. She has backpacked around the world, partnering with various philanthropic organizations to provide support to communities in need. Her current research with the University of Calgary explores contemporary Indigenous identity and well-being. In her spare time, she enjoys venturing to the mountains, yoga, and writing poetry. Amongst other things, she values healthy relationships, humility, kindness, and the courage of storytelling. Follow Chantai’s journey on Instagram.

Mitchell Maracle is a member of the Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte, Tyendinaga Territory. He is currently completing an Honours Bachelor of Science degree in Geology with a minor in General Science at Acadia University in Wolfville, Nova Scotia. Mitchell was fortunate enough to return to post‑secondary education to follow his passion in geology after previously working for the First Nation of Na-Cho Nyak Dun in the Yukon in mineral exploration. He hopes to further specialize and become involved with Indigenous communities across Canada regarding natural resources and geo‑hazards on traditional lands. Follow Mitchell’s journey on LinkedIn and on Instagram.

Destiny Bird is a young and ambitious Indigenous woman from Treaty 6, Paul First Nation. She is completing her Master of Arts in Justice Studies at Royal Roads University, where she also completed an undergraduate Bachelor of Arts in Justice Studies in 2019. Destiny has also completed a diploma in Correctional Services from MacEwan University. She is passionate about volunteering and helping people achieve their greatest potential. Her goal is to work within her field for a few years until she decides she is ready to take on an even greater educational goal, a PhD. Follow Destiny’s journey on Twitter.

Kate Dunn is Anishinaabe of Mississauga First Nation in Ontario and is currently living in Calgary, Alberta. She has a background in nursing, a Master’s degree in Public Health, and is pursuing a Doctorate in Social Sciences at Royal Roads University focusing on Indigenous Health. Her doctoral research focuses on Indigenous perspectives of health and wellness through Wisdom Seeking interviews with Indigenous Knowledge Holders that facilitate a respectful and culturally relevant approach to hepatitis C care and cure. Kate’s goal is to give back by focusing her research and work on positive social impact through wellness and changing health disparities. Follow Kate’s journey on LinkedIn.

Since it was established nearly a decade ago, FNIGC’s National Student Bursary program has awarded more than $43,000 to 23 First Nations post-secondary students across Canada. This year’s four bursaries were possible, in part, thanks to a generous contribution from Tracey P. Lariault, Assistant Professor of Critical Media and Big Data in the School of Journalism and Communication at Carleton University.

To learn more about FNIGC’s National Student Bursary program go here.

For more information on the bursary application process, contact Erin Corston, Senior Advisor, Partnerships & Capacity, at partnerships@fnigc.ca.

For more information about FNIGC, visit FNIGC.ca or contact Brad Mackay, Manager, Communications, at communications@fnigc.ca.

– 30 –

The post Recipients of the 2020 FNIGC National Student Bursary Program Announced appeared first on The First Nations Information Governance Centre.