FNIGC requires proposals from qualified, independent firms to prepare an academic commentary on the core themes of First Nations laws that may impact their intellectual property rights; facilitate one on one interviews and a national workshop; and preparing a report on how Canadian law can make space to respect First Nations sovereignty and intellectual property rights.

For more information, please read Request for Proposals: Academic Exploration of First Nations Intellectual Property Rights

The deadline for submissions is November 4, 2022 at 11:59 p.m. EST

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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 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 November 4, 2022 at 4:00 p.m. EDT.

Established in 2011, FNIGC’s National Student Bursary is awarded annually to qualifying First Nations post-secondary students. In addition to the $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.

“Since FNIGC was founded, the National Student Bursary has been a cornerstone of our commitment to supporting First Nations at the grassroots level” said Leona Star, Chairperson of FNIGC’s Board of Directors. “By providing financial assistance to First Nations students in their post-secondary education journey we hope to foster the outstanding work they are doing in their respective fields and inspire the future generation of innovators and thought-leaders.”

The FNIGC bursary program has awarded more than $55,000 to 27 First Nations post-secondary students across Canada over the course of its 12-year history. To learn more about FNIGC’s National Student Bursary program including past winners and details on how to apply, visit FNIGC.ca.   

For more information on the bursary application process, contact Kristine Neglia, Senior Manager, Education and Training at bursary@fnigc.ca.

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.

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The First Nations Information Governance Centre (FNIGC) is launching a request for proposals for Executive Search Services.

FNIGC requires proposals from qualified, independent firms for the provision of professional executive search services to identify a new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for the organization.

For more information, please read Request for Proposals: Executive Search Services.

The deadline for submissions is September 23, 2022.

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An experienced educator, researcher, and administrator, Jonathan joined FNIGC in November 2017 and quickly brought his rich and dynamic set of skills to the organization as Executive Director. With a well-earned reputation for relationship building, a sincere and conscientious manner, and a firm commitment to collaboration, Jonathan helped evolve and mature FNIGC’s corporate governance and operational standards.

He also successfully led the organization through the COVID-19 pandemic, oversaw the development of its new website, and guided it through its biggest growth period in its history, as it more than doubled in size in less than two years. In addition, during his tenure permanent funding for FNIGC’s national surveys initiatives was secured (in 2019), the First Nations Data Governance Strategy (FNDGS) was finalized (in 2020), and funding for Phase 1 of the FNDGS was announced in Budget 2021. Suffice to say, Jonathan’s impact on FNIGC will continue to be felt for years to come.

On behalf of FNIGC’s Board of Directors, I would like to thank him for his time and wish him the best during this next stage of his journey. And while we are sad to see him go, we are excited for him as he assumes a new opportunity. We know his skills and experience will continue to support First Nations.

FNIGC has already begun the process to find a new CEO. In the interim, Albert Armieri will be serving as Acting CEO until the position is permanently filled.

Leona Star

Chairperson, FNIGC Board of Directors

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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. This year, FNIGC received a record 137 applicants from nine provinces. Recipients are chosen following a review of applications by a committee established by the FNIGC Board of Directors.

“We are glad to be able to provide these bursaries each year to outstanding First Nations students and help them along the path to completing their studies,” FNIGC’s Chairperson, Leona Star, said “When we assist First Nations students in achieving their goals, we’re supporting the next generation of First Nations professionals and strengthening our communities.”

2021 Bursary Winners

Courtney Defriend

Courtney Defriend (Ti’yuqtunat) is Coast Salish from Stz’uminus First Nation on Vancouver Island and is also of European descent. Courtney lives on Snuneymuxw territory with her young daughter, husband, and three pets. With a Bachelor of Arts in Child and Youth Care and a Master of Arts in Leadership, Courtney applies a trauma-informed and systemic lens to her doctoral studies, which focuses on accessibility of health services for First Nations people. Courtney started her career in services with Indigenous children and families. After 13 years, she moved into working in community based health services with the First Nations Health Authority (FNHA). Her work in mental health alongside Vancouver Island First Nations communities has led her to her current work with the provincial research team within the FNHA. In addition to her work and school interests, Courtney is a published author and above all, enjoys family time. Follow Courtney’s journey:

LinkedIn: Courtney Defriend

Instagram: @courtney.defriend

Tasha Shields

Tasha Shields lives in St. Thomas, Ontario, and is of First Nations (Oneida of the Thames) and European ancestry. Tasha completed her Bachelor of Arts in Community Health and a post-graduate certificate in Workplace Wellness and Health Promotion before entering the workforce. After working as a policy analyst at a provincial Indigenous organization, she returned to school, earning a Master’s in Public Health (MPH) in 2013. Since completing her MPH she has worked on several complex Indigenous health research projects, inspiring her to work towards her next educational goal. She is now pursuing a doctoral degree in Public Health at the University of Waterloo. Tasha is passionate about supporting Indigenous businesses and artists. Follow Tasha’s journey:

LinkedIn: Tasha Shields

Instagram: @tashamarieshields

Keith Wood Brooks

Keith Wood Brooks is Cree from God’s Lake Narrows, Manitoba. Currently he is finishing his Honour’s degree in economics, specializing in econometrics at the University of Manitoba and plans on doing his Master’s in Economics in fall 2022. He was inspired to study economics as a way to better understand the economic gap between First Nations and Canadians, and he plans to one day work in economic development. Growing up in an isolated First Nations community made him think deeply about why economic inequality exists and why it persists today, especially for remote communities like his. Besides school, his time is mostly spent with his lovely eight-month-old daughter, working, and being active. He works out at the gym between three to six days a week depending on how busy he is.

Latiya Northwest

Latiya Northwest is a nehiyaw iskwew (Cree woman) from Samson Cree Nation, Alberta. She is currently working towards a combined Bachelor of Science in Environmental and Conservation Sciences and Bachelor of Arts in Native Studies program at the University of Alberta. While attending university, she sat on her community’s Nipîy (water) Committee that manages their own water affairs, as well as the Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation Committee at the university for the 2021–­­2022 year. While attending school, she works as a Plains Cree language teaching assistant for an introductory class at the university.

Since it was established more than a decade ago, FNIGC’s National Student Bursary program has awarded more than $53,000 to 27 First Nations post-secondary students across Canada. To learn more about FNIGC’s National Student Bursary program go here.

For more information on the bursary application process, contact Kristine Neglia, Manager, Education and Training, at bursary@fnigc.ca

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

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