Throughout 2025, we advanced First Nations data sovereignty, strengthened key partnerships, and delivered initiatives that empower First Nations communities across the country. 

These milestones were made possible through the dedication of our Board of Directors, the commitment of our staff, and the guidance and trust of the communities we serve. We are grateful for every contribution that helped move this work forward. 

Please note that FNIGC’s offices will be closed from December 22, 2025, to January 5, 2026. 

From all of us at FNIGC, we extend our warmest wishes for a joyful holiday season and a bright start to 2026. Thank you for your continued support as we work together toward a future grounded in First Nations data sovereignty. 

Happy Holidays. 

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FNIGC invites proposals from qualified evaluation consultants to conduct an evaluation of the First Nations Regional Health Survey Phase 4 (RHS4).

For more information, please read our Request for Proposals for Evaluation of the First Nations Regional Health Survey Phase 4 (RHS4).

The deadline for submissions is Wednesday, October 29, at 3:00 p.m. EDT. 

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This year, FNIGC will grant four $2,500 bursaries to four First Nation students enrolled full-time in a post-secondary program that focuses on health, social science, or applied science fields, or is studying an issue related to helping First Nations achieve data sovereignty.

Recipients will also receive a complimentary registration in The Fundamentals of OCAP® (a value of $500), and an opportunity to receive a mentorship with FNIGC’s First Nations Data Centre.

The deadline for applications is Friday, November 7, 2025, at 12:00 p.m. EST.

Established in 2011, the FNIGC National Student Bursary is awarded annually to qualifying First Nation students. In the 14 years since, the program has awarded more than $82,000 to a total of 36 First Nation post-secondary students.

To learn more about the FNIGC National Student Bursary, including our eligibility guidelines, what you will need to apply, and a link to the online application form, click here.  

For more information on the bursary application process, contact Eva Keeshig, FNIGC’s Program Officer, Education & Student Bursary, at To read more about past recipients of FNIGC’s bursary program, visit FNIGC National Student Bursary page

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.

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Reflecting on the six years of the CARE Principles (Collective Benefit, Authority to Control, Responsibility, Ethics) for Indigenous Data Governance, this joint communiqué from GIDA members emphasizes that standards are more than technical tools. 

GIDA calls on institutions, researchers, and standards bodies to uphold and prioritize the standards set by Indigenous Peoples and communities when working with Indigenous data. Honouring Indigenous community standards plays a key role in advancing Indigenous Data Sovereignty (IDSov) and Indigenous Data Governance (IDGov). These standards are rooted in the specific knowledge systems, rights, and cultural frameworks of each community. By following locally developed principles and protocols, data practices and the technologies that enable them are more likely to reflect Indigenous values, protect inherent rights, and contribute to self-determined futures. 

This communique aims to: 

• Support local Indigenous Data Sovereignty (IDSov) and Indigenous Data Governance (IDGov) initiatives 

• Underscore broader CARE application as a minimum standard for all Indigenous data 

• Reiterate CARE’s original purpose, in response to the FAIR principles, of guiding open data projects involving Indigenous data to uphold Indigenous Peoples’ rights and interests 

These actions reinforce that Indigenous Peoples have long called for implementation of their local, regional, and nation-state IDSov definitions and frameworks, with principles such as OCAP® (Ownership, Control, Access, Possession) predating and informing the creation of the CARE Principles. 

As the document states, “There is no justice in Indigenous data without Indigenous standards.” The communique highlights the importance of respecting Indigenous Peoples’ inherent rights to define, protect, and govern their own data. GIDA urges the global data community to prioritize locally designed IDSov and IDGov models, principles, and guidelines and take meaningful steps in recognizing these standards as legitimate and authoritative. 

The documents list Indigenous governance resources from each of the network countries, as well as references written in the communique. 

To read or download a PDF copy of the communique, please click here.  

To learn more about the CARE Principles and Indigenous Data Governance, visit GIDA’s website https://www.gida-global.org/. 

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The First Nations Information Governance Centre (FNIGC) is launching a request for proposals for Subscription-Based Design Services.

FNIGC invites proposals from qualified independent firms to provide professional subscription-based design services for fiscal year 2025-2026.

For more information, please read our Request for Proposals for Subscription-Based Design Services

The deadline for submissions is Thursday, July 31, 2025 at 3:00 p.m. EDT. 

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