The First Nations Information Governance Centre (FNIGC) is pleased to announce that Jonathan Dewar, PhD will return as the organization’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO).
Currently the Director General & Vice President, Collections, Research, Exhibitions, and Repatriation at the Canadian Museum of History, Jonathan was previously the Executive Director and then CEO of FNIGC from November 2017 to July 2022.
During his nearly five years at FNIGC, the organization underwent significant growth under a new vision, mission, and core strategic objectives. Jonathan was instrumental in implementing governance and operational renewal, securing permanent and ongoing funding for FNIGC’s national surveys, delivering the First Nations Data Governance Strategy (FNDGS) report, and securing a $51-million dollar investment for Phase One implementation of the Strategy.
Jonathan also navigated FNIGC through the first two years of the COVID-19 pandemic, during which time the organization launched a new website, redesigned the FNIGC and OCAP® logos, and began the development of the new The Fundamentals of OCAP® online course.
“On behalf of the FNIGC Board of Directors, I would like to welcome Jonathan back to the organization at an exciting stage in its history” said Leona Star, Chairperson of the FNIGC Board of Directors. “As we prepare to launch a new child and family focused survey and advance to the next phase of the FNDGS, Jonathan’s steady hand and conscientious leadership style is a perfect fit for FNIGC at this time.”
With more than two decades experience in national and regional Indigenous organizations, Jonathan has brought his creative and strategic approach to a number of leading research and education initiatives for the likes of the Shingwauk Residential Schools Centre at Algoma University, the National Aboriginal Healing Foundation, and FNIGC, among others.
“I am honoured to return to FNIGC, whose data sovereignty initiatives I’ve witnessed grow and expand over the past year-and-a-half,” said Jonathan. “I am eager to get back to work on the many important and exciting projects that FNIGC has come to be known for.”
Jonathan is scheduled to start back at FNIGC on January 3, 2024. Until then, Albert Armieri will continue to serve as Acting CEO.