First Nations Information Governance Centre (FNIGC)

06/12/2026

This National Indigenous History Month, FNIGC is recognizing the strength of First Nations communities and the important role culture and language play in supporting identity.

First Nations communities are built on rich histories, diverse cultures, and knowledge systems that have been carried forward through generations. Languages carry stories, teachings, values, and ways of knowing that connect people to their Nations, lands, families, and communities.

Through the First Nations Regional Health Survey (RHS), First Nations communities continue to share important insights about the connections between language, culture, identity, and wellness. These findings help strengthen understanding of the role cultural continuity plays in supporting healthy and thriving communities.

Learn more about FNIGC's Language and Culture data:
https://fnigc.ca/data-category/language-and-culture/

06/11/2026

FNIGC is pleased to share an upcoming webinar hosted by the Chiefs of Ontario's Research and Data Management Sector exploring the opportunities and challenges of artificial intelligence (AI) for First Nations.

This free, virtual session will provide an accessible introduction to AI, including how the technology works, the rapid growth of AI infrastructure and investment, and important considerations around ethics, environmental impacts, algorithmic bias, and First Nations data sovereignty.

For more information on the event and how to register follow the link below!

The Chiefs of Ontario Research and Data Management Sector will be hosting a webinar on June 10 from 1:00 p.m. 2:30 p.m. The webinar will provide an accessible introduction to artificial intelligence (AI), including how technology works, the rapid growth of AI infrastructure and investement, and the

06/10/2026

📢Save the Date📢

FNIGC will be tabling at the 2026 Assembly of First Nations Annual General Assembly’s Circle of Trade at Ottawa’s Rogers Centre, July 14-16!

Swing by our booth to learn about The Fundamentals of OCAP® online course, our First Nations data sovereignty work, and (of course) to pick up some of our great swag!

See you there!

06/05/2026

This National Indigenous History Month, FNIGC is recognizing the importance of First Nations data sovereignty and the role it plays in advancing First Nations self-determination.

Through the First Nations Principles of OCAP®, Ownership, Control, Access, and Possession, First Nations are strengthening authority over how information is collected, protected, accessed, and used to support communities and future generations. OCAP® supports the assertion and respect of First Nations data sovereignty by helping to promote that First Nations maintain authority over how their information is governed and shared.

First Nations-led information governance is an important expression of self-determination. When First Nations have authority over their own data, communities are better positioned to define their own priorities, strengthen governance, safeguard community knowledge, and support informed decision-making grounded in First Nations perspectives, lived realities, and Nation-specific priorities.

Supporting First Nations data sovereignty also helps ensure that research, policies, programs, and services affecting First Nations communities are informed by data that is accurate, relevant, and reflective of First Nations realities.

Learn more about OCAP®:
https://fnigc.ca/ocap-training/

06/04/2026

Our partners at the Chiefs of Ontario are currently seeking proposals for the development of strategic resources to support the First Nations Business Directory (FNBD) Portal.

The project will support the creation of strategic documents, operational guidelines and resource materials to help guide the long-term implementation and governance of the FNBD. Proposals must demonstrate how the proponent will support First Nations data governance principles, OCAP® standards, and First Nations-led verification and certification standard operating procedures.

The deadline to submit proposals is June 15, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. EST.

Learn more and access the full RFP here:https://heyor.ca/uRaBu7

The Chiefs of Ontario are seeking submissions for a request for proposals for the development of strategic resources to support the First Nations Business Directory (FNBD) Portal and its associated verification, certification, and procurement support functions. This Project will focus on the creatio...

06/01/2026

June is National Indigenous History Month, a time to recognize and celebrate the histories, cultures, knowledge systems and contributions of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples.

Throughout the month, FNIGC will be sharing resources, reflections, and information highlighting First Nations data sovereignty, community wellness, language and culture, and the importance of supporting future generations.

Follow along with us throughout June as we celebrate the strength, resilience, and leadership of First Nations communities.

05/29/2026

Happy to share the news that FNIGC's CEO, Jonathan Dewar, has been named as a member of the inaugural Indigenous A.I. Advisory Circle established by Mila - Quebec Artificial Intelligence Institute and the Canadian Institute for Advanced Research (CIFAR).

This new advisory body, which consists of six Indigenous leaders, will help ensure that Indigenous voices, values, and priorities are embedded in Canada’s growing A.I. ecosystem from research and education to governance and community engagement.

Bringing together Indigenous leaders from across sectors, the Circle represents an important step toward advancing A.I. in ways that are ethical, community-connected, and grounded in Indigenous knowledge systems and self-determination.

Learn more about the Indigenous A.I. Advisory Circle in the link below.

Montreal, May 26, 2026 — Mila – Quebec Artificial Intelligence Institute and the Canadian Institute for Advanced Research (CIFAR) are proud to announce the creation of the Indigenous AI Advisory Circle, a new advisory body dedicated to ensuring Indigenous voices, values and priorities are embedd...

05/28/2026

This , FNIGC marks the 20th anniversary of the publication of the First Nations Regional Health Survey (RHS) Phase 1 report, which was the first national First Nations health survey conducted by and for First Nations communities.

The RHS Phase 1 report helped lay the foundation for First Nations data sovereignty and continues to support community-driven health research, planning and decision-making today.

You can read the full report here: https://heyor.ca/GMoKcT

05/26/2026

Did you know FNIGC’s Online Library features a wide range of resources supporting First Nations data sovereignty?

From survey reports to OCAP® resources, research publications and governance tools, the library helps support communities, researchers, students, organizations, and more in learning more about First Nations-led data and research.

Explore FNIGC's free library today! https://heyor.ca/Wv63x4

05/22/2026

Did you know that FNIGC is guided by a dedicated, volunteer Board of Directors, with an appointee from each of the 10 First Nations regions across the country?

Through their leadership, guidance, and commitment to First Nations data sovereignty, the Board helps advance FNIGC’s Vision that every First Nation will achieve data sovereignty in alignment with its distinct world view.

Learn more about FNIGC's Board of Directors and the important role they play at the link below!

https://fnigc.ca/about-fnigc/our-board-of-directors/