In this section, we consider several examples of how OCAP is being adopted and used in First Nations. The following projects are all based in First Nation communities, and managed by First Nations organizations. They provide only a few examples of the diverse applications of OCAP taking place today.
Here is a link to the FNIGC’s own site where they talk about their Power of Data series to promote the benefits of data to First Nations communities in 2017.
- Share the KO Story
- Coordinate Academic Research with KO and Partner Communities
- Project Management and Secure Funding Sources
- Coordinate with other KO departments in Promoting Services
- Build Research Capacity at the Community Level
Read about KORI’s history on the organization’s website.
Read about KORI’s research focus on its website.
Read the KO Chiefs’ Resolution that established KORI in 2004.
Read KORI’s Community Research Planning Guidebook
- Service level agreements that specify the nature and range of services provided;
- How technical support is provided and accessed;
- Standards associated with the implementation of a secure data room; and
- System security and privacy issues related to First Nation data.
Tui’kn Initiative
Five First Nations on Cape Breton created a health data governance platform for joint planning and collaboration with Nova Scotia’s Minister of Health. It is governed by the Unama’ki Data Access Committee. Decisions to allow use or disclosure of the Unama’ki Client Registry require written consent from each of the First Nation representatives and the Department representative.
FNEC’s CANO Data Management Platform
Among the First Nations that work with the First Nations Education Council (FNEC), CANO is the standard information system to assist with data management. It is available to all of FNEC’s member communities, and training is provided free of charge. It is a flexible system that supports local customization to meet the needs of diverse communities and stakeholders, including through web-based tools (for example, SharePoint) for client access and services. The CANO system enables school staff and administrators to consolidate or add applications currently used to manage finance, budgets, human resources, and other enterprise applications.
There are many other examples of First Nations applying OCAP principles to support community development projects. Follow the links below to read about some others.
- Cowichan Tribes (B.C.) and the Mustimuhw Health Data Management System
- KO-KNet (Ontario) and the Dadavan Education Database System
In this video, Gwen Phillips from Ktunaxa Nation (B.C.) and the B.C. First Nations Data Governance Initiative speaks about Indigenous Data Sovereignty and Data Governance. Gwen has worked for the Ktunaxa Nation Council for the past 37 years. She is currently championing the B.C. First Nations’ Data Governance Initiative and services as a member of the First Nations Information Governance Centre Board.
- Read Gwen Phillips’ keynote presentation at the 2017 Data Power conference, titled “Indigenous Data Sovereignty and Reconciliation”.