Advisory & Funding Support
Practical Support for Nation-Led Data Initiatives
Strengthening data governance often begins with a specific question or project. Nations may be planning a community survey, developing governance policies, organizing existing datasets, or exploring how data can inform planning and decision-making.
While funding can help enable this work, the most common need is timely access to informed technical expertise.
The BC Regional Information Governance Centre (BC RIGC) provides advisory support to First Nations governments and organizations across British Columbia. Our team works alongside Nations to help plan, design, and implement data initiatives that support governance priorities.
This support is available whether or not a project involves funding.
Advisory Support
The BC RIGC works collaboratively with Nations to provide practical guidance across a range of data governance activities. This work is grounded in real governance contexts and focuses on helping Nations move from ideas to implementation.
Areas of advisory support include:
Data Governance Planning
Support for developing data governance structures, policies, and implementation plans that reflect Nation priorities and responsibilities.
Studies and Research
Collaboration on studies related to Nation priorities, including workforce analysis, governance research, or sector-specific planning initiatives.
Indicator Development
Assistance in identifying and defining indicators that support planning, performance measurement, and community wellbeing.
Data Systems and Infrastructure
Advice on organizing datasets, improving data management practices, and implementing digital tools that support governance.
Advisory support may involve one-on-one consultation, collaborative planning sessions, workshops, or participation in Nation-led projects.
Primary Data Collection
Guidance on designing surveys, census initiatives, and other approaches to gathering community data.
Project Funding
In some cases, Nations may benefit from targeted funding to support the implementation of data initiatives.
The BC RIGC provides micro-grant funding for Nation-led Data Demonstration Projects that strengthen data governance and support practical governance work.
Funding typically ranges from: $5,000 – $50,000
Projects may include activities such as:
conducting community surveys or census initiatives
improving membership or citizenship data systems
organizing or repatriating datasets
developing governance policies or privacy frameworks
preparing data for use in digital infrastructure systems
Funding levels vary depending on the scope of the project, including whether it involves a single Nation initiative or a collaborative project involving multiple Nations.
Each funded initiative is a Demonstration Project, generating a case study and tool or resources that can benefit other Nations across British Columbia.
On-the-ground Impact with Kitselas Five Tier System
Through software engineering, advisory support, and training, the BC RIGC suported K5T to improve its community-based reporting tool, resulting in better data quality, data-informed decision-making, and more efficient reporting. A K5T staff member remarked, “I’m still learning to use the [tool] to effectively record the needed data. Previous to this training, I didn’t fully understand how this data was used and why it is so necessary.”
Working Together
The BC RIGC works with Nations to scope projects, identify appropriate approaches, and provide ongoing technical support throughout implementation.
Whether a Nation is exploring an early-stage idea or undertaking a more complex initiative, the goal is the same: to help strengthen the systems and practices that support data-informed governance.
Learn More
If your Nation is considering a data initiative — whether related to planning, data collection, governance policy, or system development — the BC RIGC team would be happy to discuss how we may be able to support your work.