Strengthening data systems for Nation rebuilding 

This first monthly update highlights how First Nations across BC are putting data sovereignty into practice to advance Nation-led projects, strengthen governance systems, and build the infrastructure needed to support data for governance and Nation rebuilding.

About the BC RIGC

For many years, First Nations in British Columbia have advanced data sovereignty as foundational to Nation rebuilding and self-determination. This leadership contributed to the development of the national First Nations Data Governance Strategy, which calls for the establishment of Regional Information Governance Centres across the country. 

Through resolutions of its member organizations, the First Nations Leadership Council (FNLC) established the BC RIGC project to advance this Strategy at the regional level. It is enabled by federal funding announced in Budget 2021, allocated through the national First Nations Information Governance Centre (FNIGC), and reflected in the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Action Plan Act Action Plan. 

In British Columbia, the BC Regional Information Governance Centre (BC RIGC) supports First Nations to advance their right of data sovereignty in practice: to support data for governance – the active use of our data and knowledge in support of our priorities and responsibilities.

Build Your Own Data Centre

What is Build Your Own Data Centre (BYODC)?

The BYODC is a secure, OCAP®-aligned platform created by the BC RIGC in collaboration with First Nations. It provides Nation-controlled digital infrastructure that supports the core functions of governance and public administration.

Through the BYODC, Nations can:

• Collect information directly from citizens through surveys and census tools

• Maintain accurate citizenship and membership records

• Generate population projections to support long-term planning

• Securely store and organize Nation datasets

• Leverage tools and resources developed through Nation-led projects

• Access relevant datasets held by external institutions

Tool Spotlight:
Citizenship and Membership Management

Maintaining accurate citizenship and membership records is a cornerstone of Nation governance. These records support responsibilities related to elections, programs and services, planning, and accountability.

The BYODC includes tools designed to help Nations maintain and organize their citizenship and membership information in one place. The platform supports secure data stewardship while making it easier to update records, track changes, and use membership data to inform governance decisions.

Interested in learning more about BYODC?

Our Work in Action

Data Demonstration Projects: Community of Practice

The BC RIGC’s Data Demonstration Project Community of Practice brings together Nations leading data projects across British Columbia, an important way that data sovereignty is exercised in practice.

With funding and technical support from the BC RIGC, Nations are applying data tools, infrastructure, and governance frameworks to priorities they define. Projects span community census initiatives, engagement surveys, membership data modernization, population projections, data-sharing approaches, and the development of governance policies—each grounded in the specific needs of the Nation.

In April, this work was shared with representatives from the FNIGC, who were in Vancouver to learn more about the BC RIGC. Nations presented directly on their projects, highlighting both progress and the range of approaches underway across the province.

The goal of this work is not simply to complete individual projects, but to strengthen internal capacity, clarify governance processes, and establish infrastructure that supports ongoing decision-making. Through the Community of Practice, Nations share learning, surface challenges, and build connections, while collectively contributing to tools, approaches, and knowledge that can support others on their data governance journeys.

This work is stronger when it is done together. The Community of Practice offers a space for Nations to connect, learn from one another, and move data sovereignty forward in ways that reflect their own priorities and governance.

If your Nation is interested in participating, we welcome you to connect with the BC RIGC to get involved at info@bcfnrigc.ca.

Data Demonstration Project Highlight: Data Quality Guide with K5T

Many Nations and organizations rely on data systems to track program activity and report on outcomes. But when those systems become difficult to use or disconnected from daily workflows, data quality can suffer.

The Kitselas Five Tier System (K5T), a Nation-owned employment and training organization overseen by Kitselas Social Economic Development Corporation, faced this challenge. 

As K5T expanded its programs, the Community-Based Reporting Tool used to track participant information no longer reflected the full scope of the work being carried out. Expectations around data entry were not always clear, and reporting became increasingly time-consuming.

Between 2024 and 2025, K5T partnered with the BC RIGC to review workflows and improve how the system supported staff. Rather than focusing only on technical fixes, the work looked at how data practices fit within daily service delivery.

The results were measurable. Usability improved, outdated records declined, and 88% of coordinators reported a better experience using the tool. 

Through this partnership, K5T and the BC RIGC co-developed a Data Quality Guide to support First Nations governments and organizations looking to strengthen their data holdings.

The guide introduces a practical framework that helps organizations assess whether their data are fit for use across seven key elements:

The guide helps Nations with a simple question: Are our data reliable enough to support the decisions we need to make?

The framework is designed to help organizations and Nations identify gaps, improve internal practices, and strengthen how data supports governance, planning, and reporting. Access the free guide today. 

Training & Ecosystem Opportunities

Digital Skills Training
Check out career-ready digital skills training courses offered at no cost to Indigenous peoples aged 18-35, living in BC, delivered online by the First Nations Technology Council.
View Upcoming Courses

Indigenous Data Initiatives Zoom Circles
Established in 2022, the B.C. government’s Indigenous Data Initiatives (IDI) team hosts monthly Zoom Circles on Indigenous data initiatives and related work under the Anti-Racism Data Act (ARDA). The Zoom Circles are a culturally safe space for updates about data work, data discussion, and shared learning. Feedback from the Circles helps inform ARDA deliverables, including the Annual Releases and Research Priorities. The Circles also support Indigenous data sovereignty, traction on Action Plan commitments, and relationship-building with Indigenous Peoples.

How do I join? Reach us at: 

• Deborah Grauer deborah.grauer@gov.bc.ca;  or (250) 883-4404 

• Karla Helgason karla.helgason@gov.bc.ca 
  

BC First Nations Public Service Secretariat
Learn valuable skills for governance, at no cost, with the FNPSS.
View Upcoming Training Opportunities

OCAP® (Ownership, Control, Access, Possession)
Learn the Fundamentals of OCAP® with the First Nations Information Governance Centre.

Learn More

If you know someone working on data governance in your Nation, feel free to forward this newsletter.

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