Across BC, Nations are applying data tools and governance systems to strengthen decision-making and community planning.
Data in Practice
Impact happens when Nations are able to apply data and systems to their own governance priorities.
Across British Columbia, Nations are using data governance frameworks, digital infrastructure, and Nation-defined methodologies to strengthen planning, improve service delivery, and support long-term decision-making.
Some initiatives are developed by individual Nations to address local priorities. Others bring Nations together to collaborate on shared data challenges. While others generate knowledge and tools that benefit First Nations across the province.
The BC Regional Information Governance Centre (BC RIGC) supports this work through Nation-led Data Demonstration Projects, practical resources, and shared learning. Together, these efforts strengthen governance capacity while contributing to a growing body of knowledge about Indigenous data sovereignty in practice.
Nation-Led Data Demonstration Projects Across British Columbia
Nation-led Data Demonstration projects are one way data sovereignty is exercised in practice.
With funding and technical support from the BC RIGC, Nations apply data tools, infrastructure, and governance frameworks to priorities they define. Some projects focus on community census initiatives or engagement surveys. Others address membership data modernization, population projections, data-sharing agreements, or the development of governance policies.
The goal is not simply to complete a project, but to strengthen internal capacity, clarify governance processes, and establish infrastructure that supports ongoing decision-making.
Each project contributes both locally and collectively. While outcomes are Nation-specific, lessons learned help refine tools, templates, and approaches that can support other Nations.
Nation-led Projects
Read more on complete and ongoing Nation-led Data Demonstration projects supported through the BC RIGC by clicking on the listed Nations.
NORTH COAST - NECHAKO
TR : Taku River Tlingit First Nation
CH : Council of the Haida Nation
NLG : Nisg̱a’a Lisims Government
K5T : Kitselas Five Tier System
CARIBOO - THOMPSON OKANAGAN
SK : Skeetchestn Natural Resources Corporation
VANCOUVER ISLAND & COAST
KC : Ka:’yu:’k’t’h’ / Che:k’tles7eth’h’ First Nations
T : Tla’amin Nation
LOWER MAINLAND - KOOTENAY
SI : Seabird Island
SG : St’at’imc Government Services
N’Quatqua, Samahquam, Sekw’el’was, Skatin, T’it’q’et, Ts’kw’aylaxw, Xa’xtsa, Xaxli’p, Tsal’alh, and Xwisten
IRS : Multi-Nation Collaboration on IRS Records
Ahousaht, Lax Kw’alaams, Nadleh Whut’en, Stó:lō (Aitchelitz, Cheam, Chawathil, Kwantlen, KwawKwawApilt, Leq’a:mel, Matsqui, Popkum, Scowlitz, Seabird Island, Shxwha:y, Shxw’ow’hamel, Skawahlook, Skowkale, Soowahlie, Squiala, Sumas, Tzeachten, Yakweakwioose), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Nation, Tkʼemlúps, Williams Lake
SII : South Island Indigenous Authority
?Esdilagh, Esk'etemc, Huu-ay-aht, Lhtako Dene, McLeod Lake, Nisga'a, Quatsino, Simpcw, Sts'ailes, Tla'amin, Tl'etinqox, Tlesqox, Tsartlip, Tsawwassen, Tsideldel, Ulkatcho, Upper Nicola, Xeni Gwet'in, and Yunesit'in
Putting Data Into Practice
Strengthened data systems are built through practical application.
Across British Columbia, Nations are applying data tools, infrastructure, and governance frameworks to their own priorities — through community data collection, system development, and internal planning processes.
Many initiatives begin with a specific governance question and develop through focused, step-by-step work. Over time, this builds the systems and capacity needed to support ongoing decision-making and planning.
If your Nation is considering a data initiative, there are structured ways to begin. Whether through the Data Governance Assessment, a Nation-led Data Demonstration Project, or the implementation of digital infrastructure, the work can start where you are.