BC First Nations Data Demonstration Projects

Following an open call for proposals, 11 Nation-led data capacity projects have been selected for funding. The implementation of these projects will have meaningful impact on the ground, and result in tools and products that will benefit all First Nations. These projects span a range of sectors and focus on priorities such as:

• Indicators

• Questionnaire and survey examples and tools

• Data-sharing and Information-sharing agreements

• Data and records classification examples

• Data-related policies

• Methods for economic contribution assessments

• Tools for improving data quality

• Tools for change management among staff

• Data governance principles

• How to develop data strategies

By supporting Nations with the tools and resources to gather, manage, and interpret their own data, these projects drive informed decision-making, strengthen governance, and build capacity for long-term success. The investment reflects a commitment to data sovereignty and the self-determined priorities of First Nations governments.

The Nation-led projects reveal the power of data capacity development and result in generalizable tools being available to all while informing the future service model of the BC RIGC. Reporting and evaluation are being conducted and summarized in case studies profiling project outcomes, lessons learned, and impacts.

This project develops a custom input-output economic model to measure the Nisga'a Nation's direct, indirect, and induced economic impacts. Indicators include GDP, taxes, labour income, and employment. Findings will improve advocacy, negotiations, and policy influence. The model will be adaptable for other Nations seeking to measure and communicate their economic contributions effectively.

K5T aims to improve its Community-Based Reporting Tool (CBRT) to enhance employment, education, and skills training data quality. The project focuses on updating the tool, streamlining reporting requirements, and Improving staff training and engagement. Outcomes include better data accuracy, user satisfaction, and efficiency in reporting processes. Insights from this project can inform other First Nations approaches to funding agreement management systems and staff training programs. 

The Haida Nation is implementing a comprehensive data management policy focused on lands and resources. This includes hiring a data manager, staff training, and archiving critical data securely. The policy ensures efficient data access for decision-making while safeguarding sensitive information. The resulting tools and training will be valuable for other Nations managing resource data. 

The Nuchatlaht Nation is creating a permanent data repository for lands, waters, and resource management. This includes digitizing historical records, improving data classification, and safeguarding sensitive cultural knowledge. Training materials and user guides will support sustainability. Outcomes include strengthened data sovereignty and tools for managing land and resource information, which can benefit other Nations. 

Tla'amin Nation is conducting a comprehensive Census to collect culturally relevant data reflecting Tla'amin priorities. The project includes designing a survey, training staff, and creating interactive dashboards. Results will guide program planning, reporting, and decision-making. The methodology and tools developed can be adapted for other Nations conducting similar exercises.

SIIA is developing digital infrastructure and data standards to support First Nations advancing jurisdiction over child and family services. This includes creating a framework for information-sharing, a data standard, and technical requirements. The outcomes will address governance and reporting needs, benefiting all Nations pursuing similar jurisdiction transitions. 

This project updates the Citizenship Code and improves the accuracy of the citizenship register. Community engagement will guide code revisions, and a new membership database will ensure secure and reliable data management. The developed code and digital system will be adaptable for other Nations managing membership and citizenship records.

St'at'imc Government Services is conducting data needs assessments across 11 communities to create a data governance strategy. The findings will inform operational planning and long-term capacity building. The standardized needs assessment process and resulting strategy will serve as a template for other Nations to strengthen their data governance frameworks. 

This project develops a data management protocol for research partnerships, aligning with FAIR, CARE, and OCAP® principles. It introduces a standardized system for natural resource data organization and staff training. The model will balance efficient data management with cultural knowledge protection and can be scaled for use by other Nations.

ONA is developing Syilx data principles rooted in traditional knowledge, language, and cultural laws and applying a needs assessment to develop a data strategy. Engagement with knowledge keepers and leadership will guide the creation of ethical data governance principles and inform the strategy. Communication assets, including booklets, will ensure broad adoption. This project offers a replicable model for other Nations to establish culturally grounded data principles. 

This project advances a community-driven health and wellness evaluation plan by digitizing baseline data, developing survey tools, and identifying digital infrastructure needs. Staff will be trained in data governance policies, and ongoing data collection processes will be established. The project's evaluation and infrastructure planning approach offers a scalable model for other Nations. 

Interested in developing your own data project?

Scalable micro-grants ($5,000 - $25,000, up to $50,000 for complex projects) are available to support BC First Nations governments and representative organizations. Grantees also receive free guidance, advisory services, and expert consultation from the BC RIGC team. Find out more about our micro-grants and free consulting services here.

Contact Us 

Please contact us at info@bcfnrigc.ca with any questions or comments and we will respond as soon as we can.