Services and Supports

The BC RIGC is dedicated to supporting First Nations governments in BC as they harness the power of data for governance, self-determination, and community well-being. We recognize that each Nation has unique priorities and is at a different stage in its data journey. Whether you are developing programs, negotiating agreements, improving data management, or simply exploring how data can better serve your Nation, we offer a range of interrelated services, free of charge, to help build your capacity.  

Our team is available to work alongside you to scope your data projects, provide funding and consultation, and offer software solutions and tools designed by and for First Nations. Below is an overview of the services and supports available.

For a consolidated overview of these services, download our Service Profile. 

Funding Opportunities: Micro-Grants

The BC RIGC is here to support BC First Nations in building stronger, data-driven futures through scalable micro-grants and free expert guidance.

Whether you’re conducting surveys, improving membership lists, or building privacy and security frameworks, these grants are designed to meet your Nation’s unique needs.

With funding ranging from $5,000 to $25,000, and up to $50,000 for larger projects, the BC RIGC supports Nations to repatriate data, build infrastructure, and establish systems for long-term governance success.

This is more than just funding—it’s a partnership. Your Nation will gain access to free consulting services from Indigenous data experts. Together we’ll create tools, training, and strategies ensuring every dollar supports lasting change.

  • Funding recipients must be a BC First Nation government or representative organization

  • To support specific and achievable projects that enhance the quality, use, and accessibility of data in support of First Nations governance.

    • To share best practices with other First Nations in BC.

    • To advance use and uptake of the “build your own data centre” platform and other RIGC-developed tools, including:

      • Using RIGC-developed tools and templates to solve local problems.

      • Preparing datasets for upload into the data platform.

      • Training users for use of the data platform.

      • Undertaking user testing of the data platform.xt goes here

    • Demonstrated alignment with funding purposes

    • Community impact

    • Achievability / feasibility

    • Replicability / lessons for other Nations

    • Strength of partnership with BC RIGC

    • Grants may range from $5,000 to $25,000

    • Contributions of up to $50,000 may be awarded for projects of significant complexity and/or involving multiple Nations

    • Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis 

      • Projects must be complete by March 1, 2026

    • Recipients must collaborate with the BC RIGC on a project plan and budget.

    • Recipients must collaborate with the BC RIGC to describe project outcomes and provide feedback to BC RIGC tools.

    • Funds cannot be transferred to another project or individual without prior approval.

    • Grantees may need to publicly acknowledge the funding source in materials or events.

    • Unspent money may need to be returned if the project is completed under budget or canceled.

Learn More

Download the Micro-Grant Information Sheet.

For more information or to discuss applying, please contact us at info@bcfnrigc.ca, or download the application form here.

Training and Capacity Building

The BC RIGC offers various training opportunities:  

Custom Workshops & Webinars:

We provide sessions tailored to data-related priorities identified by Nations, potentially covering topics like indicator development, data privacy and security best practices, data sovereignty principles in action, and more.

Previous Workshops: 

Data Sharing Agreements: This webinar describes and defines data-sharing or information-sharing agreements, outlines key considerations in choosing when these should potentially be contractual or non-contractual in nature, and provides an annotated outline and examples of these agreements. Find the slide deck here.

Working with Engagement Data: This webinar provides practical templates and tips associated with ethically gathering and presenting community engagement data, with specific focus on consent statements, disclaimers, analysis processes, reporting products, and overarching policy and guidelines. Find the slide deck here.

To find our other presentations, please see the “Tools and Resources” page. 

Free OCAP Training

The RIGC can provide up to three free training seats for the FNIGC's Fundamentals of OCAP training to any First Nation that completes the Data Capacity Needs Assessment Tool and shares the results with the BC RIGC project team. Registration in the course customarily costs $500 per person. 

What you will learn:

This fully online, self-directed training course introduces the OCAP principles in a welcoming and culturally engaging way. It takes learners on a journey through the importance of First Nations ownership, control, access, and possession of First Nations data and provides the background needed to exercise data sovereignty and assert and apply the OCAP principles. 

Upon completion of this course, you will be able to:

  • Describe the principles of OCAP®.

  • Understand key foundational concepts for OCAP® such as Data Sovereignty and Information Governance.

  • Understand First Nations collective rights, and the difference between asserting and respecting OCAP®.

  • Connect the context and importance of OCAP® to your current work or role.

Contact Us

If you are interested in taking the course, please email us.   

Consulting Support and Advisory Services

The BC RIGC project team includes members with skills in various areas and is available to work directly with First Nations and representative organizations, free of charge, to advance your local data projects, priorities, and help solve challenges.  

Our team can provide expert support in areas including:

  • Data governance development (policies, protocols, agreements)  

  • Data analysis and statistics  

  • Survey design and implementation  

  • Indicator development

  • Evaluation frameworks  

  • Needs assessments

  • Privacy and security best practices

  • Project management  

  • Policy development  

  • Strategy development

  • Change management

Contact Us

Discuss how our team can support your Nation's specific needs.

Build Your Own Data Centre

The BC RIGC is developing the "Build Your Own Data Centre" – a secure, OCAP®-compliant digital software solution designed specifically by and for First Nations governments. To learn more, please visit our "Build Your Own Data Centre" page.

Data Capacity Needs Assessment & Development Toolbox

Often, the hardest part of enhancing data capacity is knowing where to start. The BC RIGC has created an easy-to-use, evidence-based Data Capacity Needs Assessment Tool to help your Nation:  

  • Assess your current state of data capacity.

  • Identify and prioritize areas for development.

Completing this assessment provides valuable insights for your planning and unlocks access to a suite of practical tools, templates, and guides designed to help you advance your data capacity in specific areas. As mentioned above, completing this assessment is also the pathway to accessing free OCAP® training seats.  

Please visit the Data Capacity Needs Assessment Tool page to learn more.