First Nations Data Governance Strategy (FNDGS)
The First Nations Data Governance Strategy (FNDGS) is an initiative developed by the First Nations Information Governance Centre (FNIGC), aimed at achieving data sovereignty for First Nations. This strategy empowers communities to own, control, access, and manage their own data, aligning with the principles of OCAP® (Ownership, Control, Access, and Possession). The FNDGS was officially launched in 2020 and is supported by federal investments, including a notable $50.1 million announced in 2022, to facilitate the establishment of regional information governance centers across Canada.
Learn about OCAP® training at FNIGC →
What the community told us
Results from 84 responses to our community survey on how information about Dene, communities and territories should be owned, controlled, accessed and held.
82%
chose Dene Nation communities and membership to control information collected about Dene
65%
want permission from the family or community before Dene knowledge is used
72%
are somewhat or very concerned about how information about Dene is collected, stored and used today
Community priorities
What matters most
If communities had their own way to collect, store and manage information, what would be most important? 69 of 83 people picked more than one priority. The most common answer was all five together, chosen by 30 people. Each column is one combination of priorities; the dots show which ones it includes.
19 less common combinations, chosen by 27 people in total, are not shown.
Ownership
What people count as data
Language, traditional knowledge, photos and maps sit alongside statistics in how people think about data. Asked what data governance means, 59 of 83 chose all of the options offered.
What comes to mind when you hear "data" 81 answered
Information about community and community members
Numbers and statistics
Information collected by the government
Language and traditional knowledge
Photos, images, texts or maps
All of the above
11 written-in answers not shown.
What data governance or sovereignty means 83 answered
Protection of data
Control of data
Preservation
Self-determination
All of the above
Current practice
Concern about how information is handled today
How concerned are you about how information about Dene is currently being collected, stored and used? (82 answered)
26
Very concerned 32%
33
Somewhat concerned 40%
18
Not concerned 22%
5
No opinion 6%
2
No answer
Ownership and control
Who should control information, and how
75 of 83 chose at least one Dene option. Of those, 22 chose communities and membership without the Dene Nation, 46 chose both, and 7 chose the Dene Nation without communities. 46% chose the option describing OCAP® directly.
Level of Dene control 75 who chose a Dene option
Who should control information about Dene 83 answered
Dene Nation communities and membership
Dene Nation
GNWT
Data should be shared by all
Researchers and educational institutes
Federal government
10 written-in answers not shown.
How knowledge should be governed 83 answered
Respect Dene knowledge by asking permission from the family or community
Make formal agreements to share information
Document and protect traditional knowledge so outside parties cannot patent traditional practices
Use trademarks, collective marks and access agreements to protect traditional knowledge and cultural expressions
Communities must own, control, access and possess their data (OCAP®)
Translate or record items in Dene languages, with Dene ownership of translations
All of the above
7 written-in answers not shown.
Capacity building
What would help communities, and training requested
What would help communities 82 answered
Workshops and training
Sessions with Elders and youth
Examples from other communities
Information in my own language
Information handouts
One-on-one sessions
Access to technology and internet
Training requested 82 answered
Archive workshop: scanning, digitizing, rematriating, storing
Intellectual property and copyright
OCAP® certification
Data sharing agreements
Data policies and procedures
Possession and access
Where the archives and data centre should be held
No single location was chosen by a majority. 47 of 83 chose an option involving regional centres, and 14 chose Yellowknife only.
18
In each community 22%
15
Shared: communities and regional centres 18%
22
Regional centre 27%
10
Shared: Yellowknife and regional centres 12%
14
Yellowknife only 17%
4
Other 5%
1
No answer
Data Centre
Views on a Dene Nation Data Centre
Of 82 who answered, 31 strongly support a Dene Nation Data Centre, 28 support it, 14 have concerns, 8 are unsure and 1 does not support it. The survey did not ask people to explain their concerns, so these results do not show what those concerns are.
31
Strongly support 38%
28
Support 34%
14
Have concerns 17%
8
Unsure 10%
1
Do not support 1%
2
No answer
About these results: 84 people took part. They chose to answer, so the results describe the people who responded and may not represent every community or all Dene. Percentages use the number of people who answered each question, and questions that allowed more than one answer add up to more than 100%. In the priorities chart, the 10 people who chose "All of the above" are counted as picking all five; on other questions, "All of the above" is shown as its own bar. Written-in answers are counted but not quoted, to protect respondents' words and privacy.
The Dene Nation’s Data Strategy
The Dene Nation’s engagement with the FNDGS is focused on improving:
Data In-Trust Services
Reviewing procedures for Dene Nation data to support advocacy and education on data management, ensuring information is preserved.
Data Management Services
Digitizing and organizing Dene Nation archives, and developing resources for data sharing and repatriation agreements.
Data Capacity Building Services
Empowering communities by sharing information and processes to establish their own data management programs.
Statistical Services
Supporting surveys and analyses crucial to the Dene way of life, ensuring data about the Dene is accessible and used effectively.
Goal: the FNDGS represents a significant step towards data sovereignty for the Dene Nation, which is actively working to preserve its cultural heritage and ensure its data is managed in ways that reflect its values and principles — creating a data management framework that benefits current and future generations.
Discussion and Survey Engagement
An online survey is also provided to gather community input, reflecting the Dene Nation’s commitment to inclusive decision-making.
Take the survey →FNDGS Presentation — March 2026
Dene Nation’s Engagement with FNDGS
The Dene Nation is actively involved in the FNDGS, focusing on preserving and managing its cultural and historical data. The Dene Nation’s project under the FNDGS aims to reflect the Declaration of the United Dene, which emphasizes the importance of land, culture, and community governance. The Dene Nation’s archives are seen as vital for preserving historical information for future generations, ensuring that data is accessible to all Dene people.
FNIGC and Its Mandate
The FNIGC operates as a non-profit organization with a specific mandate from the Assembly of First Nations Chiefs, as outlined in Resolution #48 from December 2009. The organization envisions a future where every First Nation achieves data sovereignty that reflects its unique worldview. The FNDGS is a critical component of this vision, providing the necessary framework and resources for First Nations, including the Dene Nation, to manage their data effectively.
Learn more about FNIGC →
Check out or download the Dene Nation brochure on FNDGS
Q & A
Common questions we have received from community outreach.
Q: What is the goal of the First Nations Data Governance Strategy?
The overarching goal of the strategy is to establish a national network of fully functional, non-political (expert-driven) Regional Information Governance Centres (RIGCs) that will provide shared data and statistical services to all First Nations communities, their governments and their political and service delivery organizations.
A: The Strategy is the same as outlined above. Regional Information Governance Centre (RIGC), Dene Nation Data Centre, Resource Centre, etc., are the same.
The intent is to have a central location that can be the Archive Centre for maps, and other historical documentation. The central location for all IT/IS/IM (Data Centre) functions. There is a building vision for a resource and educational centre for Denendeh.
The possibilities will change as the central idea will grow and mature over the years.
Q: How long will this take?
- Due to the complexity of this undertaking, and to ensure we are successful, a pragmatic phased or “stepped” approach will drive the progressive development and implementation of these RIGCs over time, at the pace and scope set by leadership in every region.
- Phase 1 covers the next three fiscal years (2022-23 to 2024-25).
- The first phase is all about identifying the foundational elements or blueprints required prior to proceeding with any permanent infrastructure or capacity building investments (i.e., bricks and mortar) in Phase 2.
A: The intent is to take a methodical and managed approach as identified above. There are some immediate needs that must be addressed (maps / archives) which could signify a rapid move forward.
The intent is still to ensure the best business decisions are made by leadership and management in Dendendeh with Dene Communities and for its membership.
Q: How many Centres are being built?
- One Centre will be built in every region across Canada (10 Regional Centres and 1 National).
A: This has been and will be the solution as originally outlined by the First Nations Information Governance Centre in Ottawa and the national FNDGS program.
Q: How is Phase 1 progressing?
- Project teams have been assembled in each region and are now implementing their engagement plans: they will be engaging communities, leadership, and their service delivery organizations around what their visions might be for their Regional Centre.
- We will engage every community in the Dene territory to better understand your priorities so that we can build a Centre that meets your needs.
A: Work is underway, and a team has been assembled to meet all requirements. There are activities planned to ensure leadership and management are engaged and provided all information to make sound, effective and efficient decisions and choices to move forward.
How will I be engaged?
- Consistent with the “community-driven and nation-based” principles upon which the Strategy is based, rights holders will determine the form and function of these Centres, and what priority suite of data services they will offer.
- Communities will have presentations on the FNDGS project, the work of FNIGC and how Denendeh can make their decisions on how to participate, programs and resources for communities for knowledge building, development of interest in Data Governance careers and projects, as well as work to develop a regional information governance centre for Denendeh.
A: Again, work is underway, to ensure leadership and management are engaged and provided all information to make sound, effective and efficient decisions and choices to move forward. Dene leaders discuss at All Chiefs meetings and the annual Dene National Assembly.
More: Centre capabilities & cost considerations
Examples: The immediate need is to decide next steps with assessment of our data, like Dene mapping archives, which has been an issue for many years. The intent is to move forward with decision(s) on next steps for these activities. The Dene Nation is working to ensure there is alignment, and that a central location is the business model of which the Dene Nation moves forward with.
Dene Nation is in a unique situation which could see some rapid movement forward with a centralized business location / solution. This will be determined by the membership and leadership, of which management can act on.
We realize the focus has been on archives, but these Centres can do so much more:
- Data literacy and training
- Data protection and security
- Data analysis for advocacy purposes
- Data stewardship (archiving for community)
- Language and culture preservation and revitalization
- Environmental and biodiversity monitoring
- Climate change mitigation
Comment: All the above are part of the business model moving forward. The intent is to ensure Dene Nation has all required resources to enable all forms of Data Management listed above while promoting and leading cultural preservation, revitalization, environmental and biodiversity concerns, and climate change. The Dene Nation must also lead in emergency response and mitigation.
Example numbers proposed: The numbers in the briefing note are estimates only. The GNWT has the only central Data Centre in the Northwest Territories, which was built in August 2011. The build cost was over $8,000,000. Annual O/M costs are estimates also. Depending on the scope of operation for a Dene Nation Data Centre, it is highly likely that costs could be in the high hundreds of thousands or more.
It is hard to determine exact costs without reviewing build proposals. There are many other factors to consider: location, build new or retrofit an existing building, resources required, etc. All of these have influence on costs.
The main takeaway is to ensure that expectations in the NWT are realistic — they are far different from what is expected in other parts of Canada in the south, so it is vital to expect many challenges. All of which will be overcome with a methodical approach that seeks guidance and decisions from membership, leadership, and management.
The Dene Nation’s Data Strategy
The Dene Nation’s engagement with the FNDGS is focused on improving:
Data In-Trust Services
Reviewing procedures for Dene Nation data to support advocacy and education on data management, ensuring information is preserved.
Data Management Services
Digitizing and organizing Dene Nation archives, and developing resources for data sharing and repatriation agreements.
Data Capacity Building Services
Empowering communities by sharing information and processes to establish their own data management programs.
Statistical Services
Supporting surveys and analyses crucial to the Dene way of life, ensuring data about the Dene is accessible and used effectively.
Goal: the FNDGS represents a significant step towards data sovereignty for the Dene Nation, which is actively working to preserve its cultural heritage and ensure its data is managed in ways that reflect its values and principles — creating a data management framework that benefits current and future generations.
Discussion and Survey Engagement
An online survey is also provided to gather community input, reflecting the Dene Nation’s commitment to inclusive decision-making.
Take the survey →FNDGS Presentation — March 2026
Dene Nation’s Engagement with FNDGS
The Dene Nation is actively involved in the FNDGS, focusing on preserving and managing its cultural and historical data. The Dene Nation’s project under the FNDGS aims to reflect the Declaration of the United Dene, which emphasizes the importance of land, culture, and community governance. The Dene Nation’s archives are seen as vital for preserving historical information for future generations, ensuring that data is accessible to all Dene people.
FNIGC and Its Mandate
The FNIGC operates as a non-profit organization with a specific mandate from the Assembly of First Nations Chiefs, as outlined in Resolution #48 from December 2009. The organization envisions a future where every First Nation achieves data sovereignty that reflects its unique worldview. The FNDGS is a critical component of this vision, providing the necessary framework and resources for First Nations, including the Dene Nation, to manage their data effectively.
Check out or download the Dene Nation brochure on FNDGS
Q & A
Common questions we have received from community outreach.
Q: What is the goal of the First Nations Data Governance Strategy?
The overarching goal of the strategy is to establish a national network of fully functional, non-political (expert-driven) Regional Information Governance Centres (RIGCs) that will provide shared data and statistical services to all First Nations communities, their governments and their political and service delivery organizations.
A: The Strategy is the same as outlined above. Regional Information Governance Centre (RIGC), Dene Nation Data Centre, Resource Centre, etc., are the same.
The intent is to have a central location that can be the Archive Centre for maps, and other historical documentation. The central location for all IT/IS/IM (Data Centre) functions. There is a building vision for a resource and educational centre for Denendeh.
The possibilities will change as the central idea will grow and mature over the years.
Q: How long will this take?
- Due to the complexity of this undertaking, and to ensure we are successful, a pragmatic phased or “stepped” approach will drive the progressive development and implementation of these RIGCs over time, at the pace and scope set by leadership in every region.
- Phase 1 covers the next three fiscal years (2022-23 to 2024-25).
- The first phase is all about identifying the foundational elements or blueprints required prior to proceeding with any permanent infrastructure or capacity building investments (i.e., bricks and mortar) in Phase 2.
A: The intent is to take a methodical and managed approach as identified above. There are some immediate needs that must be addressed (maps / archives) which could signify a rapid move forward.
The intent is still to ensure the best business decisions are made by leadership and management in Dendendeh with Dene Communities and for its membership.
Q: How many Centres are being built?
- One Centre will be built in every region across Canada (10 Regional Centres and 1 National).
A: This has been and will be the solution as originally outlined by the First Nations Information Governance Centre in Ottawa and the national FNDGS program.
Q: How is Phase 1 progressing?
- Project teams have been assembled in each region and are now implementing their engagement plans: they will be engaging communities, leadership, and their service delivery organizations around what their visions might be for their Regional Centre.
- We will engage every community in the Dene territory to better understand your priorities so that we can build a Centre that meets your needs.
A: Work is underway, and a team has been assembled to meet all requirements. There are activities planned to ensure leadership and management are engaged and provided all information to make sound, effective and efficient decisions and choices to move forward.
How will I be engaged?
- Consistent with the “community-driven and nation-based” principles upon which the Strategy is based, rights holders will determine the form and function of these Centres, and what priority suite of data services they will offer.
- Communities will have presentations on the FNDGS project, the work of FNIGC and how Denendeh can make their decisions on how to participate, programs and resources for communities for knowledge building, development of interest in Data Governance careers and projects, as well as work to develop a regional information governance centre for Denendeh.
A: Again, work is underway, to ensure leadership and management are engaged and provided all information to make sound, effective and efficient decisions and choices to move forward. Dene leaders discuss at All Chiefs meetings and the annual Dene National Assembly.
More: Centre capabilities & cost considerations
Examples: The immediate need is to decide next steps with assessment of our data, like Dene mapping archives, which has been an issue for many years. The intent is to move forward with decision(s) on next steps for these activities. The Dene Nation is working to ensure there is alignment, and that a central location is the business model of which the Dene Nation moves forward with.
Dene Nation is in a unique situation which could see some rapid movement forward with a centralized business location / solution. This will be determined by the membership and leadership, of which management can act on.
We realize the focus has been on archives, but these Centres can do so much more:
- Data literacy and training
- Data protection and security
- Data analysis for advocacy purposes
- Data stewardship (archiving for community)
- Language and culture preservation and revitalization
- Environmental and biodiversity monitoring
- Climate change mitigation
Comment: All the above are part of the business model moving forward. The intent is to ensure Dene Nation has all required resources to enable all forms of Data Management listed above while promoting and leading cultural preservation, revitalization, environmental and biodiversity concerns, and climate change. The Dene Nation must also lead in emergency response and mitigation.
Example numbers proposed: The numbers in the briefing note are estimates only. The GNWT has the only central Data Centre in the Northwest Territories, which was built in August 2011. The build cost was over $8,000,000. Annual O/M costs are estimates also. Depending on the scope of operation for a Dene Nation Data Centre, it is highly likely that costs could be in the high hundreds of thousands or more.
It is hard to determine exact costs without reviewing build proposals. There are many other factors to consider: location, build new or retrofit an existing building, resources required, etc. All of these have influence on costs.
The main takeaway is to ensure that expectations in the NWT are realistic — they are far different from what is expected in other parts of Canada in the south, so it is vital to expect many challenges. All of which will be overcome with a methodical approach that seeks guidance and decisions from membership, leadership, and management.