The First Nations Information Governance Centre is an independent, apolitical, and technical non-profit organization operating with a special mandate from the Assembly of First Nations’ Chiefs-in-Assembly (Resolution #48, December 2009)

Mission

With First Nations, we assert data sovereignty and support the development of information governance and management at the community level through regional and national partnerships. We adhere to free, prior and informed consent, respect nation-to-nation relationships, and recognize the distinct customs of nations.

Core Strategic Objectives

Our Vision and Mission are guided by our Core Strategic Objectives:

1. Our approach is Community-driven and Nation-based
2. Our data are inclusive, meaningful, and relevant to First Nations
3. Our tools are effective, adaptable, and accessible
4. Our partnerships connect regions to strengthen data sovereignty

The RHS has earned its place as the reliable source of information about life in First Nations communities, with its data being used to support policy and programming at community, regional, and federal levels. And it is still the only First Nations survey of its kind, with its social, cultural, and political impact now widely acknowledged. The RHS National Team is located at the First Nations Information Governance Centre in Ottawa and coordinates the RHS on a national level. Our activities include preparing reports, serving as the data steward, and engaging in partnerships. In addition, ten independent, RHS Regional Partners coordinate the RHS in their respective regions. The National Team and Regional Partners collaborate on collective issues as well as share ideas and knowledge.

The RHS is the only national First Nations health survey in Canada. It has produced important innovations in data sharing, research ethics, computer-assisted interviewing, sampling, field methods, training and culturally appropriate questionnaire content. Most significantly, the RHS process has invested in individual and organizational First Nations capacity at the community, regional and national levels. The RHS is a unique collaborative initiative of First Nations regional organizations across Canada.

Before the RHS, First Nations populations living on reserve and in northern communities had been excluded from national health surveys resulting in an information gap for many key socio-economic indicators to improve the lives of First Nations. The challenges First Nations face are multi-dimensional and require a collective response to promote well-being and to understand and reduce health disparities. The RHS is one such response that is filling this information void by generating regional and national evidence to improve the health care system and the determinants of health for First Nations.