About the BC Regional Information Governance Centre (RIGC)

For many years, First Nations in BC have been advancing data sovereignty as a foundational enabler to the right of self-government and self-determination. This includes providing leadership to the development of the national First Nations Data Governance Strategy which calls for the establishment of First Nations Regional Information Governance Centres (RIGCs) across the country. 

The First Nations Leadership Council (FNLC) has been mandated by resolution to advance the BC First Nations RIGC equipped with the knowledge, skills, and infrastructure needed to serve the information needs of First Nations governments. A BC First Nations Data Governance Working Group, supported by a technical project team, has been established to lead this effort.

The BC First Nations Regional Data Governance Working Group is composed of:

• Chair: Gwen Phillips, BC Regional Board member to the First Nations Information Governance Centre (FNIGC)

• Chief Lynda Price, Board Director, British Columbia Assembly of First Nations (BCAFN) 

• Chief Don Tom, Vice-President, Union of British Columbia Indian Chiefs (UBCIC)

• Cheryl Casimer, First Nations Summit (FNS) Political Executive Member 

An allocation from Federal Budget 2021 has been received to solidify the foundation for a BC RIGC and secure permanent federal funding commitments through development and submission of a business plan. 

This introductory video provides further information:

The BC First Nations RIGC project team has just launched a call for funding proposals from First Nations in BC for demonstration projects. These demonstration projects will inform that business plan and highlight the value of an RIGC serving BC First Nations.

 Click here for more information.