OCAP in Action: Examples of First Nations Research Projects
In this section, we consider several examples of how OCAP is being adopted and used in First Nations. The following projects are all based in First Nation communities, and managed by First Nations organizations. They provide only a few examples of the diverse applications of OCAP taking place today.
Membertou Data Centre houses community health data, manages network connectivity, and provides technical support services. Individual communities manage their own data through a server-based model, backed up by the Data Centre. In their agreement with the Data Centre, First Nations outline:
FNEC's CANO Data Management Platform
Among the First Nations that work with the First Nations Education Council (FNEC), CANO is the standard information system to assist with data management. It is available to all of FNEC’s member communities, and training is provided free of charge. It is a flexible system that supports local customization to meet the needs of diverse communities and stakeholders, including through web-based tools (for example, SharePoint) for client access and services. The CANO system enables school staff and administrators to consolidate or add applications currently used to manage finance, budgets, human resources, and other enterprise applications.
There are many other examples of First Nations applying OCAP principles to support community development projects. Follow the links below to read about some others. Please add any that you know about to the topic wiki!
Close window to return to the course
In this section, we consider several examples of how OCAP is being adopted and used in First Nations. The following projects are all based in First Nation communities, and managed by First Nations organizations. They provide only a few examples of the diverse applications of OCAP taking place today.
Keewaytinook Okimakanak Research Institute (KORI)
The Chiefs of Keewaytinook Okimakanak created the research institute (KORI) to document, conduct and promote community-led research on issues relevant to First Nation communities. KORI has developed relationships with a number of academic partners and community-driven organizations across Canada. The KO Research Institute's mandate is to change the way First Nation research is conducted within its sphere of influence.
Read about KORI's research focus on its website.
Read the KO Chiefs' Resolution that established KORI in 2004.
Read KORI's Community Research Planning Guidebook
- Share the KO Story
- Coordinate Academic Research with KO and Partner Communities
- Project Management and Secure Funding Sources
- Coordinate with other KO departments in Promoting Services
- Build Research Capacity at the Community Level
Read about KORI's research focus on its website.
Read the KO Chiefs' Resolution that established KORI in 2004.
Read KORI's Community Research Planning Guidebook
Membertou Data Centre
Membertou Data Centre houses community health data, manages network connectivity, and provides technical support services. Individual communities manage their own data through a server-based model, backed up by the Data Centre. In their agreement with the Data Centre, First Nations outline:
- Service level agreements that specify the nature and range of services provided;
- How technical support is provided and accessed;
- Standards associated with the implementation of a secure data room; and
- System security and privacy issues related to First Nation data.
Watch a short video about the Membertou Data Centre, where Elder Caroline Marshall is given a tour of the facility.
Caroline Marshall tour of Memberbou Data Centre (2011)
Tui'kn Initiative
Five First Nations on Cape Breton created a health data governance platform for joint planning and collaboration with Nova Scotia’s Minister of Health. It is governed by the Unama’ki Data Access Committee. Decisions to allow use or disclosure of the Unama’ki Client Registry require written consent from each of the First Nation representatives and the Department representative. Learn more about the Tui'kn Initiative here.
FNEC's CANO Data Management Platform
Among the First Nations that work with the First Nations Education Council (FNEC), CANO is the standard information system to assist with data management. It is available to all of FNEC’s member communities, and training is provided free of charge. It is a flexible system that supports local customization to meet the needs of diverse communities and stakeholders, including through web-based tools (for example, SharePoint) for client access and services. The CANO system enables school staff and administrators to consolidate or add applications currently used to manage finance, budgets, human resources, and other enterprise applications.
There are many other examples of First Nations applying OCAP principles to support community development projects. Follow the links below to read about some others. Please add any that you know about to the topic wiki!
- Cowichan Tribes (B.C.) and the Mustimuhw Health Data Management System
- KO-KNet (Ontario) and the Dadavan Education Database System