Build Your Own Data Centre

Data is power—it preserves our knowledge, shapes our decisions, and supports our sovereignty.

One of the key ways in which the BC RIGC is advancing the data needs of First Nations in BC is through developing foundational digital infrastructure for First Nations governments. This is taking the form of software which will be made available, for free, to any interested First Nation in BC. Through a secure web application, First Nations will be able to opt into software solutions for the core functions of governance and public administration, democratizing access to otherwise expensive systems solutions and data infrastructure across First Nations governments.

The starting point building blocks that are being developed for First Nations to custom-build their own data centres are:

  • Membership database

  • Population projections

  • Sampling and surveying

  • Secure data storage

  • Data quality tools

  • Enhanced access to more relevant analyses of existing datasets (e.g. federal Census)

  • Automated data analysis and visualization

  • Data capacity needs assessment and planning tool

  • Resource library 

If you want to participate in user testing, if you have any questions, or if you simply want to learn more about this initiative, please contact us at info@bcfnrigc.ca.

A more detailed description of this project is available here.

Data Security

The Build Your Own Data Centre project is committed to empowering and protecting First Nations' data sovereignty. We understand the critical importance of Indigenous data ownership and stewardship, and our security protocols are designed to ensure First Nations have full control over their information. Our solution employs advanced security measures, with data encryption both in transit and at rest, and Nation-specific data segmentation and access control.

Frequently Asked Questions on Data Security

  • A:  We implement a multi-layered security approach that includes advanced encryption, strict access controls, and continuous monitoring. Data is encrypted both in transit and at rest (when it is not being actively accessed or used) using Transport Layer Security (TLS) 1.2 or higher and Advanced Encryption Standard 256-bit encryption (AES-256), respectively. We also enforce Nation-specific data segmentation (each Nation’s data is treated distinctly) and role-based access control (RBAC) (only authorized roles can view or use the data) to ensure that data access is restricted according to community-defined roles and permissions.

  • A:  The technologies deployed in this project reflect industry standards. Our protocols for data protection, including TLS, and our encryption methods, including AES-256, are often described as "bank-level" or "military-grade," reflecting their strength and reliability. This extends to configuration and application-level decisions, for example, when we need to, we use standards agency-approved hash functions (cryptographic tools for secure password storage) configured for maximum security, providing robustness and defense-in-depth against unauthorized access.

  • A:  Ownership, Control, Access, and Possession (OCAP) is embedded in the demonstration project, and reflected in our policy and practices. The fundamental premise underlying all of this work is that of First Nations data sovereignty – as such, Nations make all decisions about user permissions, data access, data sharing, and data use. Nations have significant autonomy to customize naming and look and feel. The Centre maintains comprehensive audit logs to maintain transparency and accountability in how OCAP is upheld and data sovereignty protected.

  • A: For any questions or concerns about our security practices, please reach out to the RIGC Directed Demonstration security team at info@bcfnrigc.ca. We are always available to discuss and collaborate on ensuring the highest standards of data protection and sovereignty.

If you would like to read more details on our approach to data security and additional frequently asked questions, you can access the comprehensive PDF on data security here.

Contact Us 

Please contact us at info@bcfnrigc.ca with any questions or comments and we will respond as soon as we can.