Presented by the Chiefs of Ontario (COO) Research and Data Management Sector and the National Collaborating Centre for Infectious Diseases (NCCID)
Welcome to Voices of Sovereignty, a podcast series dedicated to exploring the important topic of First Nations Data Sovereignty. Through insightful conversations, compelling stories, and thoughtful analysis, the Voices of Sovereignty podcast aims to shed light on the importance of First Nations Data Sovereignty and inspire collective action toward a future where First Nation peoples have full control over their data, their narratives, and their destiny.
Whether you’re a public health professional, researcher, policy maker, or First Nations community member, this podcast series offers valuable perspectives and practical strategies for advancing First Nations-led data initiatives.
Episode 1
In this first episode, we will be speaking to Carmen Jones from Chiefs of Ontario and Mariette Sutherland from the Ontario First Nations Information Governance Centre about how their work upholds the principles of data sovereignty and can lead to better health outcomes for First Nations communities.
Resources mentioned in this episode:
First Nations Information Governance Centre (FNIGC)
The Fundamentals of OCAPâ course
First Nations and Diabetes in Ontario
Aaaniish Naa Gegii: the Children’s Health and Well-being Measure
Episode 2
In this second episode, we will be speaking to Math’ieya Alatini from the One Yukon Coalition, joining us to share their insights about working on the Wastewater Monitoring Program, and how this program is dedicated to the collection and sharing of data to advance the health and wellness priorities of Yukon communities. Together, we will talk about One Yukon’s collaboration with communities, municipalities, and all levels of government, the science behind wastewater monitoring, and how this program aligns with the principles of First Nations data sovereignty.
Resources mentioned in this episode:
One Yukon Wastewater Monitoring Program
Episode 3
In episode three of this podcast series, we will be speaking to Dr. Maggie Walter from the University of Tasmania, joining us to talk about REAL mijidootjik. Mijidootgik is an Anishnaabemowin word that means a person who knowingly commits wrongs. In studies involving First Nations communities, researchers can be REAL mijidootgik as a result of racism (R), a lack of proper engagement (E), approval, accountability (A), and leadership (L). In our conversation with Maggie, we will expand on how REAL mijidootgik in research results in lasting harm for First Nations communities, and how to conduct REAL research; that is, research that acknowledges and works against systemic racism, properly engages First Nations communities, is based on approval and accountability, and grounded in First Nations leadership, governance and control.
Resources mentioned in this episode:
Episode 4
In episode 4 of this podcast series, Erin Corston and Gonzague Guéranger from the First Nations Information Governance Centre are joining us to share the story behind the development of the First Nations Data Governance Strategy (FNDGS) and why the FNDGS is crucial for the future of First nations data sovereignty. We will also talk about a new FNDGS video titled “Stronger Together”, which is about the power of communities joining together to achieve multigenerational First Nations data sovereignty.
Resources mentioned in this episode:
FNIGC: Understanding the First Nations Principles of OCAP video
FNIGC: The First Nations Data Governance Strategy
Episode 5
In episode 5, we will be speaking to Roseanne Sutherland and Thresea Adams from the Chiefs of Ontario about the First Nations Regional Health Survey. Together, we will discuss the importance of the Regional Health survey for the health and well-being of First Nations communities, how the data from the survey is used, and take a closer look at how communities are engaged for this survey.
Resources mentioned in this episode:
COO: Ontario First Nations Regional Health Survey Phase III
FNIGC: Surveys administered by FNIGC
Episode 6
Dr. Jennifer Walker from McMaster University and Dr. Sharmistha Mishra from the University of Toronto join us for a two-episode feature to talk about the COVID-19 Scenario model. Over the course of these two episodes, we walk through the process of this project from conceptualization to the implementation and application of the model, and what First Nations data sovereignty means for modelling research. In Episode 6, we review what mathematical modelling is in the context of infectious diseases and public health decision making. We also discuss how this research project came to be, and the process of getting this model up and running. We explore the technical aspects of the model and discuss the data that were used in Episode 7 (Part 2).
Music used in this podcast: