Blog

The First Nations Health and Social Secretariat of Manitoba (FNHSSM) is empowered to support Manitoba First Nations by developing programs and policies, upholding Indigenous values and systems, and supporting FNs research and evaluation. In March of 2022, the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs adopted a resolution that mandates FNHSSM to work with Manitoba FNs to implement the First Nations Data Governance Strategy. The Data Sovereignty team consists of experienced researchers and health leaders including Stephanie Sinclair (Lead), Carla Cochrane (Implementation Lead), Chyloe Healy (Statistical Analyst), Dr. Jill Waruk (Epidemiologist), Ashley Saulog (Project Manager), Dr. Taylor Morriseau (Postdoctoral Fellow) and Renee Carpenter (Administrative Support) that report to the Director of Research (Leona Star).

First Nations communities require timely, relevant, and unrestricted access to their own health data. The FNHSSM Data Sovereignty Team has begun extensive engagement with FNs communities to examine current priorities for research, policy, and training. Our team is also working to support communities by negotiating equitable access to, and repatriation of, existing datasets collected by external entities. Operationalizing data sovereignty will support evidence-based decision making, research capacity, governance, and ultimately, self-determination.