Genome BC is thrilled to present our ongoing series on Data Literacy. This series aims to bring national and international experts together to help deepen our understanding of different data related initiatives, standards and resources.

Developing a better shared understanding of benefits and risks related to data will help advance data collection, sharing and use in sectors such as health, agrifood and natural resources. For example, much of the datasets resulting from Genome BC funded projects have value and utility beyond the purpose for which they are originally generated. Unlocking their potential is an interdisciplinary and translational challenge which requires the engagement of multiple stakeholders including funders, data providers, innovators, researchers and end users.

What you'll learn in this session:

  • What the First Nations Principles of ownership, control, access, and possession (OCAP®) are
  • Key concepts of Indigenous data sovereignty, data governance and data management
  • How OCAP supports strong information governance on the path to First Nations data sovereignty
  • How to think about personal rights vs. collective rights when considering Indigenous Peoples and population data
  • What the term "distinctions-based relationships" means in a research environment

Learn more about OCAP®

OUR Speaker

Gwen Phillips
A citizen of the Ktunaxa Nation, Gwen Phillips is championing the B.C. First Nations’ Data Governance Initiative (bcfndgi.com), a tri-partite government initiative with a key objective that federal, provincial and First Nations’ governments have timely access to quality data in order to plan, manage and account for investments and outcomes associated with First Nations well-being. She has previously worked in a variety of senior roles for the Ktunaxa Nation Council focusing on: education, health, corporate services, Traditional Knowledge and Language, and for the past decade Gwen has been part of the team leading the Ktunaxa Nation back to self-government.

In addition, Gwen is currently assisting Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) in the implementation of their Indigenous Community Development National Strategy. She has also developed and instructed First Nation Studies courses at the elementary, secondary, and college levels and continues to function as a public educator.

As a member of the First Nations Health Council, Gwen helped negotiate the transfer of Health Canada’s BC Region First Nations and Inuit Health Branch (FNIHB) to First Nations control. Gwen’s formal education is in Business Administration and she owns her own small business as a community planner, facilitator/trainer, artist and curriculum developer
Gwen Phillips