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The University of Ottawa Library is gathering a cohort of up to 20 librarians and archivists, researchers, and research support staff to take the First Nations Information Governance Centre’s (FNIGC) The Fundamentals of OCAP® online training course, with an additional two in-person workshop sessions. Tuition costs are sponsored by the Library in partnership with the Data Literacy Research Institute. Registration is limited.  

The First Nations principles of OCAP®(which stands for ownership, control, access and possession) is a set of principles that assert First Nations control over data collection processes, and that they own and control how this information can be used. If you work with First Nations, or if you administer or advise researchers who work with First Nations, this course will provide a framework for how you interact with First Nations data. 

This course and workshops are currently available in English only. No simultaneous translation will be offered.  

The in-person workshops are conceived around intentional relationship building. Please contact us directly with any accommodation needs you may have regarding in-person attendance. 

Welcome to this special preview offering of The Fundamentals of OCAP®, proudly presented by the First Nations Information Governance Centre (FNIGC). 

This unique online learning opportunity introduces The First Nations principles of OCAP® – ownership, control, access, and possession of First Nations data by First Nations. Working with First Nations thought leaders and artists, subject matter experts, and online education professionals, FNIGC is proud to offer this online course that explores First Nations self-determination, self-governance, and collective rights to data sovereignty through the framework of OCAP®. 

This introductory course unpacks the OCAP® framework and offers learners the opportunity to see OCAP® as part of a larger story. In this course, you will learn how the framework supports First Nations data sovereignty and information governance, what it means to assert and respect the principles of OCAP® and learn critical thinking tools that you can apply to your work. Upon completion of this course, you will be able to: 

• Describe the principles of OCAP®. 
• Understand key foundational concepts for OCAP® such as Data Sovereignty and information governance. 
• Understand First Nations collective rights, and the difference between asserting and respecting OCAP®. 
• Connect the context and importance of OCAP® to your current work or role. 

Upon completion of the course, learners will receive a Statement of Achievement that will be sent to all learners who successfully complete their course. 

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The Library will take photographs which may or may not include your recognizable image. By participating, you consent to being photographed and authorize the Library and FNIGC to use the photographs or in print, digital, video or web-based format for its promotional and educational activities, including on the internet via the Library website or any other website. 

Leslie MacGregor, Education Officer, FNIGC 

Aaron Franks, Senior Research Manager, OCAP® and Information Governance, FNIGC

Biography

Leslie MacGregor is the Education Officer for the First Nations Information Governance Centre (FNIGC). In her role, Leslie plays a key role in the assessment, design, and delivery of high-quality OCAP® education and training. 

Leslie comes to FNIGC with a wealth of experience in Indigenous education. Prior to FNIGC, Leslie was the Program Administrator, Continuing Education, with the Anishinabek Employment & Training Services and before that, she was the Associate Dean, Student Services at Confederation College in Thunder Bay. 

As a Metis woman, Indigenous practices and principles are foundational to Leslie’s core values and inclusive leadership style: reciprocity, relationships, rebuilding, and respect. She is currently working remotely from Thunder Bay, the home of Nanabijou, the Sleeping Giant. 

Aaron Franks is the Senior Research Manager, OCAP® and Information Governance at the First Nations Information Governance Centre. He holds an MA in Social Justice and Equity Studies from Brock University and a PhD in Human Geography from the University of Glasgow. He has worked with the Centre for Environmental Health Equity (CEHE) at the University of Manitoba and Queen’s University, the Centre for Indigenous Research Creation at Queen’s, SSHRC, and Universities Canada. He now belongs to a team dedicated to education and applied research in the First Nations Principles of OCAP®, information governance, and First Nations data sovereignty.  

Originally from Edmonton in Treaty Six territory, Aaron is of British, Northern European, and Metis descent with roots in the Anglo-Metis communities of St. Andrews, MB, and Birch Hills, SK.  He is a member of the Manitoba Metis Federation and lives on unceded Algonquin territory in Ottawa with his family.  

Event coordinator

Felicity Tayler, Research Data Management Librarian, University of Ottawa 

University of Ottawa Library Organizing committee: 

2024

Mary Catherine Shea and Kahina Joseph. 

Special thanks to Cecilia Tellis, Pierre Renaud, Jennifer Gratton and Julie Rochon.

2023

Fatou Bah, Mish Boutet, Hugo Crites, Peter Farrell, Kahina Joseph, Chantal Ripp, Cecilia Tellis; with special thanks to: Achraf Ayadi, Pierre Renaud, Julie Rochon.