First Nations, Inuit and Métis (FNIM) Data and Technology Circle

The mandate of the FNIM Data and Technology Circle is to provide an ongoing forum for support, guidance and advice to City of Toronto divisions and partners on Indigenous data collection and digital technology initiatives.

The development of an Indigenous data governance framework will serve as a tool to guide City divisions and partners to ensure that Indigenous people's information is collected according to appropriate policies and protocols, and that the information is managed and used in ways that benefit Indigenous communities.

Circle members are appointed at the recommendation of a nominating panel consisting of City staff representatives.

Responsibilities

The Technology Circle members are expected to:

  • Provide advice and recommendations on the City's Indigenous Data Governance strategic approach and digital infrastructure initiatives
  • Review the City's Data for Equity Guidelines and provide feedback for alignment with Indigenous data governance principles and best practices
  • Provide advice and feedback on how the Digital Infrastructure Strategic Framework could be amended to address and facilitate reconciliation
  • Provide advice, feedback and perspectives on proposals/reports/materials tabled by City divisions
  • Provide a sense of the broader community’s perspectives and concerns relating to proposals/ reports/ materials tabled by City divisions
  • Connect City divisions with Indigenous community organizations and partners to collaborate on data, research and digital infrastructure initiatives and support the use of the Data for Equity Guidelines and City data by Indigenous individuals, community organizations and partners

Technology circle size and composition

The FNIM Data and Technology Circle is composed of no more than 12 diverse members (18+ years old) from First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities who are representatives from Indigenous organizations and individuals with demonstrated interests and expertise in at least one of the topics of:

  • Indigenous data governance
  • Data governance and privacy
  • Digital Infrastructure and Technology
  • Academia and research
  • Advocacy
  • Community and social services
  • Education
  • Environment
  • Indigenous knowledges, protocols and cultural practices

Chair and vice chair

The FNIM Circle has two co-chairs elected by the FNIM Circle members at its first meeting or as soon as possible after.

Term of office

FNIM circle members are appointed for a two year term.

Qualifications

Members should collectively bring the following skills and expertise to the FNIM Circle:

  • Strong knowledge of urban First Nation, Inuit and Métis communities, gained through personal or professional experience.
  • Knowledge in one or more areas of the topics of: Indigenous data governance, data governance and privacy, digital infrastructure and technology, academia and research, advocacy, community and social services, education, environment, Indigenous knowledges, protocols and cultural practices and technology (including industry, information management and privacy) or other relevant topics

Meetings

  • The FNIM Circle will hold up to 6 meetings per year. Meetings take place during business hours and the duration of meetings is approximately 2 hours.
  • Members are willing to commit to participate on the FNIM Data and Technology Circle throughout the duration of 2022, which will include 3 meetings.
  • Meetings will be held virtually using WebEx. In-person meetings may be held in accordance with Public Health protocols. A virtual participation option will be provided for any such in-person meetings.
  • Members will attend as many Circle meetings as possible. In the event that attendance is not possible, members can designate an alternate. Their alternate designate should be from the same organization and meet the eligibility criteria for membership.

Honorarium

  • FNIM Circle members receive an honorarium of $125 per meeting attended and parking or transportation reimbursement when applicable.

Contact

For more information, please contact: Roxanne Gillis at roxanne.gillis@toronto.ca

Related links

Membership

The current and historical Appointments for this body.