Many First Nations communities and health leaders are actively empowering themselves in using health data and research to inform decision-making and self-determined health governance. At the same time, there are First Nations communities and health leaders who have less comfort and knowledge in Western applications of data. This can affect their ability to carry out comprehensive health planning and evaluation, and to develop culturally relevant indicators that reflect First Nations values and wholistic understandings of health. 

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This course aims to support First Nations health and mental wellness leaders in strengthening their skills, confidence, and comfort in working with health data and research, as part of broader efforts to advance the transition of health services from government systems to First Nations control. 

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This course grew out of the shared knowledge and existing resources developed by the First Nations Mental Wellness Data Working Group. The course was created by First Nations Health Managers Association (project lead), Thunderbird Partnership Foundation, First Nations Information Governance Center, First Peoples Wellness Circle, National Association of Friendship Centres, Dr. Amy Bombay, and Dr. Billie-Jo Hardy.

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Course Objectives

• Increased confidence and inspiration among First Nations health leaders to engage with data and continue to shape health and research approaches that are responsive to community-identified priorities.

• Strengthened understanding of data lifecycle.

• Greater understanding of First Nations data sovereignty, ethics, privacy, and respectful data practices.

• Increased ability to interpret and communicate health data in meaningful, accessible, and culturally relevant ways. ​

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Course Overview

This course is offered online and is self-directed.  Learners will have 60 days to complete the course. The course includes six modules, each with a slide show, reflection questions, supplemental readings, and knowledge assessment questions.  The six modules are:

• Module 1: FOUNDATION – Introduction to Data and the Concept of Data Literacy in First Nations Health Contexts

• Module 2: DISCOVERY – Identifying and Acquiring First Nations Health Data

• Module 3: PROCESS – Preparing and Assessing First Nations Health Data

• Module 4: ANALYZE – Making Sense of First Nations Health Data

• Module 5: VISUALIZE – Building Meaningful Data Visualizations to Support Your Story

• Module 6: SHARE –Transforming Data into Action Through Knowledge Mobilization