Supporting Data Literacy

Supporting Data Literacy for First Nations Health Leaders Project

While more and more First Nations communities and health leaders are reclaiming their space and empowering themselves in the utilization of health data and research, many others have less comfort in engaging with data in ways that support their work. This can create challenges in the development of comprehensive planning and evaluation in health programming, fostering strengths-based approaches to data collection, or establishing meaningful and relevant indicators to measure the health status of community members.

Project Collaboration

This project draws on the knowledge and existing resources developed by participants of the First Nations Mental Wellness Data Working Group (FNMWDWG) to leverage strengths and promote uptake and utilization of the final product. FNMWDWG participant organizations in this project include 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, as well as Dr. Billie-Jo Hardy.

Project Outcomes

Culturally relevant training modules and resources that strengthen First Nations health leaders’ understanding of data and research, incorporating storytelling, visuals, and case studies to support deeper understanding and connection to data and research.
Increased confidence and inspiration among First Nations health leaders to engage with data and reclaim their roles in shaping health and research systems aligned with their community-determined priorities.
Training materials that promote and showcase the benefits of First Nation specific curriculum and inherent ways of utilizing data which aim to spark creativity and agency in health and mental wellness areas.
Enhanced understanding of practical skills in data collection, analysis, interpretation, and communication, tailored to support the planning and evaluation of First Nations health programs and services.
Enhanced awareness of ethical, cultural, and privacy considerations in data use, grounded in a First Nations health context.

Project Deliverables

The final project will be six online interactive training modules developed for First Nations health leaders with associated resources that can be easily accessed, shared, and utilized.