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A First Nation Statistical Institute (FNSI) has been discussed by First Nations for years and was recommended by the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples in 1997. Based on its preliminary design, the statistics institute received support from the Assembly of Chiefs through AFN-AGA Resolution 6/2000 (Concept and Business Plan Framework Approval) and AFN-AGA Resolution 24/2001 (Legislative Framework Approval).

The FNSI is designed to provide First Nations with control over their data and information that generate statistics. It recognizes First Nation jurisdiction and authority in the management of data and information. FNSI will improve the quality and accuracy of First Nation statistics so they can be used to govern the fiscal relationship and ensure First Nation services are comparable to other governments.

The First Nation Statistical Institute will support First Nation capacity development in statistical management and support First Nation governments and interests. By improving the quality of statistics, it will support First Nation interests by making sure all levels of government are accountable in the use and management of information.

Progress to Date

The goal of the FNSI is to provide statistical information on First Nation fiscal, social and economic conditions to support First Nation decision making. The FNSI is also designed to promote quality, coherence and compatibility of First Nation statistics through collaboration with First Nations/Treaty/Tribal Councils, federal, provincial, territorial and local governments. The FNSI will work with and provide advice to Statistics Canada and develop a community accounts model that will complement the system of national accounts. The FNSI will also collaborate and coordinate with other First Nation public institutions on First Nations statistical information.

Preparatory work on the establishment of a First Nations Statistical Institute commenced in December 1999 by the Fiscal Relations and Governance Secretariat of the Assembly of First Nations. The work of the Fiscal Relations Secretariat led to the creation of the First Nations Statistical Working Group which is Chaired by First Nations leadership and includes a number of participating federal departments, as well as, Statistics Canada. A transfer of authority for the initiative from the AFN to the Union of Ontario Indians occurred in 2002 which resulted in the establishment of a National First Nations Advisory Panel that is composed of First Nations individuals from across Canada. A business plan was developed and has culminated from the work undertaken by these two processes.

Consultation

Regional representatives of the FNSI Advisory Panel have been tasked with securing speaking engagements within their regions for the technical representatives of FNSI and Chief Tom Bressette.

Intergovernmental consultations between FNSI representatives have been undertaken and meetings have taken place with the Assistant to Minister Dion (Intergovernmental Affairs) and with the Assistant to Minister Nault (DIAND) and the Office of the Privacy Commissioner to provide overviews on FNSI.

Communications

FNSI has participated in the development of communication messages with AFN and DIAND and other institutions to ensure the major elements of the business plan are articulated and passed on to key individuals and target audiences. A FNSI website is near completion and will be launched in early May. French translation of content will follow in late May.

Two research papers have been commissioned and completed. The first was on Stewardship and Ownership and the second was on Data User Requirements and Socio-Economic Program Policy Development Implications for the FNSI. These papers address some of the contentious issues surrounding the collection and uses of data and are available on our website at www.firststats.ca

Legislative Process

Legislation is not necessary to create the FNSI or to give it the capacity to collect, compile, analyze and publish data. However, it is necessary to (1) ensure the protection of privacy of respondents, (2) to avoid the application of other statutes that would restrict the abilities of FNSI to operate, and (3) to bind the government to a relationship with FNSI.

The authority to create the FNSI will not have the authority to compel First Nations to relinquish or share information. This will be achieved through mutual consent and agreement. If agreement to provide information cannot be reached, FNSI will not have the authority to force First Nations to comply.

The discussions on the FNSI draft legislation are progressing with only a few issues still to be resolved.

These include the issue of FNSI designation for crown agency status for specific purposes or all purposes which remains unresolved between Canada and the FNSI representatives. 
Access to government records and documents is imperative to the fulfillment of the mandate of FNSI and this issue has not been resolved between Canada and the FNSI.

Capacity Development

Statistics Canada and FNSI are close to finalizing a Memorandum of Understanding that will outline the level of employee training or capacity development that Statistics Canada will undertake to realize the success of the institution. The FNSI is targeting 29 full time employees as per its business plan, during the first years of operation expanding to approximately 42 over the next three years. This number excludes the composition of the Board.

Current Status

Presentation documents have been developed to communicate the work of the FNSI. One has been developed for use with government representatives and the other for First Nation communities. Full disclosure and consultation is needed at the First Nation level on the legislative process of the FNSI. It is anticipated that the bill (legislation) may be introduced in early June. With an introduction in June, there is concern that there may not be enough time to properly consult with First Nation about the contents of the bill.

In the interim, the FNSI team will continue to provide as much information about the legislative development through information sessions, mail-outs and through an interactive website.

What is Needed

The First Nations Statistical Institute is designed to enable appropriate authorities to facilitate the expertise necessary to collect, analyze and process First Nation data and statistics. To achieve these goals First Nation input and support will be crucial in giving the Institute the legitimacy it requires to ensure success and that the information requirements of First Nations people for many generations to come will be met. Discussion and communication of the benefits of the FNSI are critical and support from leadership is required so the future of a FNSI is assured.