Access to Information Modernization Action Plan Tracker

Support Indigenous Data Sovereignty by working with other departments to advance Indigenous control of federal information, and Indigenous-led information and data strategies, per Action Plan Measure Shared Priority #30 of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act Action Plan.

Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat

(C03) Advancing Indigenous Reconcilation

(C03.1) Actions to advance Indigenous Reconciliation

Ongoing

C03.1.1

Ongoing

The Government of Canada's commitment to Indigenous Data Sovereignty is demonstrated by facilitating timely sharing and access of federally controlled information with Indigenous partners through a whole-of-government approach.

Indigenous Peoples and their representatives obtain greater control of and access to their information and data.

Since March 2023, in collaboration with co-chairs Indigenous Services Canada and Library and Archives Canada, Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat (TBS) established the Working Group on Indigenous Data Sovereignty (WGIDS). The working group convenes federal departments and agencies on a monthly basis to coordinate efforts on issues related to Indigenous data sovereignty in support of a whole-of-government approach to implementing Action Plan Measure Shared Priority (APM-SP) #30.

In February 2024, TBS published the Access to Information Implementation Notice 2024-01: Advancing Indigenous Reconciliation: Waiver of $5 Application Fee. The implementation notice provides guidance to institutions on waiving the $5 application fee for requests made for the purpose of advancing reconciliation. This is intended to promote substantive equality and facilitate Indigenous Peoples’ access to records.

TBS continues its role as a co-lead in convening federal partners within the WGIDS. There have been 17 meetings since the inception of the WGIDS. In support of a whole-of-government approach to advancing APM-SP #30, TBS and other WGIDS members have been engaging Indigenous governing bodies collaboratively. In turn, this can foster a comprehensive government response to Indigenous data sovereignty and reduce engagement fatigue for Indigenous communities. Additionally, TBS provided an overview of its activities and WGIDS to the UNDA Interdepartmental Implementation Workshop in February 2025.