Relationships

First Nations Health Authority

In May 2017, the First Nations Health Authority (FNHA) and CIHI entered into a memorandum of understanding (MOU) that formalized a partnership with a shared goal of improving the health and well-being of First Nations in B.C.  Collaborative work to date focused on: data and analytics, including the adoption of analytic tools such as CIHI’s Population Grouper; and shared learning about First Nations health data governance approaches and principles.

First Nations Health Authority (FNHA) 

Memorandum of understanding  

First Nations Health Managers Association

In 2019, CIHI and the First Nations Health Managers Association (FNHMA) entered into a partnership agreement to strengthen our mutual commitment to addressing the need for actionable, high-quality data to support decision-making. Our common interests include advancing First Nations’ health; strengthening capacity for First Nations leaders and communities; strengthening First Nations’ ability to access and use data for planning, health service management and decision-making; and contributing to the broader national process of reconciliation.

First Nations Health Managers Association (FNHMA)

First Nations Information Governance Centre

In 2020, the First Nations Information Governance Centre (FNIGC) introduced the First Nations Data Governance Strategy. CIHI and FNIGC have engaged in meaningful conversations and knowledge exchange to support FNIGC’s work to establish a national network of First Nations Information Governance Centres and to further CIHI’s understanding of how to respect First Nations data sovereignty. We look forward to ongoing collaboration with FNIGC.

First Nations Information Governance Centre (FNIGC)

First Nations Data Governance Strategy (PDF)

First Nations of Quebec and Labrador Health and Social Services Commission

In 2021, the First Nations of Quebec and Labrador Health and Social Services Commission (FNQLHSSC) and CIHI signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) identifying shared principles, values and priorities. These include 

• Recognition of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, the principles of ownership, control, access, and possession (OCAP)® and Quebec First Nations protocols 
• Acknowledgement of the need for quality information to improve the health of First Nations citizens in Quebec
• Respect and support for First Nations health and social services governance process and governance capacity at the regional and community levels

CIHI and FNQLHSSC have already completed 2 successful projects together — co-development of detailed indicator results for communities and development of a health data workshop.

First Nations of Quebec and Labrador Health and Social Services Commission (FNQLHSSC) 

Sioux Lookout First Nations Health Authority 

In 2024, the Sioux Lookout First Nations Health Authority (SLFNHA) and CIHI entered into a memorandum of understanding (MOU), committing to work together on the health data and information priorities of the 33 First Nations communities that SLFNHA serves. This MOU builds on collaboration between SLFNHA and CIHI that began in 2018 and is based on shared principles and values. Priorities outlined in the MOU include

• Provide quality information to improve the health of First Nations Peoples in the SLFNHA catchment area
• Respect and support First Nations governance capacities
• Establish culturally appropriate forms of support 
• Foster collaboration to improve and facilitate access to services

Sioux Lookout First Nations Health Authority 

Giiwednong Health Link

In 2025, Giiwednong Health Link (GHL) and CIHI signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) founded in shared values of respect, integrity, collaboration, excellence and innovation. Acknowledging Indigenous Peoples’ right to self-determination and the role of data in enacting such rights, CIHI and GHL agree to collaborate to

• Provide quality information to improve the health of First Nations citizens served by GHL
• Support the First Nations health and social services governance process in the 14 communities served by GHL
• Respect and support First Nations governance capacities
• Establish culturally appropriate forms of support 
• Foster collaboration to improve and facilitate access to services

Giiwednong Health Link (GHL)     

Métis National Council 

In 2025, CIHI and the Métis National Council (MNC) signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU), solidifying their commitment to working together in partnership. The agreement will help in addressing the health data and information priorities of the MNC and its Governing Members (GMs), ensuring Métis-led solutions for better health outcomes.

Métis National Council (MNC)