Privacy
Privacy Around Our Work | General Website Privacy
Privacy Around Our Work
Mamow Ahyamowen will strive to uphold the principles of First Nations Data Sovereignty (FNDS) and Ownership, Control, Access, and Possession (OCAP®). As an organization rooted in the values and traditions of First Nations, we recognize the importance of respecting and protecting the data about communities and their members. As such, this policy outlines how we use and protect information.
First Nations Data Sovereignty (FNDS)
1. Respect for First Nations Knowledge:
We acknowledge the unique cultural significance of First Nations knowledge and data and will treat such information with the utmost respect. This includes respect for privacy and for how reports are developed and disseminated.
2. Organizational and Community Involvement:
We recognize the importance of involving First Nations Organizations and the communities they serve in the decision-making processes related to the use and dissemination of their data.
3. Beneficial Outcomes:
Mamow Ahyamowen is dedicated to ensuring that the use of First Nations data leads to positive outcomes for the Organizations and communities, respecting their goals and aspirations.
First Nations Principles of Ownership, Control, Access, and Possession (OCAP®) Principles*:
1. Ownership:
Ownership refers to the relationship of First Nations to their cultural knowledge, data, and information. This principle states that a community or group owns information collectively in the same way that an individual owns his or her personal information.*
We recognize the inherent right of First Nations communities to own their data and reports. After completing data analysis, we share community-level data exclusively with the respective community. Subsequently, the community has the autonomy to decide whether to share its data with others. Similarly, regional-level data is shared solely with the appropriate Organization, which then has the discretion to share this data further if desired. Ultimately, it is at the discretion of the Organization or community to determine whether and with whom they wish to share their information.
2. Control:
Control affirms that First Nations, their communities, and representative bodies are within their rights to seek control over all aspects of research and information management processes that impact them. First Nations control of research can include all stages of a particular research project – from start to finish. The principle extends to the control of resources and review processes, the planning process, management of the information and so on.*
We work with First Nations to find, analyze, and interpret data in response to questions that they have prioritized following a culturally respectful path. We start by working with Organizations and communities to design analysis plans that communicate how we will prepare and share data. We use an “opt-in” approach to determine which communities would like to have their data analyzed according to the analysis plan. Finally, we share the data with communities so that the stories and experiences of community members can provide the important context and give meaning to the numbers.
3. Access:
Access refers to the fact that First Nations must have access to information and data about themselves and their communities regardless of where it is held. The principle of access also refers to the right of First Nations’ communities and organizations to manage and make decisions regarding access to their collective information. This may be achieved, in practice, through standardized, formal protocols.*
We are committed to upholding access by facilitating First Nations’ access to their information and data to the best of our abilities. Since we primarily collaborate with administrative data holders, access to the community’s health data is granted to us only with explicit permission from the community through the “opt-in” approach. This access is limited to the specific data elements agreed upon by the community during the approval process. We then share the aggregated data back to the Organization or community.
4. Possession:
While ownership identifies the relationship between a people and their information in principle, possession or stewardship is more concrete: it refers to the physical control of data. Possession is the mechanism by which ownership can be asserted and protected.*
We will uphold possession by ensuring that First Nations communities retain control and ownership of their data throughout our collaboration. This includes respecting their decisions on data use, sharing, and storage, as well as implementing secure practices to protect their data from unauthorized access or misuse. We access community health data with explicit permission using an “opt-in” approach. This access is limited to agreed-upon data elements, and we share aggregated data back with the organization or community. As well, we share community-level data with the community, and they can choose to share it further. Regional-level data is shared with the Organization, which can then decide on further sharing. Ultimately, Organizations and communities possess their reports, and the decision to share data lies with them. *OCAP® is a registered trademark of the First Nations Information Governance Centre (FNIGC). For more information, please visit the FNIGC website.
Data Governance
Mamow Ahyamowen has established robust data governance frameworks that align with FNDS and OCAP® principles:
1. Community-Driven:
We involve First Nations communities in developing data projects, ensuring they reflect community values and priorities.
2. Consent Based:
Mamow Ahyamowen seeks informed consent from communities before accessing their data, respecting their right to make decisions about participation. Moreover, we use de-identified data to safeguard individual identities. While focus groups are uncommon in our work, if necessary, obtaining individual consent would be vital. This ensures participants understand data usage and can control information sharing.
3. Secure:
We implement strong security measures to protect First Nations data from unauthorized access, disclosure, alteration, and destruction.
General Website Privacy – Protecting Your Information
We value the privacy of our website visitors and individuals who engage with us on our social media platforms. Recognizing the importance of protecting your personal information, this section outlines the types of information we may collect, how it is used, and the choices available to you regarding the management of your information. Mamow Ahyamowen uses WordPress (website management system) to host and manage its website. To view the privacy policy for WordPress please visit their website.
Information We Collect
1. Personal Information:
When you visit Mamow Ahyamowen, we may collect personal information such as your name, email address, and any other information you voluntarily provide. We may also collect technical information, such as browser type, device information, and usage data.
2. Cookies and Similar Technologies
We may use cookies and similar technologies to enhance your user experience. You can choose to turn off cookies through your browser settings, but this may impact the website’s functionality.
3. Third-Party Links
Mamow Ahyamowen may contain links to third-party websites. We are not responsible for the privacy practices or content of these third-party sites. We encourage you to review the privacy policies of these websites.
4. Security
Mamow Ahyamowen takes reasonable precautions to protect your personal information. However, no method of transmission over the Internet or electronic storage is 100% secure. Therefore, we cannot guarantee absolute security.
How We Use Your Information
1. Communication:
If you voluntarily provided your contact information, we may use your email address to send you information about Mamow Ahyamowen, including updates and newsletters. You can opt out of these communications at any time.
2. Analytics:
We may use non-personal information for analytics purposes to improve our website, services, and user experience. Mamow Ahyamowen’s service providers (WordPress) may collect, use, and disclose website analytics data with third parties in accordance with their privacy policy. Your user data may be tracked when you access third-party tools such as YouTube videos and use Google Search embedded in our website.
Changes to this Privacy Policy
Mamow Ahyamowen reserves the right to update or modify this Privacy Policy at any time. Any changes will be effective immediately upon posting the updated Privacy Policy on the website. In the event that there are significant changes to data collection or use, Mamow Ahyamowen will strive to inform people through social media and our email newsletter.
Contact Us
If you have any questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy, please access our contact form through our website.