University of Manitoba researcher honoured for app helping Indigenous communities collect and own data
A researcher at the University of Manitoba is being honoured for her work in the creation of an app that allows Indigenous communities to survey their residents about health and social issues, and own the data they collect.
Dr. Moneca Sinclaire, a researcher in the department of environment and geography, was given the Mitacs Award for Outstanding Innovation – Indigenous for her work with the app.
“I think what it does is it opens the door for others to know about the project,” she said in an interview with CTV News Winnipeg on Friday.
“I’m very honoured it got selected, because to me it shows that people are listening and people are understanding that we as Indigenous people want to be able to collect our own data and have data sovereignty.”
Sinclaire explained that the app was initially designed with questions around COVID-19.
From there, chiefs and councils inquired about whether they could also use the app to collect other types of information.
“The whole notion of data sovereignty is that it’s research for Indigenous people and by Indigenous people, so we said, ‘Yes, why not?’” Sinclaire said.
She said the app has now evolved, with communities asking questions about various topics, including language.
“Communities are starting to take ownership of that app and creating their own questions that would be more useful for their communities,” she said.
Sinclaire noted that the communities decide for themselves what topics they want to survey residents about.
“We can train people in the communities to use the app, and then they can collect data in their community,” she said.
“Part of the training is that we’ll show them how to use the data and what it could be used for.”
Sinclaire, who is working as an outreach coordinator for the app, came on board with the project in its second-year of development. She said her job is to take the app to various communities and show what it could do.
She noted it is an ongoing project, which they have made more accessible for the communities.
“The plan is to have long-term relationships with the communities,” Sinclaire said.
She added that the app is important because it gives communities ownership of their own data, as well as the ability to decide what information to collect and how to use it to help the community.
“This app is important because it will allow communities to be able to do that,” Sinclaire.
-With files from CTV’s Danton Unger.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Broadcaster and commentator Rex Murphy dead at 77: National Post
The National Post is reporting that Rex Murphy, the pundit and columnist who hosted a national call-in radio show for decades, has died.
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Millions of cyberattacks per hour as B.C. government investigates multiple breaches
Careful attention to government statements and legislation is required to get a handle on the level of risk British Columbians’ information is under, as investigators probe multiple breaches under a continued barrage of attacks.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
New 'Lord of the Rings' film coming in 2026
The Oscar-winning team behind the nearly US$6 billion blockbuster 'Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit' trilogies is reuniting to produce two new films.