On November 18 and 19, we brought together experts from six communities for two days of exchanges and learning focused on geomatics applied to territorial and environmental issues. The objective? To strengthen capacities, share experiences, and co-build solutions adapted to the realities of First Nations.
A program structured around the geospatial data lifecycle
The workshop was organized around three thematic blocks covering the management, acquisition, and valorization of geospatial data. We explored data governance and sovereignty, discovered new methods for collecting information more efficiently, and discussed best strategies for disseminating and integrating this data into decision-making tools.
Three collaborative discussions enriched the program:
- Three collaborative discussions enriched the program: harmonizing practices and drafting recommendations for geospatial data exchange
- Data governance: creating a framework for knowledge protection and digital sovereignty
- Management best practices: structuring projects and facilitating sharing through mapping platforms
Shared challenges calling for concerted solutions
Discussions revealed that communities face similar issues. Geographic data received during consultations is often incomplete, contains errors, and lacks structure. This situation creates an additional burden: validating information, putting it in context, and resymbolizing data to produce reliable and understandable maps requires time and resources.
The sharing of sensitive data—both with governments and developers and internally between teams—also represents a major challenge. Participants expressed the need to centralize data, modernize obsolete systems, and strengthen IT security. The importance of having additional human and financial resources, as well as automating certain recurring tasks, was also highlighted.
Concrete tools to support communities
We presented several innovative solutions, including:
- An advanced Survey123 form template for data collection during floristic inventories
- Maps accessible to the general public as a platform for awareness and reappropriation
- An interview method based on interactive participatory mapping, facilitating structured digital collection
A specialized conference complemented these presentations by explaining how to properly understand and integrate climate data into spatial risk analyses, with a concrete case study on territorial vulnerability to drought, to support territorial planning and resilience.
Technology integration in the service of self-determination
This workshop confirmed that the integration of technological solutions is not a luxury, but a necessity for First Nations. Faced with limited resources, these approaches save time, improve preparation, and optimize decision-making processes. The automation of repetitive tasks, the use of predefined templates, and the adoption of collaborative tools offer concrete answers to daily challenges.
Beyond efficiency, deploying these technologies makes data accessible and understandable at all levels. They become a lever for asserting First Nations’ self-determination, while enhancing knowledge in planning and action processes.
A growing community of practice
The geomatics community of practice continues to grow. Building on the needs identified during this workshop, it will be able to focus its future efforts on developing templates, establishing standards, and creating adapted solutions. This community represents a space for mutual support and collective innovation, where each exchange contributes to strengthening First Nations’ capacity to monitor their territories according to their own priorities.
We warmly thank all participants for their commitment and contributions. This gathering allows us to learn more and better guide the services our team can offer. Together, we are laying the foundations for inclusive geomatics adapted to the realities of First Nations.