Professor Mark S. Dockstator Appointed to Lead First Nations Statistical Institute

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Monday, July 9, 2007, Peterborough

Professor Mark Dockstator of Trent University’s Department of Indigenous Studies has been appointed chairperson of the newly formed First Nations Statistical Institute (FNSI) to lead the provision of analytical services to benefit First Nations and all other levels of government.

“FNSI is a groundbreaking agency that will lead the development and application of high quality information for First Nations in Canada,” said Dr. Dockstator.  “Accessing accurate information enables First Nations, government leaders and others to make informed decisions in order to improve the social and economic conditions of First Nations Peoples in Canada."

FNSI is one of four First Nation institutions created through the First Nations Fiscal and Statistical Management Act. FNSI, as a First Nation-led initiative, establishes an institutional framework to provide First Nation governments with the practical tools to stimulate private investment and develop statistical information for First Nations.

“Dr. Dockstator’s appointment as chairperson of the First Nations Statistical Institute will allow the Institute to move forward its mandate of improving the ability of First Nation governments to address the social and economic well-being of their communities,” said the Honourable Jim Prentice, minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and non-Status Indians. “On behalf of Canada’s New Government, I wish to congratulate Dr. Dockstator on his appointment.”

The Institute will improve the quality, accuracy and relevance of data and encourage greater usage of First Nations statistics for all parties by:

• Developing knowledge and providing access to relevant survey and data collection within the existing statistical system.
• Delivering training and promoting data usage (collection, analysis, interpretation and publication)
• Identifying data users, needs, products, standards, research and analysis priorities
• Ultimately, providing custom reports, tabulations and specified data analysis, interpretation and publication services

“Mark's appointment to head this important new initiative is indicative of the excellent work that we do in Indigenous Studies and our expectations of our faculty: we expect them to make a difference in the world beyond the classroom,” said Professor David Newhouse, chair of the Indigenous Studies department. “Mark is an excellent example.”

FNSI is the first crown corporation to be led by First Nations and is also the first to be located on First Nations land (Nipissing First Nation in Ontario).  Further details about FNSI are available by visiting www.firststats.ca.

Dr. Mark Dockstator is a status Indian and a member of the Oneida Nation of the Thames.  Dr. Dockstator currently teaches both undergraduate and doctoral level courses at Trent University in the area of Indigenous knowledge and has a specialty in Aboriginal governance and economic development.

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For further information, please contact:

Brittany Cadence
Communications Officer
Trent University
(705) 748-1011, ext. 6185

To facilitate interviews with Prof. Dockstator for expert commentary on land claims, traditional knowledge systems, Aboriginal governance and economic development, please contact Brittany Cadence at the number above.